《Fancy Me, Professor!》


 Chapter 1 - Dont Kick Me Out

    "Please, please... don''t kick me out during the night."


    Shu Xian held her dog''s leash as the Samoyed dog barked at thendy''s son, getting her school things out of the apartment.


    Thendy crossed her arms in front of her chest as she looked at Shu Xian with condescending eyes.


    "I''m sorry, but you left me with no choice! I have already given you chances to pay your rent for three months! Today is the fourth month, and you still haven''t paid the previous rents!"


    "I know, I know..."


    Shu Xian''s eyes started to water as she looked at thendy, begging to let her stay.


    "But with my part-time job, I had to pay for my tuition fees at the university. I-I want to finish my education¡ªI don''t want to stop. I..."


    With her voice breaking, thendy felt bad for Shu Xian, but she had no choice but to kick her out.


    Thendy was also earning for her children''s tuition, and she already knew one who would take the apartment and had already paid for the first month.


    Sighing as she felt pity for the 19-year-old girl, thendy''s eyes softened as she held both of Shu Xian''s shoulders.


    "I''m sorry, Shu Xian. But I have to pay for my children''s tuition as the two of them are also in college."


    Shu Xian had no choice but to nod. She wondered where she could stay. With her friend out of the country as of the moment, how could she sleep at her ce? She doesn''t have the keys to her ce and she''s shy with asking for a favor when she''s on a vacation.


    "Shu Xian¡­" Thendy gave her a small smile, "I pity you for living alone and for not being financially stable because you''ve been paying for your tuition. To make it up to you, I won''t ask for payment from you anymore."


    Shu Xian''s eyes started to water when she heard what thendy said. Her hands tightened on her dog''s leash as tears escaped from her eyes, not expecting what she said.


    "Oh, but Madame, that is too much! I would have to repay you and¡ª"


    "Go!" Thendy interrupted her, her eyebrows slightly furrowing. "You''re already struggling on your own. It''s rare to meet a kindndy. You go now before I would ask for payment."


    Shu Xian giggled a little, wiping her tears away.


    "I''m sorry... you''re too kind to me. You even lent me your old household items, but I couldn''t even pay for the rent."


    "Hush now."


    Thendy looked at the items that her son brought out of the apartment.


    "You only have your school belongings and clothes?"


    Shu Xian nodded as she slightly chuckled, feeling embarrassed.


    "How could I buy items for the apartment when I even struggled for my rent and tuition?"


    "Haiya..."


    Thendy sighed. She got her wallet from her pocket and had shoved money in her hand, Shu Xian''s eyes widening with what she did.


    "Use that." Thendy raised a brow at her, "Look for a cheap ce to stay. I felt guilty about kicking you out tonight. If the tenants didn''te tonight, I would have let you stayed."


    "But, Madame¡ª"


    "Ah, ah, ah!" Thendy carried two of her bags and went outside of the gate. "Leave. Now, look for a room to stay in for the night. That''s the only thing I could do to help."


    With Shu Xian and her dog, Wan Wan, finally out of the apartment building, thendy closed the gate, making Shu Xian sigh as she wore her backpack, and carried the other luggage with her left hand.


    Wan Wan wagged her tail as she waited for Shu Xian to walk, Shu Xian, sighing as she started to wade through the night, feeling hopeless about where to stay.


    ***


    Shu Xian ended up in the park. It was dark, and she was alone, but she didn''t mind it since she was with her dog, Wan Wan.


    Shu Xian sat on the bench, her luggage at the side and her university backpack beside her as she stared at the sky, feeling unlucky with her life as she now had no ce to stay.


    "Oh, Wan Wan..." Shu Xian talked to her dog as she patted her head, "Where should we stay? Most of the ces we found didn''t allow dogs."


    Wan Wan whimpered. They say animals could not understand what humans could say or feel, but Shu Xian disagreed.


    Whenever she felt blue, Wan Wan would always feel and understand, making the dog feel worried and overprotective of their master.


    As Shu Xian was busy patting the fluffy white fur of her dog, suddenly, they heard the chuckling of men nearby, making Wan Wan growl as both of them heard footstepsing towards them.


    Feeling cautious, Shu Xian started getting her backpack and her luggage, whispering to Wan Wan as she stood up from the bench.


    "Let''s go, Wan Wan."


    "Well, well, well... what is a woman doing here in the park in the middle of the night? Hmm?"


    Before they were about to leave, one man had blocked Shu Xian''s way, stopping her and the dog in their tracks. Wan Wan started barking as the three men surrounded them, Shu Xian''s eyes turning cold as she red at them.


    "You want money?" Shu Xian threw the money that was given to her by thendy. "Let us go. There''s your money. That''s all I have."


    Shu Xian didn''t care if she now had no money left. What is important is her and Wan Wan''s safety.


    The three menughed as one of them picked up the money on the ground. Their eyes still had not left the girl in front of them.


    "Thank you for the money... but you think we only want money?"


    Shu Xian gasped as she felt an arm wrap around her waist. Wan Wan barked as she started to charge, but Shu Xian panicked when she heard a yelping from behind her.


    "Wan Wan! No! Don''t you dare touch my dog!"


    Shu Xian struggled in the man''s hold. She started getting aggressive as her handsnded on the man''s balls, squishing it with her hand as the man shouted in pain.


    "Aaargh! You bitch!"


    The man had let her go. The moment she got away, she rushed to Wan Wan, who was now lying on the ground.


    Tears started escaping her eyes as she saw her staggered breathing, her eyes sharp as the edge of the dagger as she red at the men.


    Shu Xian grew up with her dog and had stayed with her for as long as she could remember. If one wouldy a hand on her precious Wan Wan, Shu Xian would even risk her life for her dog even though she is just an animal to other people''s eyes.


    Seeing the anger on Shu Xian''s face, the menughed as she stood up, her hands at the sides turning into tight fists.


    "Who dared kick my dog?"


    Hearing the threat in her voice, the three menughed at her. It was as if a small girl threatened them.


    "Aw... you''re going to punish us for kicking your dog?"


    Shu Xian did not hesitate to fight back. She did not know how to fight, but she charged at the man who was mocking her, kicking his balls.


    "You bitch!"


    One man gritted his teeth. He attacked Shu Xian from behind, doing a rear-naked choke.


    Shu Xian furrowed her brows as she struggled, her nails digging on the man''s forearm, but due to his leather jacket, he was unaffected by it.


    "Stop moving, or we''ll attack you right here and then."


    Shu Xian found it hard to breathe. Her grip on his arm loosened as the two men approached her, seemingly wanting to touch her.


    ''Don''t touch me... don''te closer!''


    "Hey!"


    As the men were about to touch her, all of them were surprised to hear someone shout at them.


    Soon after, the man who just came had attacked the two with his punches, immediately making their noses bleed.


    Shocked, the man who got Shu Xian released her, making her cough as she fell to the ground.


    "Who the hell are you!?"


    With air noting to her for almost a minute, Shu Xian started passing out as she saw a slight glimpse of the man who attacked the two men, now attacking the man who held her captive.

 Chapter 2 - There Is No In-Between!

    "Nngh..."


    Shu Xian felt her head aching. She slowly opened her eyes, and the moment she did, she heard Wan Wan''s bark,pletely waking her up as she sat up abruptly.


    "Wan Wan?"


    The dog barked once and had already slobbered her face with licks, making Shu Xian giggle as she embraced her dog, tears escaping from her eyes.


    "Oh, Wan Wan! I thought I''d lost youst night!"


    As Shu Xian was cuddling her dog, at that same moment, she started scanning the room. She saw her university bag and, at the same time, her luggage.


    She furrowed her brows when she noticed that she is inside an unfamiliar room, panic already rising from the girl.


    "Where am I?"


    Shu Xian stood up. The moment she did, she saw her slippers on the floor while her eyebrows connected, wondering why her slippers were out when she made sure that it was in her luggage.


    It was as if someone prepared or fixed everything for her.


    She wore her slippers, and then she slowly walked out the room, Wan Wan following her. The moment they went out, Shu Xian smelled the fried onions and garlic and heard the cracking of the eggs.


    With the scent inviting, Shu Xian could not help but to go into the kitchen.


    The moment she did, she saw a man in a suit frying eggs, Shu Xian hiding behind the door frame as she watched him put the eggs on the te.


    Remembering the event before she passed outst night, Shu Xian recalled that she saw a glimpse of a man saving her.


    Could he be the one?


    With the man turning his back, his eyes widened a bit when he surprisingly saw Shu Xian. He gave her a small smile as he put the te of eggs on the table, gesturing her toe in and sit.


    "Come and have breakfast."


    "What?"


    It was indeed awkward for Shu Xian to be invited by a stranger.


    She scratched the back of her head, her brown hair hanging low as she gave her savior a small bow. When she raised her head, she was still standing in her ce, her eyes cautious as she remembered that she is in a stranger''s ce.


    "You''re suspicious of me?"


    The man then got another te. He put one cup of rice on it, and then put it on the table, his warm gaze still on the girl that he saved.


    "Eat. You must''ve been hungry."


    Even though the man treated her nicely, Shu Xian didn''t find thefort to move. She reluctantly met the eyes of the man who saved her, opening her mouth to say something.


    "Thank you for saving mest night," she thanked him first, "but I think I have to go," she added, touching Wan Wan as if to signal their departure.


    The man raised a quizzical brow at her as he cocked his head to the side, a worried look stered on his face.


    "But your belongings are here, you know?"


    "I''ll take them."


    "Do you have a ce where you could stay? Based from the things that you had, I think you don''t."


    Shu Xian turned quiet when she heard what he said. Her lips then turned into a tight line as the man heaved a small smile, gesturing for her to sit down in front of him.


    Her answer was already enough for him to know that Shu Xian is alone and that she doesn''t have a ce to stay.


    "You were spunky. You''re alone. You should not have attacked those men. Especially, you''re a girl."


    Shu Xian rolled her eyes at him as she felt that she was being scolded by a stranger. With him still motioning for her toe sit down, she hesitantly did so, her movements still stiff and cautious.


    "I can''t help it," she mumbled, almost in a whisper. "My dog, Wan Wan, is all I have," she added, the man slowly nodding as he now understood why she attacked them.


    "Still. What if I wasn''t jogging near the area? What could have happened to you?"


    Shu Xian bit her lip. She nodded as the man slightly chuckled, handing her over chopsticks so she could start eating.


    "Eat. Based on your belongings, you''re a student?"


    Shu Xian embarrassingly got the chopsticks from his hand, her movements still stiff as she kept her guard up.


    But she had to admit that due to her hunger, she would want to shamelessly ept this man''s offer¡­


    "Y-yes..." Shu Xian looked at him, wanting to at least introduce herself to show respect. "My name is Shu Xian. I''m so sorry for the trouble," she said, the man smiling as he sipped his coffee.


    "Nice to meet you, Shu Xian. The name''s Pan An."


    "Pan An¡­" Shu Xian mumbled, "Like Pan Yue, the prominent Chinese poet during the Western Jin dynasty?"


    Pan An grinned at what Shu Xian had said. He nodded to acknowledge what she said then his expression turned serious when a question popped in his mind.


    "If I may ask, Shu Xian¡­" Pan An trailed off as he got a toast and bit it, chewing before he spoke again, "Why were you at the park, and why do you have your luggage?"


    "Oh..."


    A nonchnt expression appeared on her face. She remembered that she was kicked out by herndy when Pan An asked her a question.


    She sighed as she told him what happened, thinking that it is okay to share this with her savior.


    "I live on my own, and I also pay for my tuition. Without paying my rent for months, thendy told me that I have to move out because she already epted a tenant who is willing to pay."


    "I see."


    Pan An''s lips turned into a tight line. He wanted to ask her about her parents, but he felt like it wasn''t a good question to ask someone when she told him that she had been living on her own and paying for her tuition.


    With her voice snappy as well, who would befortable to ask such a question?


    After Shu Xian spoke, Pan An gave her a pink wallet, bulky as if it had a lot of money inside. Surprised, Shu Xian widened her eyes, looking at the wallet that was ced in front of her.


    "What''s this?"


    "I got the money from those men. Did they take it from you?"


    "No." Shu Xian shook her head, "I threw it at them at first because Wan Wan and I felt threatened."


    Pan An sighed. He seriously looked at Shu Xian, his words surprising her as her mouth suddenly opened in shock.


    "If you have no ce to stay, then stay here with me until you could move out."


    "What?" Shu Xian''s eyes widened, not believing what she just heard. "I can''t ept your offer. I know you saved me but we''re both strangers."


    Pan An shrugged, "Then how are you to pay for your tuition and rent at the same time if you were to look for a ce, hmm? It was lucky that thendy where you stayed at was kind, and you''re lucky enough to meet a person who''s willing to take you in."


    Pan An was right. Shu Xian bit her lip as his words traveled in her mind. She then internally started weighing the pros and cons as Pan An waited for her decision while he was eating his breakfast.


    If Shu Xian were to stay, she would earn money from her part-time job for her tuition, and Wan Wan would get to stay. If she was to decline Pan An''s offer, then she would have to desperately make both ends meet for her and her pet to survive.


    Shu Xian looked at Pan An. She really wanted to take up the offer since she is desperate to make both ends meet. However, with them being strangers, she somehow wanted to shamelessly ask him a question.


    "You''re not going to attack me¡­ are you?" she asked, Pan An, blinking his eyes a few times as he leaned in closer, whispering:


    "I am the serial killer they are looking for. But don''t worry¡­ I am a changed man. I want to make up to all of my sins and do great deeds."


    Shu Xian''s eyes widened, her mouth opening in surprise. "You¡­ what?"


    Seeing her reaction, Pan Anughed out loud. He shook his head as Shu Xian raised a brow at him, realizing that she was being teased by a stranger.


    "I''m joking. I''m messing with you."


    Shu Xian scoffed a bit, ignoring this irksome trait of his as she spoke, telling him what she has to offer.


    "To not make it seem like I''m a freeloader, I could cook and do the chores of the house. It won''t be a problem," she suggested, Pan An, nodding as he extended his hand to pat Wan Wan, who was near him.


    "Then I''ll leave the house in your care. The room where you slept is a vacant one, so it''s yours."


    "Thanks." Shu Xian nodded, still ufortable in moving around him as Pan An started looking at his watch.


    "I have to go and head for work, then," he said, already standing up from his seat as he put on his zer. "Don''t forget to lock the house before you leave, alright? There''s a spare key on the bowl near the door."


    "Oh¡­"


    As Pan An quickly left the house, Shu Xian stared at her breakfast with disbelief in her eyes.


    The events that happened to her seemed to move up and down like a nightmarish roller coaster!


    She was kicked out, she was almost assaulted, then she was saved by a stranger.


    It hurt her pride to actually ept a stranger''s offer out of whim but because of her desperation to at least make things better while she was being offered something, Shu Xian thought that she should take the opportunity.


    She will make sure to repay him back one day¡­


    With her eyesnding on the wall clock on the kitchen wall, her eyes widened as she remembered that the first day of the semester was today and that her first ss starts in an hour!


    "Oh no¡­" she mumbled, "I''m going to bete!"


    With that, Shu Xian rushed a few bites of her breakfast. She then put the dishes on the sink and decided to wash themter when she got home.


    She quickly went inside her room and had rushed to put on the clothes that she first got from her bag. She tied her brown wavy hair into a ponytail, and then she wore her jeans, removing her shirt from yesterday.


    She put on a simple red tint on her lips, sprayed some light perfume on her that she got from her bag, then looked at herself onest time in the mirror as she groaned, talking to herself.


    "After one event over the other, I always find myself being lucky or being unlucky! There is no in-between!"

 Chapter 3 - Living Under My Professors Roof!?

    Shu Xian got her backpack, not bothering to get the unnecessary things out such as her socks and underwear.


    She groaned as she opened her luggage, getting her white rubber shoes, and wore it without even wearing socks.


    With her master panicking, Wan Wan kept cocking her head left and right as she watched her, Shu Xian, looking at her as she walked out of the room.


    "I''m going out for ss, Wan Wan, okay? You have to watch over the house."


    Knowing the sweet tone every time Shu Xian left made Wan Wan sadly sprawl on the floor. Seeing this, Shu Xian didn''t know whether to find her cute or feel bad for her.


    She bent down, patting Wan Wan''s head as she smiled, guilt showing on her face.


    "Don''t make that face, Wan Wan¡­" Shu Xian pouted, "I''ll being home soon enough, okay?"


    Wan Wan whimpered. The moment Shu Xian stood up to open the door, she noticed that Pan An''s house had a front yard, making Shu Xian look at Wan Wan with excitement in her eyes.


    "Wan Wan, look! You could hang out here outside as you wait for us!"


    With the excitement in Shu Xian''s voice, Wan Wan barked as she ran outside, Shu Xian smiling as she saw Wan Wan doing zoomies in Pan An''s front yard.


    With that, Shu Xian closed the door behind her and locked it. She kept the spare key in her pocket and walked out of the house, closing Pan An''s house''s gate as Wan Wan continued to do her zoomies in the front yard.


    The moment Wan Wan stepped out of the gate, she blinked her eyes a few times the moment she turned her body to assess where she was.


    Only then did she notice that the university was only a walking distance from where she is!


    Shu Xian cocked her head to the side as she started walking.


    ''I even rushed myself to dress up when the university is just this close,'' she thought to herself, sighing as she got her phone from her pocket.


    Thest thing that she used her recent pay from her part-time job was on her enrollment for the new semester. She opened her phone to look at her white form that included the schedule of her sses.


    She enrolled in the degree of teacher education as she wanted to be a teacher, majoring in English. She was not sure of her degree at first. However, her friend told her to look at her strengths and look for degrees good on that.


    Her greatest strength would be English because she quickly learned thenguage at such a young age by learning from what she watched and from listening intently to her teachers.


    So, with her friend''s counsel, she decided to try being an English teacher so she could make use of what she does best.


    Looking at her schedule, she looked at her subjects. She only took 18 units so she could have time for her part-time job in the evening.


    All of her subjects this semester are English and Education major subjects, so she knew that she would have to double her efforts and study hard.


    Seeing that her first ss is about Assessment of Student Learning, Shu Xian kept her phone in her pocket and walked towards the Teacher Education building, mainly for Teacher Education students.


    It was her first semester taking Teacher Education subjects for the first time, so it was also her first time going inside the Teacher Education building.


    As she entered the building, some students were wearing their On-the-Job training uniforms, looking like a practice teacher. There were others also wearing casual clothing such as her, indicating that they were not on their On-the-Job training yet.


    Remembering that her ss is on the fifth floor, Shu Xian walked towards the elevator and clicked on the button, waiting for the doors to open.


    After a few seconds, Shu Xian rode the elevator, listening to the conversation that the other Teacher Education students were having.


    "Did you hear? We have a new instructor for Teacher Education!"


    "Oh? Why do you seem excited?"


    "Are you stupid? I saw him in the office when I asked for a print out of my white form! He''s so handsome!"


    "Handsome? How handsome?"


    Shu Xian internally rolled her eyes. She did not experience being attracted to another person''s looks as she solely focused on studying.


    Heck, even though some students had asked her out during her high school, she turned them down because Shu Xian was headstrong in finishing her education first!


    "And in our next ss, he is going to be our teacher!"


    Shu Xian snapped out of her thoughts when she heard the girls talking to each other again as they walked out of the elevator.


    They seemed to be going in the same direction, so does that mean that they are Shu Xian''s ssmates, too?


    "How do you know that he is going to be our teacher?"


    "Duh! He had a time-in inside the Teacher Education faculty and greeted the other teachers, saying that he''s going to teach Assessment of Student Learning first thing in the morning!"


    "Oh!" the other girl reacted, "Then let me see how handsome this teacher is!"


    The two of them excitedly talked more, Shu Xian, rolling her eyes at their backs as they entered the ssroom. Shu Xian chose to sit at the back, wanting to avoid the crowd.


    She was always a loner. Because of this attitude of hers, she only had one friend, Shi Lian, who was still in another country, deciding to skip this semester to have a break.


    If only Shu Xian was as rich as her, she would probably do the same¡­


    At the same moment, the bell had rung. All the students went inside already as they found their seats, Shu Xian still alone in her row as she waited for their professor.


    She then got her notebook from her bag and had set it on her desk, an excited smile stered on her face as she started twirling her pen around her finger.


    That same moment, their professor had entered the room, the girls whom Shu Xian was with, swooning as he entered.


    Shu Xian rolled her eyes at them once again. She then looked at the front, and the moment she did, her whole body froze when she saw the familiar figure standing before them.


    His ck hair wasbed perfectly. His posture was perfect¡ªthe suit entuating how broad and chiseled his body is.


    His eyesses gave him a look of sophistication. The serious expression on his face showed mystery, enabling others to be drawn towards him whenever he looked straight at someone.


    "Good morning, everyone!" His sultry voice sounded in the ssroom as he greeted his students. "Wee to Assessment of Student Learning ss, and I, Pan An, would be your professor."


    Most of the girls in the room stifled their swoon as the boys internally rolled their eyes at the women who reacted that way.


    On the back of the ssroom, however, was Shu Xian, the only woman who didn''t swoon when she saw who their Assessment of Student Learning professor was.


    Her eyes were wide open as her mouth was agape, her heart thumping hard in her chest as she couldn''t believe what was happening in her life right now.


    ''I am living under my professor''s roof!?''

 Chapter 4 - Fate Is A Bitch

    Shu Xian still couldn''t believe it! Her professor for her Assessment of Student Learning is Pan An, and she is currently living under his roof!


    Shu Xian felt stupid, but still, she pinched her cheek to see if she was dreaming!


    When she felt a pang of pain on her flesh, she furrowed her brows as she saw the familiar figure standing before them in ss, arranging some papers as everyone had their eyes on him.


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times, still in disbelief.


    How could the guy who saved her turn out to be the person who is teaching their ss!?


    She even lives with him!


    Shu Xian''s face showed difort. She then started wondering what would happen now that she knew that she lives under their professor''s roof.


    Since they are now staying together, would that mean that he could get seen being with her?


    Remembering the Code of Ethics for Teachers, it would be inappropriate having close intimate rtionships with students.


    Well, Pan An and Shu Xian are not even in a rtionship, but then, if people see them together, it would be human nature to jump to conclusions.


    How would they avoid this situation?


    Shu Xian knows that they can''t risk his position as a teacher. Still, even though there is no rtionship involved, being seen with a student is going to cause some issues.


    Especially now that they live together--and they even live near the university!


    Shu Xian internally sighed, her eyebrows knitting together as she thought how would shee hometer.


    ''Should I know his schedule? Should we plot it together so we could talk about when to leave, how to go home to avoid being seen together?''


    Shu Xian discreetly groaned. She realized that this is going to be a serious issue. With him being a popr professor as well, if she is definitely seen with him, they might attack her!


    Shu Xian bit her lip as she thought to herself, ''Shall I move out, then?''


    Her hands on the table turned into tight fists. She puffed her cheeks in irritation as she remembered the situation that she was in.


    ''I''m still going to look for a job... I don''t have enough money with me. There are not many ces where they allow pets to stay...''


    Shu Xian kept tapping her fingers on the table. She felt like her head is about to explode, along with her heart that felt uneasy since Pan An had walked into the room!


    "Shu Xian."


    Shu Xian got her pen on the side and started writing down the dilemmas and possible solutions that she had thought of earlier.


    "Shu Xian."


    She kept scribbling on her notes, devoid of what''s happening around her as she allowed her mind to wander despite her name being called by the professor.


    "Shu Xian!"


    Pan An banged both of his hands on the table, surprising everyone, especially Shu Xian, who heard her own name being called out by their professor.


    "Y-yes?"


    She stood up abruptly, everyone''s eyes on her. Some of her things fell on the floor, making her feel embarrassed as she quickly picked them up before putting her pens back on the table.


    Pan An''s eyesnded on her. He raised a brow at her, Shu Xian''s body stiffening as she noticed that somehow, Pan An seemed different from how he was earlier.


    ''Wasn''t he nicer? Why does he seem like a different person now?''


    "I''ve been calling your name since earlier," he scolded, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "You are in your second year of Teacher Education, no?"


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times. She could not believe how Pan An was different--the gentleness in his voice earlier gone now that his voice is colder as he scolded her!


    Not hearing a reply from her, Pan An cocked his head to the side, his eyes serious as he rose his brow at her once more.


    "Are you paying attention, Shu Xian? As a student who''s studying to be a teacher, don''t you have to pay attention to your surroundings? It''s even the first subject in the morning."


    Shu Xian''s lips parted, opening to speak. However, she stammered on her words as she still couldn''t believe the sudden change of Pan An''s attitude.


    "I-I''m sorry," she apologized, Shu Xian''s brows furrowing slightly. "I was preupied."


    Pan An''s eyes then wandered to her table. His eyebrows slightly twitched when he saw a few numbers scribbled on it, his name written on some of the phrases and sentences Shu Xian had written.


    ''What is she writing about?''


    "Ah, that!"


    Shu Xian''s eyes widened when Pan An reached out to her notebook on her desk. She was about to reach out to it, her hand stopping midair as Pan An kept in his pocket her mini-notebook.


    "I''m confiscating this, Shu Xian."


    Shu Xian''s mouth was agape! Her eyes seemed like it''s about to pop out of their sockets, her words incoherent as she spoke.


    "B-but... my notebook. Professor... y-you..."


    Pan An started walking away, leaving Shu Xian bbergasted as her face started to heat up, remembering what she wrote in her notebook.


    ''I even wrote about the possibility of people jumping to conclusions about rtionships! I even wrote his name a lot of times! Why is this happening to me!?''


    The moment Pan An arrived in front, all eyes were on him now as he leaned on his desk, his eyes still on the dumbfounded Shu Xian who was still standing at the back of the room.


    He crossed his arms in front of his chest once more, his words snappy as he continued scolding Shu Xian.


    "It''s even the first day of sses. You''re not paying attention to a simple attendance check. How are you going to keep your focus once you be a teacher, hmm?"


    Softughter was heard in the room, Shu Xian discreetly rolling her eyes as she did not expect Pan An to act this waypared to how he was at home.


    Shu Xian then heaved a small sigh before she spoke, "I''m sorry, Professor Pan An--" there was even sarcasm in her voice, "I will be paying more attention this time."


    Pan An''s lips curled into a small smile.


    "Visit the College of Teacher Education Officeter during your free time. I will give you your notebook back by then."


    Shu Xian nodded once as she gritted her teeth, feeling annoyed as she was being treated like a high school student whose items were confiscated.


    She then sat down on her seat, propping a hand under her chin as she narrowed her eyes at him while he was writing on the board.


    ''Another unexpected event over the other¡­ fate is a bitch.''

 Chapter 5 - Propose Another Deal

    After their ss in Assessment of Student Learning, Shu Xian had another subject before 11:30.


    Since she has a 30-minute break before her lunch break, that''s when she decided to check the schedule of Pan An so she could visit him if her free time is in jive with his.


    Shu Xian is currently in her Literary Criticism ss. She listened to her instructor as she tapped her pen on her notebook, feeling impatient as their instructor gave them the course outline.


    With Professor Pan An getting her notebook with his name written scribbled on it, Shu Xian couldn''t help but feel ufortable with the thought of him reading what was inside.


    In the notes that she made, she also wrote the possibilities--their dilemmas!


    Shu Xian felt her face redden at the thought of Pan An reading what was in her notebook.


    ''If only I paid attention,'' she thought, narrowing her eyes at the same time, ''Pan An wouldn''t have to confiscate my notebook, and I wouldn''t have to visit him.''


    Shu Xian heaved a sigh. She then stopped tapping her pen on her spare notebook, and when the bell rang, the instructor dismissed them, the students already fixing their things.


    Shu Xian kept her things in her bag. Once she secured all of her things, she stood up, her backpack hanging around her shoulder.


    The moment Shu Xian got out of the ssroom, she made her way towards the College of Teacher Education Office. There, she saw beside the door the list of the instructors, then their schedule.


    Shu Xian opened the list and noticed that it was in alphabetical order.


    She jumped to the letter P, and when she saw Pan An''s name, coincidentally, Pan An''s break started after his ss in Assessment of Student Learning. Meaning, his break time is in jive with her 30-minute break.


    Shu Xian heaved a sigh, "Alright," she mumbled, "Time to get this thing over with then," she added, already entering the office to meet Pan An.


    When Shu Xian entered the room, she gave a small bow to the secretary and gave her a small smile, greeting her at the same time.


    "Good morning, Ms. Ling," she said, getting the secretary''s attention. "My name is Shu Xian. May I know if Mr. Pan An is around? He told me to visit him during my break time, so I came here."


    "Oh! Let me take a quick look."


    The secretary stood up, overlooking the mini door that separated the secretary''s desk and the faculty area. When she saw Pan An''s familiar figure, she turned her body to look at Shu Xian and smiled at her.


    "He''s here. Let me tell you that you already arrived," Ms. Ling said, clearing her throat to call out to Pan An. "Mr. Pan An, Shu Xian is here looking for you!"


    With that, Pan An stood up, getting the notebook of Shu Xian from his desk. He then put both of his hands in his pockets, walking out of the faculty area to see Shu Xian.


    "Hello, Shu Xian."


    "Mr. Pan An."


    Both of them nodded at each other as a greeting. Pan An then turned his head to look at Ms. Ling, asking her a question.


    "Is the office''s conference room in use?"


    Ms. Ling cocked her head to the side as she contemted for a while.


    "Hmm... no, Mr. Pan An. You''re inquiring if you two could use it?"


    He nodded, giving her a small smile.


    "Yes. Is it okay?"


    "Sure!" Ms. Ling smiled, "The meeting will beter in the afternoon anyway. You two can use it for now."


    With that, Pan An nodded as he walked ahead, Shu Xian hesitantly following him.


    ''He could at least talk to me in the faculty area... why want to talk privately in a conference room which is an enclosed four-wall room?''


    When Shu Xian had that thought in mind, she suddenly stopped in her tracks, her heart racing in her chest.


    Her face started to heat up, making her blush as her mind began to run wild, her anxiety attacking her.


    ''Wait... could it be that he read my notebook and Pan An wants to know more about what I wrote?''


    ''Wait... could it be that he found me weird?''


    ''Wait... if he found me weird, does that mean that he will kick me out?''


    ''Oh, no! What if that were the case? I won''t have any ce to stay with Wan Wan!''


    Pan An turned his back to look at Shu Xian when he noticed that her footsteps behind him ceased. Surprised, Pan An raised a brow at her, wondering what she could be blushing about, her panic also evident on her face.


    "Shu Xian?"


    "Ah, y-yes!?"


    Pan An sighed, shaking his head in disapproval as he seriously looked at Shu Xian.


    "Your focus is wandering off again. Pay attention. We only have 20 minutes before lunchtime," Pan An said, Shu Xian, nodding as she now followed Pan An inside the conference room.


    The moment they entered the room, Shu Xian sat down on the empty chair, Pan An, closing the door behind him.


    When Shu Xian heard the locking sound of the door, she suddenly felt nervous.


    She was wondering why Pan An needed to lock the door.


    When Pan An was sure that only the two of them are inside of the room, he sighed in relief, sitting in front of Shu Xian as he propped a hand under his chin, his eyes on her.


    "Finally..." he said, the cold tone from earlier gone as if it was never there. "I''m sorry that you had to see that side of me, Shu Xian," he apologized, the girl blinking her eyes a few times as she sensed the difference in Pan An''s personality.


    "Y-you..."


    Shu Xian stammered, not sure of what to say. With Pan An shyly scratching the back of his head, Shu Xian narrowed her eyes at him, irritated with what happened earlier.


    "I don''t know which to believe anymore! You''re like a person having split personalities!"


    Pan An chuckled, finding her reaction funny. He then put her notebook down on the desk, instantly making Shu Xian silent as she remembered what she wrote inside.


    "If you''re worried about our situation, let''s talk about it now," he suggested, Shu Xian shyly looking at him as she nodded once, but what he said next made her curious, wondering what it was.


    "And after that, I have to propose another deal to make your stay in my house worthwhile."

 Chapter 6 - Call Me By My Name

    "If you''re worried about our situation, let''s talk about it now," he said, Shu Xian shyly looking at him as she nodded once, but what he said next made her curious, wondering what it was.


    "And after that, I have to propose another deal to make your stay in my house worthwhile."


    What he said made Shu Xian blink her eyes a few times, shock evident in her facial expression. She cocked her head to the side, curious as to what deal he was talking about right now.


    Since it involves her stay in Pan An''s house, then she would have to oblige.


    "Alright," she nodded, narrowing her eyes at him at the same time. "But this is something that I could do, right?" she validated, Pan An, chuckling as he gave her his answer.


    "Yes. It is something that you could do. But before that, let us discuss these ''dilemmas'' that you listed in your notebook, yeah?"


    The moment Pan An insisted on this, Shu Xian suddenly felt embarrassed.


    A soft flush of pink appeared on her cheeks as she silenced. Seeing this, Pan An smiled at her, finding her cute at the same time.


    "You see, you don''t have to worry about it much," hemented, Shu Xian, furrowing her brows, confused.


    "What do you mean? I mean, both of us live in the same house. You''re a teacher, and I''m a student! Even though it is college, it is still somewhat a stigma between a teacher and student."


    Hearing this from her, Pan An could not help butugh out loud. Because of this, Shu Xian felt furthermore embarrassed as she slumped on her chair, crossing her arms in front of her chest.


    "You''re assuming as if we are in a rtionship."


    Shu Xian''s eyes widened, "I didn''t mean to think that way! B-but you know other people! It is human nature to jump to conclusions!"


    Pan An continuedughing, Shu Xian already narrowing her eyes at him as she found him irritating.


    How could he tease her this way when she thought how serious this could be?


    She wouldn''t want both of their images tarnished!


    "Okay, now putting this teasing aside," Pan An added, sounding quite serious now. "You don''t have to worry about it. Why? I would have to leave the house early for work, and I would arriveter at home."


    Shu Xian shook her head, unconvinced.


    "But the house is near the university. What would other people say if they saw meing in and out of the house?"


    Pan An shrugged, "We could tell them that you are a paying guest. Like a daughter of a close friend my parents have and that I would have to help during your stay here in City S."


    "Oh..."


    Shu Xian didn''t realize that it was that simple. Pan An smiled at her as he leaned in closer towards the table, patting her head as if she was a child.


    "You''re an overthinker, aren''t you?"


    Shu Xian pouted as she nodded.


    She knew all too well that she is an overthinker. She worries about what other people might think, and she would not want other people''s image jeopardized because of her.


    With the thought of Pan An already saving her, and with him making her stay at his home because she could not find a ce to stay, she already started worrying.


    She started worrying about ruining his image, risking his work.


    Since he is her savior, that is thest thing that she would want.


    She would want to help him--give back to him with the kindness that he showed her.


    "Alright," Shu Xian said, heaving a small smile. "But still, even though we have established a reason, we have to be cautious. I would only have to exin if someone saw and asked."


    Pan An nodded, agreeing to what she said.


    "Yes. Now, with that settled, let''s have a deal, shall we?"


    Now that the issue Shu Xian worried about was dealt with, Pan An then went back to talking about the deal he meant to tell Shu Xian.


    "What is it then, Mr. Pan An?"


    Pan An was hesitant for a while. Even Shu Xian could sense the uneasiness in his eyes.


    However, even though there was uneasiness in his eyes, Shu Xian could see desperation--as if wanting to escape from something.


    What could he be escaping from?


    "Before I tell you, could you address to me as Pan An when we''re alone?"


    Shu Xian raised a brow at him, wondering why he would propose such a thing.


    "Erm... why? You''re my professor, and I would have to formally address you. If I suddenly have a slip of the tongue, won''t others find me audacious?"


    Pan An sighed, finding Shu Xian''s cautiousness quite troublesome. He then tapped his index finger on the table, feeling quite impatient as he shifted back to his other personality, asserting his dominance.


    "Shu Xian, you''re living under my roof, are you not?"


    Sensing the coldness in his voice, Shu Xian''s body stiffened. When her eyes locked with Pan An''s, she felt shivers down her spine as she slowly nodded, scared of what he would say next.


    "Remember that I am doing you a favor. With that, I would also have to ask a favor from you as well," he reiterated, propping a hand under his chin. "Now, call me by my name whenever we''re alone... and I''ll tell you what the deal is."


    Shu Xian''s hands on herp balled into fists. She was hesitant at first but with her desperate about her current situation, she would have to follow what he wants.


    "Fine... Pan An."


    "Good!"


    The professor shifted back to his other personality, surprising Shu Xian with his sudden change of mood. Pan An then gave a nervous smile at Shu Xian, stating his deal.


    "Since you are staying under my care, I would like us to pretend that we''re going out."


    Shu Xian furrowed her brows, her eyes widening with what he said.


    "What?"


    Pan An sighed, yfully rolling his eyes at the student in front of him. He then leaned forward, getting closer to her as he simplified the words he just told her.


    "I''m telling you to go out with me."


    "WHAT!?"


    With that, Shu Xian felt that her soul was leaving out of her body!


    From yesterday until today, she had been experiencing a roller coaster of events... one over the other.

 Chapter 7 - Shu Xian, Lets Date

    "I''m telling you to go out with me."


    Pan An''s words echoed in Shu Xian''s brain over and over like a song on repeat. It was as if the audio was on loop to that part, making the girl remember every word the person has said.


    With her suddenly quiet like this, Pan An furrowed his brows, cocking his head to the side in wonder.


    "Shu Xian? What''s wrong?"


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes at him a few times, still slightly wide as he looked at him. Her mouth parted to say something, but somehow, it turned into a lump in her throat, finding it difficult to speak.


    "Y-you... w-we..."


    Shu Xian pointed at herself, then to Pan An, making the professorugh as she blurted out incoherent words in an iplete sentence.


    "Shu Xian, let''s date."


    Shu Xian''s face was beet red. She couldn''t help but hide her face behind her hands, Pan An,ughing at the reaction she was showing.


    Shu Xia then peeked through her fingers as she felt that Pan An was teasing her, making her get her notebook from the desk and threw it at him.


    "Stop joking around! Jeez!"


    Pan An stifled hisugh, "But I''m serious about this, Shu Xian."


    Shu Xian widened her eyes, "Wh-what?"


    The yful expression on Pan An''s face slowly disappeared. He then stared into Shu Xian''s eyes, serious as he spoke about the deal again.


    "I need us to pretend to date," he added, Shu Xian furrowing her brows.


    "Wh-why?"


    Shu Xian felt her heart racing. Even though Pan An said that this is just going to be fake, the thought of her dating someone, even though it is not real, is something she has not experienced before!


    Heck, she never even tried being attracted to someone--let alone have a small crush on someone!


    "You see, my mother," he started, getting Shu Xian''s full attention. "She wanted me so bad to get married, and she has been setting me up on blind dates," he added, Shu Xian, raising a brow at him.


    "So, why don''t you?" she asked, shrugging. "I could see you not having a problem. You''re handsome," shemented, a smug grin appearing on Pan An''s face.


    "You find me handsome?"


    "I..."


    Shu Xian blushed once more, Pan An, chuckling at her red face.


    "Oh, stop teasing me!"


    Shu Xian rolled her eyes at him, crossing her arms in front of her chest.


    "Anyway, with your mother setting up blind dates, why don''t you want to go to some of it? You could meet someone you want, you know," she added, Pan An''s smile slowly disappearing on his face.


    "It''splicated. I don''t want to."


    Shu Xian sensed hostility and at the same time sadness etched in Pan An''s voice.


    With Pan An saying that it wasplicated and that he didn''t want to go on blind dates, it made her curious about why he said such a thing.


    ''Is it okay for me to ask?''


    Shu Xian just stared at Pan An, his face no longer happy as it was a while ago. He then heaved a small sigh, forcing a smile on his face as he spoke again, reiterating the deal.


    "Since you''re staying at my house, you would have to help me with this one. Please."


    There was desperation in his voice. With the situation at hand and with Shu Xian already living in a nice ce, she would have no choice but toply.


    "Alright, then," she finally agreed, "If this would help you in any way, then I''ll agree to it."


    Pan An''s lips curled into a smile, "Thank you, Shu Xian. With this as well, if my mother woulde to visit the house, she would not wonder why you''re staying there."


    Hearing this, Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times, surprised at what she had heard.


    "Y-you mean... your motheres by at the house at random?"


    Pan An nodded, "That''s right. Often unannounced, too."


    Shu Xian blushed once more, "Oh, jeez..."


    A light chuckle came from Pan An, getting his phone from his pocket to look at the text he had gotten from his mother hours ago.


    "Later, we''ll have dinner with her. She invited me to dinner an hour ago, and she has that I-have-to-go-no-matter-what attitude."


    Shu Xian''s eyes widened in terror, "I would have to meet her now-ter? Right off the bat after we just made the deal!?"


    Pan An gave her an apologetic smile. He knew that he was also asking too much from Shu Xian even though this was a deal made since she was staying at his house.


    "I''m sorry, Shu Xian," Pan An apologized, "But I have no choice. I want my mother to stop. Knowing her, she would always suggest doing blind dates."


    Shu Xian sighed, puffing her cheeks as she felt her face heating up, nervous to meet the mother of her fake boyfriend.


    "Did you already tell her that you will go? Can we reschedule this? I fear that I can''t--"


    "Sorry," Pan An interrupted her, showing the text he had sent to his mother. "I already told her that I''lle with my girlfriend."


    Shu Xian''s mouth was agape, "How could you send that message? Were you so sure that I would ept this deal from the start!?"


    A smug grin appeared on Pan An''s face, "You have no choice to ept. I told you, you''re staying in my house, and you have to do me a favor."


    Shu Xian groaned, tipping her head up in frustration.


    "If only I''m not that desperate to make both ends meet, I wouldn''t have agreed to this shenanigan!"


    Pan An couldn''t help butugh. He then got Shu Xian''s attention by tapping the table, making her look at him.


    "I''ll be home by five in the evening. What time will your ss end today?" he said and asked, Shu Xian, answering his question.


    "I''ll finish by four in the afternoon."


    "Okay," Pan An nodded, "Then use this money," he added, already giving her some cash, surprising her.


    "What''s this?"


    "Buy yourself a good dress. She''s taking us to a fancy restaurantter."


    Shu Xian was dumbfounded. As she was about toin, they heard the bell ring, indicating that it was already 12 noon.


    Pan An then stood up, smiling at Shu Xian as he left the conference room first.


    "I''ll go on ahead. I''ll see you at hometer."


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but scoff in disbelief!


    She frustratingly rolled her eyes as she heaved an exasperated sigh, running her hand through her hair.


    ''How could he expect me to pull this off!? I never even tried extravagantly dressing myself up!''

 Chapter 8 - Shi Lian

    In a blink of an eye, sses already ended. Shu Xian went home for a while to put down her things. She also took care of Wan Wan before going to the mall to buy her a beautiful dress.


    After walking Wan Wan, she let her eat in the front yard before she went out again, already heading her way to the mall.


    Heaving a little sigh, Shu Xian fished her phone from her pocket and texted her boss that she would not being to work tonight due to an emergency.


    Because of that, Shu Xian started to feel nervous that she might lose her job soon. Because of unfortunate events since yesterday, she had not been going to her work. Today, it would already be the second time that she won''te.


    ''I would have to look for a new job if I would lose this just because of these shenanigans!''


    Shu Xian continued walking towards the hotel. Suddenly, her phone rang, making her see who was calling her.


    A smile suddenly appeared on her face when she saw who was calling her.


    It was Shi Lian, her best friend.


    Excited, Shu Xian answered the call. She did not even wait for the second or the third ring to answer the call of her dearest best friend.


    The moment she answered the call, her smile reached ear to ear as she put her phone against her ear to listen to her.


    "Shi Lian!"


    It was evident in Shu Xian''s voice that she was very excited when Shi Lian called her.


    A light giggle sounded from the other end of the call as Shi Lian greeted Shu Xian, both of them happy to have talked with each other after such a long time.


    "Shu Xian, babe, how are you?" Shi Lian asked then Shu Xian answered her question.


    "Ah, don''t ask about me for now," Shu Xian replied, rolling her eyes at the same time as she remembered what happened yesterday until today. "Why don''t you talk about yourself first?"


    Shi Lian enthusiastically told Shu Xian about her vacation in another country--specifically in Japan.


    Shi Lian told her that she visited Tokyo and Kyoto back and forth. She also said that she kept tasting the cuisine of Japan.


    Shi Lian also told Shu Xian that she had brought souvenirs for her and that by the time that she woulde home to City S, she would have herte enrollment for Teacher Education.


    Listening to her stories, Shu Xian could sense the excitement in her voice. Also, she was somewhat jealous that Shi Lian could travel to ces that she wanted.


    Shi Lian is affluent. Since she is the daughter of a well-knownpany, she could get anything that she wanted.


    Shi Lian could travel to any ce. She could also get ess to things and ces where usual people couldn''t even have any ess to.


    Sometimes, she would also wonder why both of them became friends when they have different financial status.


    But despite that, she was happy that she met Shi Lian because Shu Xian was always aloof--she rarely had friends.


    "Anyway, enough about me," Shi Lian spoke, snapping Shu Xian out of her thoughts. "Okay, now let''s talk about you? How is everything?"


    Shu Xian could not help but heave a heavy sigh. She rolled her eyes frustratingly as she remembered what happened to her yesterday until today.


    "You know, Shi Lian, I want to tell you, but I can''t through call," she answered, Shi Lian, feeling a bit worried.


    "Why can''t you tell me through our call?" she asked, uneasiness evident in her voice. "I''m far away from you. Are you sure you''re alright?"


    A lightugh came from Shu Xian before she answered her best friend.


    "You don''t have to worry so much about me. I will tell you once you get home. Alright? When are you going home, by the way?" she asked, Shi Lian quiet for a while before giving her answer.


    "In two to three days or so," she answered, a sighing from the other end of the call. "Hey, I''m curious. Can you please tell me what happened?"


    Knowing how Shi Lian would bother her if she got her curiosity, Shu Xian knew that it will be a drag and that she would have to tell her best friend even though the information is a bit vague.


    "Fine... the gist: I am living under my professor''s roof."


    "You what!?"


    Shu Xian put her phone a bit farther away from her ear when she heard Shi Lian''s shout. The moment she put her phone back against her ear, Shi Lian blurted out a series of questions.


    "How did that even happen? Why are you living under your professor''s roof? Are you homeless now? What happened to your apartment? Don''t you have a job? What''s going to happen now?"


    "Shi Lian..." There was a hint of frustration in Shu Xian''s voice. "I want to answer all of your questions, but that would have to wait. I have to do something now."


    "Like what?" Shi Lian asked--urgency etched in her voice. "Since when did this happen?"


    "Yesterday."


    "And you didn''t even bother telling me! Shu Xian, am I even your friend?!"


    Shu Xian scoffed, finding her reaction irritating. But at the same time, she would understand the shock in her voice.


    Since both of them are indeed best friends, if she was in the position, Shu Xian would worry about Shi Lian as well.


    "You''re on a vacation," Shu Xian reiterated, "And I want you to enjoy your vacation. So, don''t worry. By the time you get home here in City S, I will dly tell you everything."


    Shu Xian heard a sigh from the other end of the call.


    "Fine..." Shi Lian gave up, "Butter, I would call youte in the evening. You will at least tell me a few details about it, no?"


    "Alright," Shu Xian agreed, about to end the call. "I''ll tell you when I''m done for the day. Okay?"


    Shu Xian''s lips curled into a small smile. She''s grateful that even though she only had a few friends, she has one best friend that she could count on.


    And that is Shi Lian.

 Chapter 9 - Youre Beautiful

    Shu Xian kept her phone in her pocket and already entered the mall. The moment she did, Shu Xian walked as she stared at the window, doing some window shopping as she was not that much keen on shopping.


    Shu Xian could not help but furrow her brows and blink her eyes a few times. She would usually go shopping with Shi Lian, and every time she went with her, she found shopping boring.


    Heck, Shu Xian doesn''t even have a good sense of fashion! She prioritizedfort above all else, and she rarely dresses up unless Shi Lian forces her!


    With that in mind, Shu Xian felt hopeless. She stopped in front of a dress shop, sighing as her eyebrows creased in worry.


    ''Now, what should I do?'' Shu Xian wondered as she looked at the dress disyed before her. ''I would have to meet Pan An''s mother, and I would have to dress up for this dinner.''


    Worry was evident on the young woman''s face. When she heaved another sigh, she wished that Shi Lian was with her.


    Shu Xian wanted to call her again. But she didn''t want to disturb Shi Lian because she is still on vacation with her family.


    Other than that, Shu Xian didn''t want to look weird. Doing a video call and dressing up for a person who is far away seemed unusual.


    As Shu Xian was about to leave, a sales attendant approached her, a gentle and weing expression appearing on her face.


    "Are you looking for something tonight, Miss?" she asked, cocking her head to the side.


    Shu Xian gave her a small smile. She nodded once as she feltfortable with the way the sales attendant approached her.


    For some reason, she wanted to tell her what the asion is, cing herself in her care this evening.


    "Yes," Shu Xian spoke, clearing her throat to make her words coherent as she hadn''t talked for a long time. "You see, I am going to meet my..."


    Shu Xian didn''t know how to continue the sentence. Suddenly, her tongue felt heavy as she furrowed her brows, the word "boyfriend" foreign to her tongue.


    "Yes?"


    When the sales assistant called her attention, Shu Xian apologetically smiled as she snapped from her thoughts.


    "Sorry," she apologized, going back to the topic. "I will meet the mother of my boyfriend for dinner tonight, and I don''t know what to wear," she honestly said, the sales assistant, nodding as she gets the dilemma.


    "Okay, then. If you want, I could help you choose a dress? When will the dinner be?" she asked, Shu Xian, looking at her watch as she realized that it is going to be soon.


    "In an hour and a half," she answered, the sales assistant, nodding as she gestured Shu Xian to enter their shop.


    "Alright, then. Let''s get you ready," the sales assistant said, Shu Xian, following thedy suit as she felt hopeless for herself, not being knowledgable enough when ites to fashion.


    ***


    Pan An already left work after sorting out his desk in the faculty room. He then made his way home to pick up Shu Xian in preparation for their dinner with his mother.


    Somehow, Pan An''s heart started to race. He usually has dinner with his mother, her suggesting her son to have a blind date.


    Pan An would usually decline on the spot, but with Shu Xianing into the picture now, he could not help but feel nervous as he thought of his mother''s approval.


    Yes, they are not dating officially and they are faking this to make his mother stop. However, if his mother did not approve of Shu Xian, then it would mean that his mother would still bother him about having blind dates.


    With that, Pan An heaved a sigh. Knowing that Shu Xian was already waiting for him at home, he opened the door, greeting her until he could not even finish his sentence.


    "Shu Xian, I''m--"


    The moment Pan An entered, his words got stuck in his throat. His eyes widened in astonishment as his eyesnded on the youngdy before him, obviously the man at a loss for words.


    "Y-yes?"


    Shu Xian coincidentally came out of her room. The moment she did, it was as if Pan An''s whole world had slowed down.


    Perfect brown hair rested right above her shoulders, and her chocte brown eyes seemed like it could swallow gxies.


    Her perfect skin that seemed fragile yet so soft glowed--the dress entuating the curves of her body.


    Her cheeks had a natural pink blush, and hershes were already naturally long, which is why she only applied powder and red lipstick to make her look beautiful.


    She wore a ck illusion neckline sequins evening dress, paired with 3-inched ck high heels that cked on the floor as she sauntered towards Pan An.


    The moment she was already in front of him, she shyly looked at him as she felt his gaze on her intensify, making her feel nervous.


    "P-Pan An?"


    Not forgetting their deal of Shu Xian calling him by his name, she still did so even though she felt nervous. Both of her brows knitted together, anxious as to why the man before her had not said a word.


    "I-is this too much? If you want, I could make do with the simple dresses that I--"


    Interrupting her, Pan An took a step closer. Shu Xian''s body stiffened as she saw his hand reaching out to her, his fingers touching some tendrils of her hair.


    He tucked some of it behind her ear, her gaze not leaving his figure as Pan An looked at her as if she was the most attractive woman he had ever seen.


    The professor then reached out for her right hand, surprising her as he kissed the back of her palm, the gesture uncalled for as the professor did it only to show his appreciation on thedy''s beauty.


    "You''re beautiful," Pan An genuinelymented, Shu Xian''s heart beginning to thump like a crazy rabbit who is in search for delicious carrots. "You''re so beautiful, Shu Xian."

 Chapter 10 - A Little Secret

    "You''re so beautiful, Shu Xian."


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times, not expecting aplimenting from Pan An. He looked at her warmly, his gaze heating her body as Shu Xian felt her heart racing.


    With Pan An''s hand still holding hers, Shu Xian shyly but gently retracted her hand from him, averting her gaze away at the same time.


    "I-I''m sorry," she apologized, discreetly looking at Pan An from the corner of her eye. "I''m just not used to someone holding me," she added, Pan An, nodding as he understood.


    "Don''t worry," he said as he made his way towards his room. "Give me 10 to 15 minutes. I''ll get ready. Then, we''ll go to the restaurant where my mother is waiting."


    The moment Shu Xian heard his door closing, it was as if she held her breath for a long time. She took a deep breath and released it, her eyes wandering on a nearby mirror beside her.


    ''Ah...''


    Shu Xian looked at herself with amusement in her eyes.


    ''Even I couldn''t believe that this is me.''


    Shu Xian took a few steps toward the mirror. She then held the ss as if looking at a foreign object, her gaze not leaving her reflection shown in the mirror.


    She looked at herself as if she was a different person. Her heart continued to double its pace--not because of what Pan An had said, but because Shu Xian started appreciating herself.


    Shu Xian never really cared about her looks. She believed herself to be a lost cause when ites to dressing herself up.


    There were times that she would watch videos about putting makeup on. Also, she watched videos on making the best outfit for the day--or as the Millenials say it, OOTD.


    Shu Xian didn''t care much about her looks until today that she would have to meet Pan Ann''s mother.


    If it was not for their fake rtionship, if it was not for her living under the same roof, she would not have tried dressing up.


    With that in mind, the youngdy didn''t mind to give herself a small smile. She cocked her head to the side as she started to appreciate how good she''s looking today, wondering if she could be this confident in the following days.


    ''Shall I... try at least putting a lip tint every day?''


    At the same moment, the door of Pan An''s room opened. Instinctively, Shu Xian turned her body to look at him, and when she did, her eyes widened in surprise.


    The professor himself disyed such pulchritude!


    Hebed his hair up, making him look younger than his age. Also, the suit that he wore has given him exuberance--quite the opposite of Pan An''s usual aloof personality when he''s at work.


    Sensing her eyes on him, Pan An cocked his head to the side, his eyebrow raised at her as he spoke, teasing her.


    "Do you like what you''re seeing, babe?"


    "Wha--?!"


    Shu Xian instantly blushed, hearing the endearment that Pan An had just called her.


    "What did you just call me?" she rified, Pan An,ughing out loud as he found her reaction cute.


    "Babe. We''re faking our rtionship, so we also have to have endearments for each other, no?"


    Shu Xian puffed her cheeks, not liking the idea. She even rolled her eyes at him as she crossed both of her arms in front of her chest, speaking her mind at the same time.


    "I don''t like that endearment," she said honestly, "it doesn''t fit me, nor you!"


    Pan An shook his head as he fished for his car keys that was in his pocket.


    "Then let''s think of somethingter. For now, we have to drive to where mom is," he suggested, Pan An, walking ahead as Shu Xian followed him.


    Behind Pan An''s house was his garage. Shu Xian had not seen this part of his home, and now that she did, it made her realize that even Pan An, who lives near the university, has a car.


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times at Pan An''s car. She then widened her eyes in astonishment to have identified what car he has, her mouth almost ajar.


    ''I-isn''t this a Honqi S9 PHEV!?''


    With an asking price of 10 million yuan ($1.45 million), the Hongqi S9 PHEV is by far the most expensive car ever built in China, but for a good reason.


    This car packs a serious punch! Other than its sleek and luxurious look, the gullwing-doored hypercar is powered by a turbocharged V8 mated to a plug-in electric drivetrain.


    Shu Xian pointed at the car as if Pan An had stolen it away from someone.


    "P-Pan An... aren''t you a university professor?"


    Pan An raised a brow at her as he opened the door for Shu Xian, the youngdy still not entering the car until she heard his answer.


    "What''s with that judging look?" he asked, letting out a small chuckle. "A university professor can''t get the most expensive car in the country? Get in."


    Shu Xian just blinked her eyes again, hesitantly sitting on the passenger''s seat before Pan An closed the door. He then sat on the driver''s seat, starting the car as Shu Xian put on her seatbelt.


    "I don''t mean to be rude, but how can a university professor afford this much? Your house is simple and homey, but this car..."


    Pan An couldn''t help butugh out loud. He shook his head as he started driving off, a lot of people looking and admiring his car from afar.


    "I''ll tell you a little secret," he said,pletely getting the attention of Shu Xian.


    "What is it?" she asked, her eyebrows slightly furrowing as she realized that there was more to this man than meets the eye.


    "I didn''t tell you earlier because I''d fear you would adamantly back down," he started, and when the traffic light showed the red light, he stopped driving for a while.


    "Pan An..." Shu Xian narrowed her eyes at him, feeling nervous already. "Tell me... are you a thief or not?"


    Pan Anughed out loud once more, his head shaking as he found Shu Xian cute. Beingughed at made Shu Xian feel slightly embarrassed and stupid, making her think if what she asked is worth it.


    After a fee seconds of the professor''sughter, he then looked at her seriously, what he said surprising the soul out of the youngdy''s body.


    "I''m the son of the owner of Invicta Corporation."


    "You''re WHAT!?"


    Shu Xian then impulsively hit Pan An''s shoulder, further surprising him with howfortable she was to hit him.


    "You''re the son of the person who owns one of the bestpanies in the country!?"

 Chapter 11 - Okay Then, Love

    "You''re the son of the person who owns one of the bestpanies in the country!?"


    Pan An slightly winced in pain when Shu Xian hit his shoulder. He rubbed the part where thedy hit, his eyebrows furrowed as he looked at her.


    "Are you even ady? What kind of strength do you have?"


    Shu Xian scoffed, rolling her eyes at him as she crossed her arms in front of her chest.


    "Why haven''t you told me that you are the son of the person who owns Invicta!? Are you insane?!"


    Pan An let out a small sigh, "It is that very reason why I didn''t tell you who I am." He looked at her, seriousness present in his eyes. "I know you''d back out."


    That moment, the traffic light already shone green, making Pan An drive as Shu Xian heaved another sigh.


    "I would, you know... how could I meet the standards of your mother, knowing that you are the son of such a prestigiouspany?"


    Invicta Company is one of the bestpanies in the country. They are part of the top three bestpanies that contributed to the country, making theirpany very notable for their achievements.


    Pan An owning the Hongqi car already said a lot! A lot of people--a lot ofpany owners even wanted that car, but even though they have the money, they were not able to get a hold of it.


    However, little did Shu Xian know that anotherpany bought the car and delivered it to Pan An''s family. They know it would build a positive image for thepany, wanting to be on Invicta''s influential side.


    "You don''t have to worry about that," Pan An said, shaking Shu Xian out of her thoughts.


    "What do you mean?"


    Pan An looked at her from the corner of his eye. A sweet, genuine smile curled on his lips, making Shu Xian''s heart race to see Pan An so dashingly attractive, especially tonight.


    "My mother is going to like you."


    When Shu Xian heard what he said, she furrowed her brows, finding it impossible to believe what he said.


    With their position in the business world, how can one''s mother appreciate a simple girl with no influential background?


    "I think it will be difficult to meet her standards," shemented, not minding that she was honest with Pan An. "I''m just a normal girl. What could I possibly offer? I know that this is just a fake rtionship, but you know what I mean, right? If we''re going to push this shenanigan through?"


    Pan An couldn''t help but chuckle. Because of his reaction, Shu Xian narrowed her eyes at him, finding his personality annoying.


    "I''m serious here, and you''reughing at me?"


    "I''m sorry," Pan An apologized, looking at her for a moment before he focused his attention on the road ahead of them. "You''re an overthinker, aren''t you?" hemented, Shu Xian, sighing but nodding at the same time.


    "Yes," she admitted, Pan An, quickly patting her head before his hand settled back on the steering wheel.


    "I told you, you don''t have to worry," he said again, Shu Xian, looking at him with a little bit of worry in her eyes. "My mother, she wants nothing but my happiness."


    Hearing this, Shu Xian cocked her head to the side, curious.


    "Oh? Why is that? I thought parents of knownpanies tend to be strict and condescending on their children since they have expectations to uphold the family name and business," shemented, Pan An, shaking his head to disagree.


    "Oh? Why say that?" Pan An asked, Shu Xian, immediately replying with a quote about Asian parents.


    "Y''know... Asian parents! They treat children like garlic. They are never enough."


    Pan Anughed out loud, almost tipping his head up when he heard what Shu Xian had said. Annoyed with how yful Pan An is, Shu Xian rolled her eyes at him once more, crossing her arms in front of her chest.


    "You''re not seeing my dilemma," sheined, Pan An, stifling hisughter as he shrugged his shoulders, giving her a reply.


    "Well, my mother changed."


    Shu Xian raised a brow at him, "Your mother... changed?"


    The traffic light shone red again, making Pan An stop until he could continue driving. He looked at the time on his watch. There are ten minutes left before seven in the evening.


    "Since my older brother died, she loosened her hold around her children''s neck."


    Shu Xian''s eyes slightly widened in surprise when she heard this. She didn''t know what to say, her mouth slightly ajar as she fumbled for the words to say to him.


    "I-I''m sorry," was all she could muster to say, "I didn''t know about that," she added, almost in a mumble, but it was enough for the professor to hear.


    "It''s alright," Pan An said, both of his hands tightening on the steering wheel. "A lot of shit happened in that damned family," he said under his breath, making Shu Xian''s body stiffen to sense coldness etched in his voice.


    Only a few people knew about the family behind the Invicta Company. People didn''t even hear the news about his older brother dying--heck, people might not even know that the Invicta Company had children!


    They were secretive--so secretive--that people don''t even know if they would have sessors to thepany.


    Shu Xian bit the bottom of her lip as she looked at Pan An with hatred present in his eyes.


    It was only their first day together since the professor rescued her. However, the information told to her has bombarded her mind.


    Another thing, with Pan An''s shifting mood, she wouldn''t know how to deal with him if she would stay under his care for a long time.


    "Pan An, are you okay?" she asked Pan An, the man only nodding once as his answer.


    Not even a word came out from him. It made Shu Xian realize that maybe the topic about his family or thepany was sensitive to him.


    With his small house and the man being a professor rather than being thepany''s sessor, could that be the case?


    Does he have grave issues with his family?


    Shu Xian wanted to put her thoughts aside. She heaved a small sigh then looked outside the window as Pan An started driving off again.


    A deafening silence soon followed. Another thought then crossed Shu Xian''s mind, making her blush as she remembered what she had talked about with Pan An back at home.


    At the same moment, they had already arrived in front of the restaurant. As Pan An was about to get out of the car, Shu Xian spoke out of the blue surprising the professor with what she said.


    "Love."


    Pan An blinked his eyes a few times, astonished by what Shu Xian said. He stared at her, curious about what she meant.


    "What?"


    Shu Xian blushed as she looked at him and repeated what she said.


    "You told me to think of another one other than ''babe,'' right?"


    Shu Xian shyly looked at him, speaking her thoughts out.


    "Love... that seemed to be a better endearment."


    "Ah..."


    Pan An found the youngdy cuter than usual. The sudden change of topic made him forget about his raising anger at his family.


    Because of that, he could not help but lean in closer as he nted a kiss on top of her head, making Shu Xian''s heart jump for its escape.


    "Okay then, Love."

 Chapter 12 - I Have You, With Me

    "Okay then, Love."


    When Shu Xian heard what he said, and the moment he nted a kiss on top of her head, her face turned red.


    Shu Xian''s eyes were wide as if her eyeballs were about to pop out from its sockets!


    "P-P-Pan An?"


    Shu Xian stammered on her words when Pan An moved away from her, a sweet smile already on his face.


    "What the hell are you doing?" she asked, the professor, chuckling as he shook his head.


    "I just kissed my girl on the top of her head. Is that a problem?"


    If one could look at Shu Xian right now as if she was a cartoon character, one would draw her as a cartoon who would have smokeing out of her head already!


    "B-But... this is a fake rtionship, no?"


    Pan An nodded, his eyebrows slightly creasing.


    "I know. But even though this is a fake rtionship, people have to buy it to believe it. Right?" he said, Shu Xian, blinking her eyes in disbelief. "Remember, we''re doing this, too, to convince my mother, but not only her if the time arises."


    Hearing this, Shu Xian could not help but scoff. She rolled her eyes at him as she still felt embarrassed. She then crossed both of her arms in front of her chest then spoke.


    "If only I''m not desperate at this time of need, I wouldn''t have agreed!"


    Pan Anughed out loud, finding her cute at the same time.


    "Alright, alright," he said, unbuckling Shu Xian out of her seatbelt. Her body stiffened as Pan An was close to her again, his words making her nervous. "You have to make passes, too. To make mom believe."


    "But--!!"


    Before Shu Xian could even speak, Pan An quickly left his seat, opening the door for Shu Xian to get out of the car. The youngdy had no choice but to follow him, the girl heaving a small sigh.


    The moment they came out of the car, Shu Xian suddenly felt embarrassed as she noticed gazes on their bodies.


    When Pan An held out his hand to her after he secured their car, Shu Xian hesitantly took his hand. As they both walked inside the hotel, they made their way to the restaurant to meet Pan An''s mother.


    Shu Xian shyly smiled as people greeted and smiled at them, her heart racing in her chest.


    Somehow, Shu Xian started to worry, if sooner orter, she could not breathe!


    "I''m not used to these stares," she mumbled, enough for Pan An to hear. "What if they start judging you because you''re dating a girl like me?"


    Pan An shook his head as he gave smiles to the other people greeting them before turning his head to tell Shu Xian his answer.


    "I told you, you don''t have to worry. It is the CEO''s son who chose to date you. Sooner orter, you would have to get used to this."


    Shu Xian internally sighed. She just faked a smile as she had her hand in Pan An''s, her eyes slowly wandering to their interlocked fingers.


    ''Never have I ever held hands with someone before,'' she thought, slightly biting her bottom lip as her mind wandered. ''I know this is just an act, but it is making my heart beat so fast!''


    Pan An and Shu Xian started walking up the stairs. It was a grand staircase leading towards the well-renowned restaurant of the hotel. Only a few people who have the hotel''s exclusive membership can only enter here.


    The owners of the Invicta family are one of those people who can have that privilege.


    The thought of meeting Pan An''s mother made Shu Xian feel so uneasy. When a sudden thought passed her mind, she stopped in her tracks, her free handnding on her chest as she took some deep breaths to calm herself down.


    "Hey..."


    Pan An said worriedly, looking at her with concern evident in his eyes.


    "Are you alright?"


    Shu Xian narrowed her eyes at him, not believing that the professor only noticed the difort she had been feeling.


    "You only ask that now that we''re here? I have been nervous since you proposed the idea! Any time soon, I would have a heart attack!"


    Pan An stifled hisughter, his free hand covering his mouth as his other hand still did not let go of her hand that he was holding. He then smiled as he patted the top of her head, attempting to soothe her.


    Shu Xian locked gazes with him. For some reason, she started calming down when Pan An started to pat her head.


    She knew that she just met him recently because he saved her and took her under his wing. However, with him together now, Shu Xian felt that she could trust the guy.


    How can she feel this way towards a man that she just met?


    "You don''t have to worry. I keep telling you that," Pan An said, tucking some tendrils of her hair behind her ear. "You have me."


    Shu Xian''s heart started to calm down. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself down, and the moment a breathtaking smile appeared on her face, Pan An''s hand froze on her face, his thumb on her cheek.


    "Fine. I''ll think about that, then," Shu Xian replied, the professor''s eyebrows furrowing, a little bit lost with what she meant.


    "Think about what?" he asked, making Shu Xian roll her eyes at him as she held his hand that was touching her face with her free hand.


    "The fact that I have you. With me."


    With that, Pan An was at a loss for words. Shu Xian couldn''t help but giggle when she noticed how quiet the professor was when he kept teasing her a few moments ago.


    "Pan An," she said his name, snapping the professor out of his thoughts. "Let''s go?"


    "Oh..."


    Pan An removed his other hand from her face, the two already walking up the stairs with their hands still interlocked with each other.


    "Right. Let''s go."

 Chapter 13 - An Exception

    Pan An and Shu Xian continued to walk up the stairs. The moment they did, they already arrived in the exclusive restaurant of the hotel they visited.


    In that grand entranceway of the restaurant, to greet the visitors, there was the most monumental of chandeliers--the size of a giant evergreen alight with electric me.


    As the two continued to walk on the red carpet, waiters and waitresses gave them small bows.


    Shu Xian could not help but let her eyes wander as she discreetly scanned around the room, unsure if her sudden spur of confidence is on the right track.


    There were round tables in the restaurant--some prominent families present as well.


    Shu Xian need not know who they are. With the way they exuded themselves, it was clear that the customers came from a well-known family.


    With that, Shu Xian suddenly felt small, but she tried her best to keep her confidence afloat. With it rarely possessing her body, she would have to keep it together for her to mask her uneasiness.


    Even though she did not like this idea, she didn''t want to disappoint Pan An.


    "Hmm..."


    "What''s wrong?"


    As they continued following the waitress ahead of them, Shu Xian looked up to meet Pan An''s eyes.


    "It just urred to me that we haven''t thought of the details of our rtionship," she mumbled, enough for Pan An to hear.


    "I know," he replied, slightly furrowing his brows. "Is this going to pose a problem?"


    Shu Xian bit her lip, wondering if her reply is enough.


    "It may... but since I am an English major as well, I had sses in Speech and Stage Arts. I may roll with it if I could keep the act well," she answered, a smile creeping on Pan An''s face.


    "So you could act, but you act all this nervous?"


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but pout at his remark.


    "Of course! Even though I could act, this is a real deal! I could get intimidated easily knowing that you are from a prestigious family!"


    Pan An shook his head as he stifled hisugh at Shu Xian''s retort.


    At the same moment, they already arrived in front of a brass door, Shu Xian holding her breath as the waitress turned her back to look at them.


    "We are already here, Mr. Pan An," the waitress said, opening the door to reveal a private room where the two are about to eat dinner with the professor''s mother.


    "Thank you," Pan An thanked her as they both entered, walking into the room at the same time.


    The room was silent with only the ssical music heard at the background. Shu Xian''s heels cked against the beautifully tiled floor, getting the attention of the woman sitting on the chair, her eyes beaming the moment her eyesnded on her son.


    "Pan An, darling!"


    The woman stood up, immediately hugging her son. She looked like a child jumping on him, Pan An, chuckling as he supported his mother for safety.


    "It''s as if we haven''t met for a long time, mom," hemented, the woman, giggling as she lightly hit his shoulder.


    "Oh, a week is already long enough for me, darling!"


    Shu Xian observed Pan An''s mother from where she stood. She could not help but smile as she felt the warmth and joying from her when she saw her son.


    Pan An''s mother wore a simple fitted ck dress that fit her body snuggly, making her look like a young, single woman. Her brown hair was in a messy bun, some tendrils of her hair escaping from the tie.


    It was evident that his mother was a natural beauty. Her skin was wless as well, making young people feel jealous of how beautiful she is.


    Even Shu Xian, who isn''t conscious of herself, now started feeling conscious under Pan An''s mother''s presence!


    Snapping Shu Xian out of her thoughts, Pan An''s mother turned her body to look at her, her sweet smile not disappearing from her face.


    "Oh, hello!"


    She walked over to her, holding both of Shu Xian''s hands to greet her.


    "You must be Pan An''s girlfriend!"


    "O-oh! Yes."


    Shu Xian stammered, a soft flush of pink appearing on her face as she felt shy.


    "My name is Shu Xian. Nice to meet you."


    "Nice to meet you, too, Shu Xian!" The woman said, kissing her cheek briefly. "I''m Cai Li, Pan An''s mother."


    Shu Xian smiled at her until she felt Pan An''s right arm wrap around her waist, making her body stiffen in his touch. He then nted a soft kiss on top of her head, making Shu Xian''s soul almost leave her body!


    ''Wh-what the hell is he doing?'' Shu Xian mentallyined, ''Why is he this touchy?!''


    "We are about to start dinner soon, yes? My girl here is hungry," Pan An asked and said, Shu Xian''s ears reddening as she tried her best to conceal her shock.


    ''My girl! How can he say this so casually!?''


    Cai Li couldn''t help but giggle when she heard what her son had said. She then nodded, already sitting down on her seat as the two followed, sitting on their respective chairs.


    The moment they sat down, the waitress waiting at the side already served them their food, Shu Xian blinking her eyes a few times to see the dish served before them.


    On their te was a tri-tip steak. The waitress served them Cabe Sauvignon--said to be the most expensive wine in the whole world!


    With the silverware in front of them, it made Shu Xian feel uneasy. Since she was unaware of how to use them, she feared moving, making Cai Li notice.


    "Are you okay, Shu Xian?" she asked, sweetness, etched in her voice. "Is it about the silverware?" she added, Shu Xian, giving her an apologetic smile.


    "I''m sorry," she apologized, not hesitating to tell her the truth. "To be honest, I haven''t experienced any fine dining. Today is my first," she mumbled, but it was enough for the two to hear.


    "Oh!" Cai Li scoffed, finding the girl''s uneasiness cute. "You don''t have to worry about that, Shu Xian. As long as you know how to enjoy good food, even if you use your hands, why not?"


    Shu Xian could not help but blink her eyes in disbelief. She always thought that parents of a prestigious family would look down upon people who are ignorant about these things.


    But with what she''s showing, is she going to be an exception?


    Shu Xian could not help but hope that Cai Li is this kind to her so she could keep the act intact.

 Chapter 14 - Would Rather Suffer

    Pan An looked at Shu Xian from the corner of his eye. He then got her te and started slicing her meat, snapping Shu Xian out of her thoughts as she gave another smile at Cai Li.


    "Thank you for being understanding, Ma''am," she politely thanked Cai Li, who was sipping from her wine ss before she spoke.


    "Oh, it is fine. It is something not to judge about people," she replied, a smile appearing on her face. "Now tell me, how did you guys meet?"


    "Well," Pan An trailed off as he continued slicing her meat. "It was sudden," he answered, Cai Li, looking at her son.


    "Oh? What do you mean by sudden?" she asked, putting her wine ss on the table as she expectantly waited for an answer.


    "I saved her from a gangst time when she was alone in the park with her dog one night."


    "My!" Cai Li''s eyes widened when she heard this. "What were you doing in the park alone? Even at night time!"


    Shu Xian let out an embarrassed chuckle.


    "Yes. I was kicked out of my apartment that night. I was looking for a ce to stay, but to no avail, I couldn''t."


    When Cai Li heard this, her eyes slightly widened before she raised a brow at her, surprised about what she heard.


    "You got kicked out of your apartment?"


    Pan An was even at a loss for words when he realized that Shu Xian was too honest with his mother.


    Even the professor now started feeling nervous when he saw Cai Li''s reaction. It made him worry if their actions will seed.


    "I''m sorry, Ma''am Cai Li," Shu Xian apologized, sincerity evident in her voice. "I know that this fact surprised you, but it''s true. I lost my stay at the apartment."


    Cai Li didn''t know if she were to ask her why or not. She heaved a small sigh before taking another sip of her wine before speaking again.


    "May I dare ask why? I have the right to know since Pan An only told me he''s dating a girl--not even stating any teeny-tiny detail. As you are aware, my son is the son of a conglomeratepany, and with him--"


    "Mom." Pan An interrupted her, instantly silencing her. "I told you... I dated Shu Xian because it''s her I want. I wouldn''t let you meet her if I was not serious about her."


    "I know," Cai Li replied, "But as a mother, I would want to know her side. I would want to get to know her by the way she acts and talks."


    Pan An''s lips then turned into a tight line. He always respected his mother. He knew better not to talk back at her, especially if he knew she was right.


    This time, he knew she was right. Nothing''s wrong with what his mother said about knowing the girl he dates from her perspective.


    He just hoped that what Shu Xian will do would both save them.


    "Well, I am a student, Ma''am. I have been living on my own since I have a very..."


    Shu Xian didn''t know how to continue her sentence. Talking about her family was something sensitive, that even that part was difficult for her to share with her best friend, Shi Lian.


    However, Shu Xian knew that she couldn''t lie about herself to Pan An''s mother. Knowing her and with the connections they possibly have, they could investigate things about her.


    She crossed her fingers, hoping her honesty would convince Cai Li to believe in their act.


    Even though their rtionship was fake, being honest about some things wouldn''t hurt if it meant to convince the other, right?


    Shu Xian sighed. She knew it was a lot to take in. Surprising the two with her, she drank her wine in one go, gaining the confidence to share what she found difficult to share.


    "I was raised by my abusive uncle without me knowing who my real parents are. He imed they were dead, and he had no choice but to take care of me."


    Hearing this, both of them silenced as Shu Xian continued to tell them more about her, a sad smile appearing on her face as she tried her best to put up a strong front.


    "I grew up in a very depressing and painful environment. My uncle always threw negative words at me. Whenever I made a mistake, or whenever he felt like it, he would hurt me verbally, and sometimes, physically."


    "My!"


    Cai Li couldn''t help but cover her mouth with her hand, her eyebrows knitted together as her eyes showed sympathy.


    Even Pan An didn''t expect this. He thought Shu Xian was lying to try her best to convince his mother, but with Shu Xian''s hands under the table trembling, he realized that she was telling the truth.


    It was at this moment that Pan An realized something about Shu Xian.


    She is not capable of lying. Even though this is just an act to help Pan An get out of a situation, she could not lie about herself.


    "Wanting to be out of the situation, I left the house when I was in high school. I then started earning for myself--working in part-time jobs as I enrolled myself in a public school, my best friend helping me in secret."


    "Didn''t your uncle look for you?"


    Shu Xian slowly nodded, answering her question.


    "He did. Sometimes, he woulde to pick me up," she answered, her eyes turning ssy as she remembered her dark days when she was with her uncle.


    "Then, how did you escape? Why did you not tell the police?"


    Shu Xian shook her head when she heard the other question thrown at her.


    "My uncle, I don''t know who he is and what connections he has--he is close with them. But with my best friend''s help whose family is also known in the city, she was able to block his connections, hiding my existence."


    Hearing this, Cai Li and her son, Pan An, silenced. They did not expect this kind of past to a kind and gentle girl such as Shu Xian.


    "I didn''t care if I have to struggle," she mumbled, enough for the two to hear. "As long as I escape from my uncle, I would rather suffer than be in his merciless hands."

 Chapter 15 - He Shen

    [This chapter is dedicated to Hazel_Cat_Eyes for her continuous support in reading my stories. ^^ Thank you for being one of those readers who motivate me to write! ^^ You guys are a blessing. Mwah!]


    ***


    "As long as I escape from my uncle, I would rather suffer than be in his merciless hands."


    When they heard this from Shu Xian, Cai Li could not help but feel pity towards her. She stood up from her chair, surprising her from her strong front when Shu Xian got an embrace from her.


    "Oh, child... you must have suffered a lot," she whispered, nting a kiss on her cheek.


    Shu Xian didn''t know what to say. She just gave a small smile to Cai Li, nodding once as she wiped her tears that were forming in the corners of her eyes.


    Cai Li then looked at her son, getting his attention as she spoke.


    "So, when you saved her, did she start staying at your ce?" she asked, Pan An, nodding as he almost forgot about their fake act.


    "Yes. At first, Shu Xian stayed by paying rent and by doing chores, but as it went on for months, we started falling for each other," he lied, Cai Li nodding at his answer.


    "I could see why you started falling for her," shemented, already sitting back on her chair. "She is a strongdy at such a young age. A few people have picked themselves up independently."


    Pan An smiled, agreeing to what she said even though he just heard about Shu Xian''s past just now.


    With that, he got Shu Xian''s hand that was trembling under the table. Being a "boyfriend" to her, he kissed her hand after he interlocked his fingers with hers.


    Shu Xian looked at Pan An, her eyebrows furrowing with the mixed feelings that she felt.


    Talking about her past, even though it was not detailed, was something sensitive to her. But oddly, even though she knew that Pan An''s actions were just an act, she feltforted.


    "Thank you," she whispered, slowly calming down as Pan An nted a kiss on her forehead.


    Seeing them act this way, Cai Li smiled. She couldn''t help but feel happy that finally, her son was out of a ck hole, making her feel hopeful that someday, he woulde back home once in a while.


    However, her smile slowly disappeared when she remembered Pan An''s rtionship with his father. Since then, he rarelyes home, making her wish that someday, her son would find happiness out of their home.


    With Shu Xian in the picture, Cai Li hoped that someday, she could convince Pan An to visit the house someday.


    "Now then," Cai Li spoke, getting the attention of the two. "The food can''t wait any longer. Let''s eat!" she added, getting her knife and fork.


    With what she said, Pan An gave Shu Xian''s te, the meat already sliced for her convenience. Shu Xian then smiled at him as she started eating, not shy to show her hunger since she is indeed hungry as of the moment.


    As the three started eating, Cai Li asked her a question after she chewed and swallowed a piece of her steak.


    "May I ask, Shu Xian, the name of your best friend?"


    "Oh!"


    Shu Xian wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin before she answered.


    "Her name is Shi Lian. I think you know her."


    "Ah!"


    A wide smile appeared on her face, already familiar with who she is.


    "She is the youngest child and only daughter of one of the best essorypanies of the city! Yes, we''re partners with them!"


    "I see!"


    A wide smile appeared on Shu Xian''s face, making her look prettier.


    "I am thankful for my friend. Our meeting was unexpected, but what I like about her is that she is a humble girl."


    "I agree!"


    Cai Li took a sip of her wine.


    "Her mother is a great friend of mine! His older brother who is the CEO of thepany is good friends with my son!"


    "Oh!"


    Shu Xian looked at Pan An, curious.


    "I didn''t know that big brother is your best friend," shemented, Pan An, rolling his eyes at her as he remembered his friendship with him.


    "Yeah. He''s the only great friend I have. How small the world is, knowing that her little sister is your best friend," he replied, Shu Xian, giggling before she took a small sip of her wine, a thought passing her mind.


    ''How small the world is, indeed... now I can''t escape from Shi Lian once she knows that his brother is friends with the guy I am living with...''


    The atmosphere in the room started to feel lighter. Shu Xian felt morefortable as she conversed with Pan An''s mother with ease, Pan An, smiling from time to time as he observed the two.


    To be honest, even Pan An was happy to see his mother this way. He wanted her mother to be happy as well, but then, he felt somewhat bad for fooling her that he is in a rtionship with Shu Xian so that the blind dates would stop.


    "Shu Xian, is it okay for me to ask," Cai Li trailed off, snapping Pan An out of his thoughts. "I know this is a very sensitive topic... but may I know the name of your uncle?"


    Shu Xian''s eyes widened. She shook her head slightly and slowly, unsure if she could tell her.


    "I-I''m sorry, but you wouldn''t investigate about him, right? I mean... even as his niece, I don''t know much about him as I am locked in my room all the time," she asked and said, Cai Li, heaving a small sigh.


    "You''re right, Shu Xian," Cai Li replied, feeling bad for prying into a topic that is so sensitive. "I should understand. I''m sorry for being insensitive."


    Shu Xian gave her a small smile, shaking her head at the same time before giving her reply.


    "Oh, it is alright, Ma''am," she answered, taking another small bite of her steak before speaking again. "If you do investigate about him, please don''t let me know as I am already happy with my life as it is," she added, a sincere smile curling on Cai Li''s lips.


    "Alright, then."


    Shu Xian then got her newly refilled wine and took a sip, her answer, silencing Cai Li as her ears twitched with the familiar name she heard.


    "My uncle''s name. He''s He Shen."


    Shu Xian continued to eat her steak, her hunger evident than ever in her actions.


    Cai Li''s body, however, stiffened after she spoke, Pan An''s eyes,nding on his mother''s surprised expression,pletely getting his curiosity.


    ''He Shen... I know that name somewhere...''

 Chapter 16 - Oh, My!

    [This chapter is dedicated to my Amore Mio, Zeno98, for being the best supportive boyfriend EVER! Ti amo~! Thank you for always showing your support and for being one of those people who motivates me!]


    ***


    Before they even knew it, dinner went by quickly, making them realize that it was already almost 10 PM.


    Shu Xian didn''t expect to have a great conversation with Cai Li, Pan An''s mother.


    Cai Li told Shu Xian childhood stories about him, Shu Xian,ughing as she expected Pan An to be a naughty kid years ago.


    "Typical of mom to talk about embarrassing moments about me to my girl," hemented, yfully rolling his eyes at her as Cai Li stifled herugh, shaking her head at the same time.


    "Of course, dear Shu Xian should know, no? Since both of you are dating, what could you possibly hide from her?"


    Shu Xian bit her bottom lip, feeling lightheaded as she realized toote that she drank more sses of wine while talking with Pan An and Cai Li.


    She had to admit that she was having fun spending time with them when at first, she thought that the dinner with Pan An''s mother would flop.


    Shu Xian smiled as she rested her head on Pan An''s shoulder, slightly surprising him to have seen her act this way.


    Pan An looked at Shu Xian from the corner of his eye as he saw the blush appear on thedy''s cheeks, making his heart skip fast to see her this alluring.


    ''Is she tipsy?''


    "It''s nice to meet you tonight, Ma''am Cai Li," Shu Xian said sweetly, her perfect white teeth beaming at the beautiful woman before them.


    "Oh, the pleasure is all mine, Shu Xian," Cai Li replied, a sweet smile appearing on her face as well. "It has been long since I saw my Pan An happy with a girl," she added, Pan An''s facial expression turning slightly serious.


    "Mom, I think Shu Xian and I need to go home," she suggested, wrapping his arm around her shoulder to support her.


    "Was Pan An not dating anyone before me?" Shu Xian asked, Pan An''s eyebrows furrowing when he heard his mother''s reply.


    "Oh, my son has not told you?"


    Cai Li asked, cocking her head to the side as the alcohol started to affect her as well.


    "Pan An dated a girl, too. She--"


    "Mom!"


    Shu Xian''s body shook in Pan An''s hold when suddenly, he stood up, making her abruptly stand up as he supported her with his strong arm.


    "It''s gettingte. I should call Mr. Lee to pick you up, and once he does, that''s when we''ll head home," he said firmly, shutting his mother up as she sensed the hostility in his voice.


    "Hey..."


    Tipsy, Shu Xian narrowed her eyes at Pan An. She traced her index finger on his chin, Pan An''s body stiffening as he did not expect this quiet, gentledy, acting this way when she was so subtle moments ago.


    "Why are you answering back to your mother that way?"


    Shu Xian then sprawled her right hand on his chest, Pan An''s breath hitching as he felt her hand slowly traveling down his stomach, stopping there the moment her handnded on his perfectly formed abs that was kept under his clothes.


    "Your mother was about to tell your girlfriend something," she added, giggling a bit before she pouted like a child. "Are you hiding something from your baby girl?"


    Pan An''s eyebrow twitched.


    ''Baby girl? Thisdy is obviously tipsy...''


    Cai Li covered her mouth with her hand, seeing Shu Xian act this way towards her son. She had to admit that at first, she didn''t like the fact that Shu Xian is young and is still a student.


    But with her acting gentle and sweet at first, to being naughty now that she is drunk, she had the gut feeling that Shu Xian is more than what meets the eye.


    She is interesting--an eye-candy one should look out for when ites to dealing with her.


    "Stop being this way now, Love," Pan An scolded her, Shu Xian now wrapping both of her arms around his waist as she rested her head on his chest.


    "You big meany..."


    Not minding her for a while, Pan An heaved a small sigh as he fished his phone from his pocket, calling Mr. Lee, the personal butler of their family.


    Pan An then looked at his mother after talking to Mr. Lee for a minute, a small smile appearing on his face as he bode his mother farewell.


    "I''m sorry I can''t stay any longer. As you know, I have work early in the morning, and Shu Xian will have her sses," he said, Cai Li, slowly walking towards her son to hold his hand.


    "It''s alright, son," Cai Li replied, a sincere smile appearing on her face.


    She then looked at sweet Shu Xian, who had her eyes closed, then tiptoed to whisper something against Pan An''s ear.


    "Someday, you would have to tell her about your past if you are serious about her. Hmm?"


    Pan An''s lips turned into a tight line. He nodded once, acknowledging what his mother had said as his mind lingered otherwise.


    ''Don''t worry, mom. Our rtionship is just an act. She doesn''t need to know everything.''


    At the same moment, Cai Li turned her body to tuck some of Shu Xian''s hair behind her ear, the youngdy, opening her eyes to meet Cai Li''s.


    "I hope to meet you the following days, Shu Xian," Cai Li said, nting a soft kiss on her cheek. "I would like to get to know you better."


    "Oh!"


    Shu Xian grinned ear to ear, surprising Pan An with what she was about to say.


    "I''m sorry, Ma''am. But Pan An and I--we''re just doing this because--mmph!"


    With the influence of the alcohol taking a toll on her body, Pan An knew he had to act fast.


    With its effect making her honest and act differently, Pan An had no choice but to shut her up in the best way he knew was effective.


    "Oh, my!"


    Cai Li''s eyes were about to pop out of their sockets! Her mouth was agape to the scene that she saw right before her very eyes!


    Pan An tipped Shu Xian''s chin up, making her face him. He then smoothly caressed her cheek, the professor slightly bending down to silence Shu Xian once and for all tonight.


    He pulled her closer towards him by the waist, Shu Xian''s hands both sprawled on his chest as his lips smoothlynded on hers, making Shu Xian sober in an instant as she realized...


    That her first-ever kiss was taken away from her tonight.


    Even right in front of her fake boyfriend''s mother!

 Chapter 17 - Are You Alright?

    "Oh, my! Oh, my, my!"


    Even Pan An''s mother, Cai Li, who was slightly drunk moments ago, is now sober the moment she saw her son kissing his new girlfriend, whom he just introduced to her.


    Shu Xian, who was also tipsy a while ago, returned to her senses when she realized that her first-ever-kiss got stolen by Professor Pan An!


    With that in mind, the youngdy furrowed her brows, her hands on his chest balling into tight fists as she slightly pushed him away, surprise evident on her face.


    "Y-you!"


    Shu Xian''s face turned beet red. Her heart was thumping crazily in her chest as Pan An''s eyes had not left hers, Shu Xian then averting her gaze from him as she felt embarrassed in front of him.


    "W-why did you have to kiss me?" she mumbled, only enough for Pan An to hear.


    Pan An cocked his head to the side as if Shu Xian had said something stupid. He then slightly chuckled as he tucked some of her hair behind her ear, a teasing smile appearing on his face.


    "Why ask that question? You''re my girlfriend, aren''t you?"


    Shu Xian narrowed her eyes at him, her crazed heart still not calming down because of the words he said.


    ''Why this... professor shamelessly getting my first kiss!''


    When Cai Liughed, it had gotten the attention of the two, making them look at her as she shook her head. Cai Li then smiled at the two, her eyes showing happiness as she felt happy for her son.


    "It''s as if you have never tried kissing before, Shu Xian," Cai Limented, Shu Xian, letting out an embarrassedugh as she shyly bit her lip, giving her a lie.


    "Ah... I''m not much expressive with my feelings," she half admitted, the other true that she isn''t expressive, the other not factual that she had kissed Pan An before.


    "Yeah," Pan An chimed in as he wrapped his arm around Shu Xian''s waist, making her body stiffen. "Even though we only started dating for a short time, she''s still shy around me since she imed I''m her first boyfriend."


    "Oh!" Cai Li looked at Shu Xian, "My Pan An is your first boyfriend?"


    Shu Xian smiled at Cai Li, nodding at the same time to give her an answer to her question.


    "Yes. Pan An is my first boyfriend. We could say that he is my first love," she added, Pan An, looking at her from the corner of his eye, internally scoffing at her reply.


    ''Now you can easily lie to my mother? You''re doing great to keep this act together since you''re staying under my roof. Impressive.''


    The three of them then started walking down the stairs on their way to the entrance. The moment they arrived, at the same time, Mr. Lee came to pick up Cai Li.


    Mr. Lee opened the door of the car. At the same time, he gave a small bow to Pan An and Shu Xian, both of them nodding to acknowledge Mr. Lee''s presence.


    Cai Li then turned to the two, bidding them farewell before she goes down the stairs to enter the car.


    "Thank you so much for dinner today, son, Shu Xian."


    She then nted a soft kiss on each of their cheeks, the two smiling at Cai Li then she spoke again.


    "Shu Xian," Cai Li said her name, sweetness evident in her voice as she held her hand. "Thank you so much for being with my son. It has been two years since he started dating someone. It was because his--"


    "Mom."


    Before Cai Li could even finish her sentence, Pan An interrupted her, making Shu Xian look at the professor as she slowly furrowed her brows in consternation.


    ''Is there something Professor Pan An is hiding that''s why he interrupted his mother?''


    "It''s gettingte," Pan An spoke again, snapping Shu Xian out of her thoughts. "You have to get home and rest."


    Cai Li heaved a small sigh as she realized that Pan An didn''t want to go back to the past. She then smiled at her son, nodding, then she nted another kiss on his cheek.


    "Alright. Do remember to have dinner with me some time again soon, okay?"


    "Yes, mom," Pan An answered, the two already escorting her to the car.


    The moment Cai Li entered the car, she gave onest look to Shu Xian, a gentle smile appearing on her face as she got her attention.


    "Shu Xian, dear, can you do thisdy a favor?"


    Shu Xian then walked in closer towards the car, slightly bending down to meet Cai Li''s eyes. The moment she did, a light glint of sadness appeared on Pan An''s mother''s eyes, her favor surprising the youngdy.


    "Please continue to stay by my son''s side. My son--he may not appear that much happy after he was left by someone whom he loved so much."


    Surprised and confused, Shu Xian almost raised a brow at her, not getting what she meant.


    "Ma''am Cai Li?"


    Cai Li shook her head, "Let him open his heart to you. If he can''t share anything even to his mother, then I hope he does with you."


    With that, Mr. Lee drove off, already heading home so Cai Li could rest. When Pan An saw that the car already went, he approached Shu Xian, curiosity present in his eyes.


    "What did my mother say?" he asked, Shu Xian, turning her body to face the professor she was with this moment.


    Shu Xian did not say a word. She looked straight into the professor''s eyes, the man suddenly feeling conscious as he raised a brow at her, not understanding her silence.


    "What?"


    Shu Xian then reached out to his face. She did not know why, but she suddenly felt touching him. Maybe the effect of the alcohol is still present in her body and mind even though the kiss jolted her back to reality.


    "Are you alright?"

 Chapter 18 - Pan An... Who Are You?

    "Are you alright?"


    Pan An blinked his eyes a few times when he heard Shu Xian ask him that question. After a few seconds, he then furrowed his brows as he did not expect his student to ask him that question.


    "Why are you asking me that?"


    Instead of answering her question, Pan An had asked her another. Shu Xian''s lips turned into a tight line for a moment, her eyebrows, knitting in wonder before she answered his question.


    "Your mother told me to continue staying by your side."


    "Oh." Pan An''s eyebrows raised as he heard what she said was not that much important. "Then that''s not much of a problem."


    As he was putting his hand on her back so they would go to his car, Shu Xian stopped in her tracks as she spoke, getting his attention.


    "She said that because she ims that you''ve been down since someone you loved had left you."


    When Pan An heard this, his body stiffened. He didn''t dare to turn his body to face Shu Xian, making her curious to see him stand, unmoving.


    "Pan An?"


    There was no answer. The moment Shu Xian walked and stood in front of him, she saw that his face showed a pained expression.


    His eyes reflected sadness as his lips turned into a tight line, his silence unusual to his personality.


    Shu Xian then cocked her head to the side, wondering as she started to worry about him as well for being silent all of a sudden.


    "Pan An?"


    Shu Xian then reached out to his hand. The moment her hand touched his, Shu Xian was dumbfounded to see him reflexively pull his hand away from her before Shu Xian could even touch him.


    Shu Xian felt that Pan An repulsed her. With the professor''s eyes turning nk when she held his hand as if it were in pain, Shu Xian''s thoughts started to wander.


    ''What is with this man? One thing over the other, it''s as if he is hiding a lot of secrets. First with his family... and now someone he loves? Who could that person be? Would Ma''am Cai Li pertain to a family member... or someone else?''


    With Pan An heaving a heavy sigh, it had snapped Shu Xian out of her thoughts. The professor then forced out a smile as he nodded, making way towards the car as Shu Xian followed behind him.


    "Let''s go home... I''m tired."


    ***


    It was a quiet drive going back home. The moment Pan An parked the car in the garage, he quickly left the car, making way to the passenger''s seat to open the door for Shu Xian.


    The youngdy then walked out of the car and the moment she did, Pan An secured the car, both of them already heading inside the house.


    ''He''s awfully quiet,'' Shu Xian thought as she watched the back of Pan An. ''He seems to be moodier than women,'' she added, the two of them already arriving inside their home.


    When the door closed, Pan An immediately turned his body to Shu Xian, surprising her when he patted her shoulder two times.


    "Thank you for tonight," he thanked her, a small smile appearing on his face. "Mother mighte to visit unannounced on some times, so if ever it happens, please do keep the act up."


    "Oh..."


    Shu Xian nodded, agreeing to him as she remembered that she is staying at his ce.


    "Alright."


    "Good night, Shu Xian."


    With the professor already telling her good night, he did not even wait for Shu Xian''s reply before heading inside of his room.


    When Shu Xian was sure that she was alone in the hallway, she heaved a sigh of relief, already walking her way towards the front yard to get Wan Wan, who was guarding the house.


    Shu Xian opened the door.


    "Wan Wan!" she called out, and the moment she did, the fluffy, white Samoyed dog barked in excitement, its tail wagging as she ran to her master.


    Wan Wan jumped on Shu Xian, almost making her fall on the floor. Shu Xian giggled when she felt Wan Wan''s tongue licking her face, Shu Xian also patting her pet dog.


    "Oh, Wan Wan... I missed you!"


    She then nted a kiss on top of the dog''s head.


    "I still have some dog food left that I stored in my bag. Let''s get you something to eat."


    With that, the two entered the house. Shu Xian then locked the front door, the two of them making their way towards the room.


    "Ruo Xi..."


    However, Shu Xian stopped in her tracks when she heard a soft voiceing from Pan An''s room. The moment her head turned right, she saw that the door of his room was slightly opened, making her take a peek.


    She saw a glimpse of what was inside the room. It was a typical master''s bedroom with a working desk inside, but what had caught her attention was the professor sitting on his bed, with both of his hands hiding his face.


    Shu Xian furrowed her brows, curious about why Pan An was in such a position. He seemed frustrated--rather, depressed.


    She heard a deep sighing from him as he exasperatedly ran a hand through his hair, his eyes ssy as if tears were about to escape from his eyes.


    "Ruo Xi... how could you do this to me?"


    Shu Xian''s eyebrow twitched, hearing a name that wasn''t familiar to her. She cocked her head to the side, thinking why Pan An was acting this way right after she told him what his mother told her.


    ''Ruo Xi... could this person be the reason why he''s this way? Is this Ruo Xi the one his mother was talking about?''


    When Shu Xian saw Pan An standing up from his bed, Shu Xian instinctively hid behind the door, almost stepping on Wan Wan''s paw.


    The professor then walked towards his window, leaning on the wall as he stared outside and watched the night sky, his shoulders moving up and down as soft sobs were heard from him.


    ''Pan An...''


    Shu Xian felt uneasiness in her heart as she started to think about the background of the person whom she was staying with.


    Her hand instinctively reached out to her chest as her thoughts wandered, thinking who Pan An is.


    ''Pan An... who are you?''

 Chapter 19 - Ask Shi Lian

    Shu Xian didn''t know what to do. She knew that she just started staying in Pan An''s home so she decided to not pry into his personal life. She silently walked to her room, getting the dog food she stashed in her travelling bag.


    Wan Wan sat as she eyed her master, cocking her head to the side as she wondered when Shu Xian will feed her because the youngdy stopped moving for a while the moment she got the ziplocked dog food from her bag.


    ''Would it be insensitive of me to ignore Pan An when I noticed he was feeling that way?''


    Shu Xian shook her head, her eyebrows furrowing as she disagreed with herself.


    ''Won''t he think that I was watching him secretly if I asked him if he was alright?''


    Shu Xian then turned her body, facing her door as Wan Wan continued looking at her master whose mind was still wandering elsewhere.


    ''Would he think that I''m being selfish¡ªthinking of only myself If I ignore him and only talk to him when needed?''


    With her thoughts bouncing in her mind, it made Shu Xian worry as she thought what Pan An might''ve think of her.


    She started feeling uneasy, her overthinking self taking a toll over her body as her grip tightened on the ziplocked dog food she has for Wan Wan.


    ''Aaaah! What if he thinks less of me know¡ªthinking I am desperate?''


    Shu Xian''s free hand then ran through her hair. When Wan Wan grew impatient as she felt how hungrier she was bing with each passing second, the dog barked at her master, snapping the youngdy out of her thoughts as she stared at her dog.


    "Oh¡­" Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times, "I''m sorry, Wan Wan. I forgot that I should start feeding you."


    Remembering that she has her responsibility as a pet owner, Shu Xian removed her heels as she walked barefooted towards the kitchen, Wan Wan following behind her.


    She did not even bother changing into herfortable clothes, deciding to feed Wan Wan as her eyesnded on the sink.


    Shu Xian then remembered that she wasn''t able to clean up earlier. With her seeing the dishes that she left on the sink, Shu Xian got a disposable Tupperware, putting the dog food inside before serving it to Wan Wan.


    The moment Shu Xian served Wan Wan her food, she tied her hair into a messy bun with a hairtie that was around her wrist moments ago. She then started washing the dishes as she waited for Wan Wan to finish her food.


    It was a quiet evening¡ªShu Xian could even hear her dog chewing on her own food. She also heard the water going down the sink, the youngdy''s mind wandering off again as she remembered what had happened today.


    ''Today is my first day here in Pan An''s ce, and a lot has happened already¡ªI can''t keep up!''


    Shu Xian''s eyebrows started to furrow as she remembered what had happened yesterday.


    She was kicked out of her apartment, thendy giving her money as her sympathy for not having a ce to stay despite her working hard only for herself.


    She then went to the park to rest, until she was almost assaulted by men. Soon after, Pan An arrived to rescue her, Shu Xian thankful that she came because if he wasn''t around, who knows what might''ve happened to her¡ªto Wan Wan, too.


    Shu Xian''s hands tightened on the te she was washing. She stared at the te nkly as she remembered Pan An, not expecting the personality he has.


    When she met him earlier in the morning, he was nice. Until she met him as her professor in one of her education sses, Shu Xian dumbfounded to know that he''s aloof and at the same time, popr at the workce.


    With him being popr in the university, why does it seem that people don''t know much about him¡ªPan An being the son who owns Invicta Corporation?


    Well, their family is indeed powerful enough¡ªthey may have done something on their end, blocking any personal information about them.


    Shu Xian heaved a sigh as she continued washing, Wan Wan still continuing to eat the dog food that was served to her.


    The youngdy''s mind then wandered off to the dinner she had with his mother, her cheeks turning red as she remembered an event that happened earlier, making her heart race.


    She remembered how Pan An grabbed her by the waist, his lips smoothlynding on hers, iming her first kiss.


    "Aaah, jeez!"


    Shu Xian felt steaming out of her head, the girl roughly washing the te she was holding repeatedly even though it was already squeaky clean. She then rinsed every utensil she washed, Shu Xian, sighing as she put them in the drainer for them to dry.


    At the same time, Wan Wan finished eating her food. Wanting to shake herself from her own thoughts, she walked towards the front door, opening it to make Wan Wan go to the front yard to do her business.


    Shu Xian crossed her arms in front of her chest as she leaned on the doorframe, waiting for Wan Wan''s potty session to end. Her eyebrows then furrowed as she thought of Pan An''s background, Shu Xian getting curious about him by the second.


    She was surprised when she knew that Pan An is the son of the owner of the Invicta Corporation. She was more surprised with the secrets he held¡ªwhat his mother could have meant, and what could Pan An be saying when they had a conversation in his car.


    Shu Xian could not help but heave a lot of sighs tonight as her mind continued to connect the pieces that she knows. However, no matter how much she tried, the picture still wasn''t clear, making her think if staying with Pan An is a good idea.


    Shu Xian was about to stop thinking when a sudden thought passed in her mind. Her eyes widened when she remembered her best friend Shi Lian, remembering that they promised to talk to each other once shees home.


    With her remembering as well that Shi Lian''s family is involved with Pan An''s, her eyes glistened in excitement, pping her hands once at the same time.


    ''That''s it! I''ll ask Shu Xian what she knows about Pan An!''

 Chapter 20 - Pan An Is Not Just A Professor

    After Wan Wan had done her business in the front yard, Shu Xian went out to do some quick cleaning.


    Afterward, Shu Xian entered the house, Wan Wan, following behind as she made way towards her room after locking the front door.


    The moment Shu Xian arrived in her room, she didn''t know why, but she heaved a big sigh of relief, leaning on the door for a moment as she thought to herself:


    ''It has only been a day here and it felt like a lot has happened in a year¡­''


    Shu Xian shook herself from her thoughts as she removed her clothes and underwear, leaving it on the floor as she made her way towards the personal bathroom of the room she was staying in.


    Before entering the shower, Shu Xian made sure that the temperature of the water was just right¡ªnot too cold, not too hot. When she extended her hand to feel the water, a smile of satisfaction crept on her face, making her step into the shower.


    "Ah¡­ I love it when the warm water hits my skin. So rxing."


    Shu Xian could not help but sigh as she continued washing her body, her eyes already spotting the shampoo at the side. The moment she got the shampoo, she wondered what other products could be present.


    Shu Xian then saw a variety of bath and body wash products. Beside them were expensive conditioners, and half consumed sophisticated lotion products as well. When she also saw a loofah sponge hanging at the left side of the shower, the youngdy furrowed her brows in confusion.


    ''Why does it seem like a woman has lived here before? Could it be that his mother has stayed with him?''


    Shu Xian shook her head, thinking that the idea is not possible.


    "How can Ma''am Cai Li stay here if ever then¡ªwhen she has a better house and this is just a normal home?" she mumbled to herself, the shower, running freely above her head as she slowly got the shampoo at the side.


    ''This shampoo¡­ it''s half consumed, too.''


    Shu Xian got some of it and hadthered it on her scalp, her thoughts still running wild as she made new assumptions over the other.


    ''Could it be that Pan An had visitors?''


    ''Is it a female visitor?''


    ''Stupid¡­ Pan An''s visitors before me is not something I should worry about.''


    ''But why are they all female products?''


    ''Could Pan An have a girlfriend before and that she stayed here?''


    When Shu Xian thought of thest idea, her hands stopped washing her hair, making her remember what Cai Li had said earlier.


    ''Could it be that the person is somewhat involved in this? Is it Ruo Xi? Well, Ruo Xi is a female name¡­''


    "Nngh¡­"


    Shu Xian groaned slightly as she shook her head, not liking the ideas that wereing in her mind.


    ''What kind of ideas am I having now? Why am I thinking much into this when Pan An is aplete stranger and I am just taking advantage of his kindness while being in a fake rtionship with him?''


    With that in mind, Shu Xian continued bathing, already putting some bath soap on the loofah sponge as she startedthering it, using it to wash her skin.


    ''Or Pan An uses female products? Mm... I should stop thinking.''


    However, Shu Xian had to admit. She was still curious about who Pan An is, and with the thought of Shi Lian''s brother close with him at the back of her mind, the n of calling her best friend Shi Lian still remained in her mind.


    ***


    After 10 mintues, Shu Xian had already finished showering and changing into her night clothes. She blew dry her hair and wore her favorite oversized shirt, her sleeping pajamas.


    Wan Wan already cozied herself beside Shu Xian''s bed, already dozing off as her master sat on the bed, getting her phone that was charging on the bedside table.


    She then opened her contacts and when her fingersnded on Shi Lian''s number, she clicked call, putting her phone against her ear at the same time as she waited.


    "Shu Xian!"


    It only took two rings, and the feisty Shi Lian already answered.


    A softugh came from Shu Xian, making her feel excited that she would already talk to her best friend after such a hectic day that had happened to her right on the first day that she was staying at Pan An''s ce.


    "I waited for you for hooouuuuurs," Shi Lianined, "I thought you were asleep! It is already 10 PM!"


    "I know, I know, I''m sorry," Shu Xian apologized, "A lot has really happened," she added, a sigh heard at the other end of the call.


    "Now, aren''t you going to tell me all about him?" she asked, Shu Xian''s lips turning into a tight line.


    She wasn''t sure if she would tell Shi Lian everything¡ªwhat she knows until now. But to be honest, Shi Lian is the only friend she has and with her facing events such as this, Shu Xian wanted to confide in a friend so it would ease her worries.


    With Shi Lian having connections with the Invicta Company as well, maybe this could make Shu Xian understand who Pan An is better¡ªif staying under his roof would be good.


    Knowing that he is the son of a well-knownpany, Shu Xian would want to know what kind of life she has entered.


    "Shi Lian," Shu Xian said her name, seriousness etched in her voice. "Do you know the Invicta Company?"


    When Shu Xian asked that, Shi Lian was quiet for a while. It made Shu Xian furrow her brows as to why her best friend suddenly became silent, knowing that it was aplete opposite of her lively personality.


    "Shi Lian?"


    "Why are you asking me this?" A chuckle sounded from the other end of the line. "Invicta Company is known far and wide. Asking this to me is stupid. But our family is indeed affiliated with their business. What of it?"


    "Well¡­"


    Shu Xian trailed off, taking a deep breath then she blew it out slowly before she answered Shi Lian''s question, surprising the soul out of her best friend''s body.


    "Pan An is not just a professor. I am living with him in his home¡ªhe''s the son of the people who owns Invicta."


    "You¡­ WHAT!?"

 Chapter 21 - Miss Ruo Xi

    "Pan Ann is not just a professor. I am living with him in his home¡ªhe''s the son of the people who owns Invicta."


    "You¡­ WHAT!?"


    Shu Xian almost threw her phone away, hearing the loud voice of Shi Lian, ringing against her ear. She winced slightly in pain as she creased her brows together, feeling slightly irritated with how her best friend is loud thiste at night.


    "Do you have to shout?" she scolded, Shi Lian still not toning down her voice as she eximed her surprise.


    "How am I going to keep quiet about this!? You''re telling me that you''re living with big brother Pan An? So he''s the professor you''re telling me that you''re living with!?"


    "Yes," Shu Xian answered, rolling her eyes at the same time.


    "And you told me a while ago that this happened yesterday," she said, Shu Xian, sighing as she answered her question again with one word.


    "Yes."


    Another sigh was heard at the other end of the call. Shi Lian was quiet for a while, making her wonder what could have happened in a day that made her best friend stay at the house of a mysterious man such as Pan An.


    "May I now ask what happened to you yesterday that made you be in this position?"


    "Well..."


    Shu Xian trailed off, her eyes,nding on the clock as she remembered that Shi Lian is still in Japan.


    "Hey, isn''t it soon midnight there?"


    Shi Lian groaned, "Don''t go changing the subject! You promised me that you were going to call! I don''t want you to hang up now with you dropping an information bomb on me!"


    Shu Xian scoffed, a smile appearing on her face as she heard Shi Lian''s tone.


    She always knew that her best friend would always be like this. It is one of the things she loves about her, and at the same time, found irritating about her.


    "Well, alright," Shu Xian said, leaning on the bed''s rest as she told Shi Lian what happened yesterday. "I was kicked out by thendy because I couldn''t pay. She has new tenants and they already paid, so I was left with no choice but to leave."


    "Damn! Tsk!" Shi Lian clicked her tongue, "But thendy should''ve told you earlier!"


    "It doesn''t matter," Shu Xian replied, shrugging at the same time. "Maybe she pitied me that''s why she told me at thest minute. And she wasn''t all that mean. She gave me money before she kicked me out so I could look for a ce to stay."


    "Uhuh¡­"


    Shi Lian narrowed her eyes even though she wasn''t with Shu Xian.


    "But if she has given you money, then why tell me that you are staying at Pan An''s ce?"


    "I couldn''t find a ce to stay since most of them don''t allow pets," Shu Xian started, "So feeling saddened about it, I rested at the parkst night until some men attacked¡ª"


    "Wait! You were attacked!?"


    There was worry evident in Shi Lian''s voice, not caring that she interrupted Shu Xian who was just talking.


    "Are you alright!? Are you safe? Jeez! I want toe home in an instant¡ª"


    "Shi Lian!"


    Shu Xian called her attention, surprising Wan Wan who was sleeping on the floor when she shouted her best friend''s name.


    "There you are again! You''re not listening!"


    "I''m sorry!" Shi Lian heaved a deep sigh, "It''s just that you were almost harmed! How can I not worry about my best friend?"


    A grateful smile crept on Shu Xian''s face. Even though she only has one trusted friend in her life, she was satisfied and did not demand to have more friends.


    Quality over quantity is what Shu Xian believed¡ªmaking it one of her important mottos in life.


    "I''m sorry for scolding you," Shu Xian apologized, "I''m alright¡­ Pan An saved mest night."


    A sigh of relief was heard from the other side of the call.


    "I''m d big brother Pan An saved you," shemented, "And you staying in his house? How did it happen?"


    "It was rather sudden," Shu Xian replied, "But when he knew that there was no ce I could stay in, he offered the extra room. Then it was this same day I knew that he is a professor teaching Teacher Education."


    "Wait¡­ what?" confusion and surprise was evident on Shi Lian''s voice. "I heard that he decided to teach in City S, but I did not expect him to teach Teacher Education. So, he''s going to be our professor?"


    Shu Xian nodded even though Shi Lian was not in front of her.


    "That''s right."


    "Hey¡­ I told you, you could stay with me instead and¡ª"


    "No, no!" Shu Xian shook her head profusely to decline. "I keep telling you¡­ your family already answered my few years of stay when I was in high school. I can''t take more advantage any longer."


    Shi Lian then scoffed, finding Shu Xian''s answer ridiculous.


    "Then, you''re going to take advantage of Pan An''s?"


    Shu Xian rolled her eyes, finding her reply witty.


    "You may think that¡ªbut I offered my services," she answered, sighing at the same time as she remembered the other event that happened today. "Other than that, Pan An asked me to have a fake rtionship with him because of his mother."


    "What!?"


    Shu Xian clicked her tongue again as she felt her ear ringing once more due to Shi Lian''s loud exmation.


    "So you and big brother Pan An pretended to date!?"


    "Yeah¡­ I had no choice¡ªI am staying at his ce for free and we met Ma''am Cai Li hours ago."


    Hearing her best friend''s story, Shi Lian could not help butugh out loud. Shu Xian''s face reddened by the second because of Shi Lian''s giggling, making Shu Xian feel embarrassed.


    "So, what else have you learned about Pan An? What happened so far?"


    Shu Xian''s expression suddenly turned serious. She remembered the events that had transpired hours ago, making her think of her curiosity about Pan An.


    She remembered what he said about his family during their drive going to the restaurant.


    She remembered what Ma''am Cai Li had told her before they went home. She then also remembered how Pan An acted, a name "Ruo Xi"ing out of his mouth.


    "Shu Xian?"


    With Shi Lian snapping Shu Xian out of her thoughts, the girl shook her head as she asked her a question, making Shi Lian silent for a few seconds before she answered.


    "Who is Ruo Xi?"


    A sigh was heard at the other end of the call. Shu Xian didn''t know, but with her waiting for Shi Lian to answer, she held her breath until her best friend spoke, surprising Shu Xian with an answer that she did not expect.


    "Miss Ruo Xi is Pan An''s ex-fianc¨¦e."

 Chapter 22 - Wang Lei

    "Miss Ruo Xi is Pan An''s ex-fianc¨¦e."


    When Shu Xian heard this, she instantly became quiet. The moment Shi Lian told her who Ruo Xi was, it was then that Shu Xian put the pieces together.


    She remembered what Pan An''s mother, Cai Li, had said. She told Shu Xian that ever since the person he loved went away, he was no longer that happy¡ªrather, he forced himself to look happy.


    With how mncholic Pan An even looked a while ago when he was alone in his room, Shu Xian recalled how Pan An said Ruo Xi''s name, sadness and pain obviously etched in his voice.


    If Ruo Xi is Pan An''s ex-fianc¨¦e, then it would mean that something serious had happened between them to make Pan An act this way.


    "Shu Xian?"


    The youngdy snapped out of her thoughts when she heard Shi Lian said her name.


    "What''s wrong? Why were you asking about Ruo Xi?"


    "Well..."


    Shu Xian trailed off, heaving a small sigh before she answered.


    "He said her name a while ago. He sounded sad, too. Do you know what could have happened between them?"


    "No," Shi Lian answered truthfully, "but my older brother might."


    "Your older brother," Shu Xian cocked her head to the side, "I rarely see him. What''s his name again?"


    "Wang Lei."


    "Oh, yeah! Big brother Wang Lei."


    "Yeah, Wang Lei¡­"


    Shu Xian could sense the sarcasm in Shi Lian''s voice as she talked about her older brother.


    "My perfect older brother, that womanizer, that happy-go-lucky guy¡­"


    Shu Xian couldn''t help butugh. She shook her head as she spoke, "He seems to be a funny guy to be with."


    "Yeah," Shi Lian agreed, giggling as well. "Other than those traits, what I love about big brother is that he is fun to be with."


    "Well," Shu Xian nodded, doing an Indian seat on her bed. "The humor runs in the family," she added, Shi Lian, nodding even though Shu Xian couldn''t see her.


    "He''s here. I may ask him about it."


    "Alright."


    "Wang Lei!!!"


    When Shi Lian shouted, Shu Xian winced once more for the third or fourth time. Shi Lian just couldn''t help but shout if she''s surprised or if she wants to call someone''s attention!


    "What!?"


    "Come here for a second!"


    "For what!?"


    "My best friend Shu Xian is living with Pan An!"


    "WHAT!?"


    Shu Xian now had her phone on loud speaker. She couldn''t help butugh out loud when she heard the siblings shouting as they talked to each other, making her think that the two really have a lot inmon.


    Being loud is one of them, other than being humorous.


    "What is it about your best friend living with Pan An?"


    Now Wang Lei''s voice was closer, making Shu Xian hear him clearer.


    "Hey, big brother Wang Lei."


    "Hey, Shu Xian!" A cheery voice sounded as he greeted his sister''s best friend. "We rarely see each other every time you visit my sister. But I thank you for putting up with Shi Lian''s crazy antics!"


    "Oh, whatever, big brother," Shi Lian scoffed, "Shut up and focus at the issue at hand."


    "Oh, right¡­"


    Shu Xian was stifling herugh. Soon after, Wang Lei spoke again, getting her attention.


    "So, you live with Pan An? How did that happen?"


    "Well..."


    Shu Xian trailed off, feelingfortable of talking to Wang Lei even though she just talked to him just now. Maybe because he shares the same aura Shi Lian has.


    "A lot has happened," she added, the two girls telling Wang Lei in brief what had happened.


    As the two told him of what happened yesterday and today, even Wang Lei could not help but give his reaction¡ªsurprise more evident as he found her ups and downs unusual for it to happen in just two days.


    "Wow!" Wang Lei eximed, "I have to admit you were lucky that Pan An was around because if he wasn''t, who knows what might happen to you."


    "That''s right!" Shi Lian chimed in, "You should have told me earlier that you were kicked out so you won''t have to go to the park!"


    "Shi Lian..." Shu Xian groaned a little, "I told you I didn''t want to bother your vacation with your family! And it''s cool, alright? Like you guys have said: Pan An has saved the day!"


    "But still, though," Wang Lei said, getting the attention of the two girls. "It is rare for these things to happen in one''s life. If he wasn''t around, who knows."


    "I know¡­" Shu Xian''s lips turned into a tight line. "Which is why I am thanking him by doing the work here at the house. He''s letting me stay here. Other than that, I have this fake rtionship with him so we could keep his mother at bay, like he said."


    "Hmm¡­" Wang Lei''s voice sounded serious. "It''s rare for Pan An to make these decisions out of whim," hemented, Shu Xian''s eyebrows furrowing in confusion.


    "Why?"


    "Well, for starters about Pan An," Wang Lei started, "he is the kind of man who thinks things through before making an act on it," he added, Shi Lian, asking her older brother a question.


    "Then, why act this way towards Shu Xian? And with him saying Miss Ruo Xi''s name? Hasn''t he gotten over her?"


    The two girls heard Wang Lei sigh. The two of them silenced as they waited for him to speak, expectant of what he will say.


    "Apparently, he hasn''t. With these happening, I could say something may be amiss, but I have to meet with my friend and have a talk with him," he answered, Shu Xian''s head cocking to the side.


    "Big brother Wang Lei¡­ do you think that staying in his house is¡­ advisable?"


    "Oh! You don''t have to worry," Wang Lei immediately replied, "Pan An is kind and he really helps if he wants to."


    "Oh, I see..."


    Shu Xian nodded, a thought passing her mind as she asked the question to Wang Lei, Pan An''s best friend.


    "If I may ask¡­ why did Pan An decide to be a professor when he is the son of the one who owns Invicta Corporation?"


    "Well, pretty simple."


    Wang Lei said, his answer making the girls find Pan An more mysterious and at the same time confusing.


    "He hates the concept of inheritance and wants to decide for himself."

 Chapter 23 - Screamed For Its Release

    With Wang Lei telling Shu Xian what she has to know, Shu Xian still felt uneasy of staying under Professor Pan An''s roof.


    With everything happening so suddenly, she knew that she had no choice, especially if she is desperate to make both ends meet.


    She wouldn''t want to take advantage of Shi Lian''s friendship¡ªshe didn''t want to take advantage of the kindness of her parents.


    They have already let her stay when she was in high school for a few years, making her earn money while she stayed so she could afford an apartment of her own.


    And of course, even though she stayed there, the helpers of their house would look down on Shu Xian for staying there like a free loader.


    She could choose to tell her best friend Shi Lian of their treatment while she stayed there, however, she chose to keep her mouth shut.


    It would mean that the workers would lose their job, and it would mean more negative impression of her¡ªmaking the workers think that she told them because she is Shi Lian''s friend.


    Other than that, what Shu Xian didn''t want is to be involved if there were issues. Instead, the moment she was sure that she earned money, she went away and had decided to live in an apartment.


    The parents of Shi Lian found Shu Xian mature and admirable¡ªmaking them want their daughter Shi Lian to learn a thing or two from her when ites to being responsible and being independent.


    Even though Shi Lian''s family had praised her for having such traits, what Shu Xian found admirable in their family was that there was no prejudice when they knew that Shu Xian didn''t know much about her family background and when they knew that she had nothing at par with them.


    It is rare for rich families to treat those people like Shu Xian as an equal.


    Sighing, Shu Xian stood up from her bed, making way towards her personal bathroom to brush her teeth.


    She had organized some of her things in the bathroom, slowly making it hers even though some things inside indicated that there was someone who stayed in the room before her.


    While Shu Xian was brushing her teeth, she stared at the things in front of her. There was perfume and even some make up present before her. It made her think if these things were owned by Miss Ruo Xi, Pan An''s ex-fianc¨¦e.


    ''Oh, well¡­''


    Shu Xian shrugged as she spat out the water and toothpaste in her mouth. She then did one final gargle, making her sh her teeth before the mirror to check if she had brushed every corner.


    Feeling satisfied, she then went out of the bathroom, gasping when she saw an unexpected visitor inside her room.


    "P-Pan An!"


    Shu Xian eximed rather loudly, waking up her dog for a few seconds before Wan Wan drifted back to sleep.


    Pan An was standing by the bed, leaning on the vanity mirror beside it as his arms were crossed in front of his chest.


    "Wh-why are you here?" Shu Xian asked, looking at the small clock present in the room, by the other side of the bed on a side table. "It''s almost midnight," she added, Pan An, shifting back to the personality that he always had in the university.


    "I knew you''re still awake," he started, his eyes locked with Shu Xian''s. "You were talking with Wang Lei and his sister, were you not?"


    Shu Xian''s eyes widened, not expecting for Pan An to know what she was doing. At the same time, she felt that her privacy had been vited, making her furrow her brows, feeling ufortable.


    "Yes¡­ I apologize if I was too loud, buting here in this room at this time of night while knowing that you know who I was talking to is sort of prying into my privacy."


    When Pan An heard this, he scoffed as he stood up straight, walking slowly towards Shu Xian. Her body then stiffened, but she tried her best to mask her fear as she held her head high, raising a brow at him with every step he took.


    "Very nice of you for reminding me of your privacy, Shu Xian," he said, a smug grin appearing on his face as he tipped Shu Xian''s chin up with his index finger. "But remember that I have provided you a ce to stay."


    Shu Xian rolled her eyes at the professor and replied, "Still. You gave this to me. It is the little privacy and safe haven I could have."


    However, as Professor Pan An continued to stand before Shu Xian, the youngdy scrunched her nose, her eyebrows, creasing together as she smelled a waft of alcohol lingering under her noseing from the man before her.


    "Did you drink?"


    "Yes."


    "Why did you drink when you were already inside your room?"


    Shu Xian raised a brow at him, pulling her head away from his touch.


    "And you have an early ss tomorrow," she added, Pan An''s eyes, reflecting sadness as it continued to stare into Shu Xian''s eyes.


    "I can''t help it," he answered, a forced out smile appearing on his face. "I can''t forget her," he added, walking away from Shu Xian as he sat on her bed, both of his hands covering his face.


    Shu Xian continued to look at Pan An. For some reason, she felt bad about him feeling this way so she slowly approached him, putting a hand on his shoulder to get his attention.


    "This ''her'' that you were talking about," she mumbled, enough for the professor to hear. "Is it¡­ Ruo Xi, the woman you mumbled in your room¡ª"


    But before Shu Xian could even finish her sentence, she was taken aback when Pan An quickly caught her by the wrist.


    It all happened so quickly when Shu Xian was pulled towards the bed, her lying down on her pillow as Pan An smoothly went on top of her, shushing her¡ªsurprising her¡ªwith how harsh the tone of his voice was.


    "You are not to speak of that name in my presence. Do you understand!?"


    "I-I''m sorry!" Shu Xian immediately apologized, her body slightly trembling in fear under him. "I won''t, I¡ª"


    But Shu Xian was interrupted once more the moment Pan An''s lips had crashed forcefully on her, Shu Xian''s heart about to burst inside her chest as it screamed for its release.

 Chapter 24 - I. Am. Not. Ruo Xi!

    "You are not to speak of that name in my presence. Do you understand!?"


    "I-I''m sorry!" Shu Xian immediately apologized, her body slightly trembling in fear under him. "I won''t, I¡ª"


    Shu Xian was interrupted when Pan An''s lips had crashed forcefully on her, Shu Xian''s heart about to burst inside her chest as it screamed for its release.


    "Mmf!"


    Shu Xian put both of her hands on Pan An''s chiseled chest, pushing him with all her might but s, Pan An was too powerful for the youngdy under him.


    Shu Xian tasted the alcohol Pan An had drunk. Shu Xian whimpered against his mouth when she felt his tongue licking her bottom lip, as if asking for entrance.


    ''Why? Why are you acting this way?''


    However, Shu Xian found her body reacting differently. She slightly opened her mouth, her mind in shock when she felt Pan An''s tongue delving inside her mouth, intertwining with hers.


    ''What is this I''m feeling?''


    Pan An''s eyes were closed, Shu Xian''s eyes observing him as she continued to watch how he was acting.


    The man before her started to be gentle. His kiss slowed down, Shu Xian, actually liking the sensation as she wrapped both of her arms around Pan An''s neck.


    She then closed her eyes, already following the movement of the kiss with ease even though it is her first time having a passionate one.


    ''Why am I acting naturally? Why am I feeling this way?''


    Pan An''s movements were suave, his hand running through Shu Xian''s hair, holding her head in ce as he continued to kiss her with so much want and desire.


    Their bodies were closer together, Shu Xian''s heart beating in her chest. Somehow, even in this heated moment, Shu Xian found herself liking this moment with a stranger who''s not actually really a stranger.


    She knew that this is sudden and that it is wrong, but still, why is her body not reacting negatively to it unlike seconds ago that she wanted him off of her?


    ''Why¡­ why am I allowing him to do so?''


    It was as if Shu Xian felt every beat of her heart. It was like a rock band''s drummer had been hitting it hard and sessively¡ªmaking Shu Xian feel embarrassed that Pan An might hear or feel the beating of her heart in this quiet, dimmed room.


    Suddenly, Shu Xian felt the difficulty to breathe. When she moved her head away, making her break away from their kiss, she felt her face heating up, obviously her cheeks flushed red in natural blush.


    Pan An looked at the woman below him, his eyes focused as the shy expression of the woman under him was inviting.


    "P-Pan An!? What are you¡ªmm!"


    Without saying a word of warning, Pan An bent down, Shu Xian''s body, stiffening as she felt his head resting on her shoulder. His breath was fanning over the skin of her neck as he breathed.


    "P-Pan An," Shu Xian called out to his name cautiously, finding this situation embarrassing and at the same time, awkward. "You''re drunk. You have to¡ªa-ah!"


    Pan An licked Shu Xian''s neck once, followed by him leaving soft kisses. Shu Xian covered her mouth with her free hand, her eyebrows furrowed as she found the experience scary, and at the same time¡­


    Pleasurable.


    Pan An had his arm wrapped around Shu Xian''s waist, like a predator not letting go if its prey. He continued to nt soft kisses on Shu Xian''s body, the girl, stifling her soft moans in embarrassment.


    ''Why does this¡­ feel so good?''


    However, what she felt made her body stiffen in surprise as it was a foreign feeling to her.


    "Mmm¡­ P-Pan An? W-wait!"


    Suddenly, Shu Xian felt Pan An''s hand inside her shirt. Her body started to feel tingling sensations as his warm hand slowly traveled up, Shu Xian, panicking as she abruptly held his arm to stop him.


    "P-Pan An, stop¡ª!"


    "Ruo Xi¡­ you don''t want me anymore?"


    When Shu Xian heard what Pan An had said, mentioning the name of his ex-fianc¨¦e as well, she suddenly looked down to look at him.


    Pan An''s eyes were closed, his head now resting on Shu Xian''s chest as some tears escaped from his eyes.


    The smell of alcohol still came from him, Shu Xian, watching him as he started mumbling to himself, enough for thedy to hear.


    "Ruo Xi¡­ why? Why must you leave me without saying a single word?"


    Shu Xian felt the hurt and pain in Pan An''s voice. Her heart started to ache as well as she realized that Pan An had mistaken her for being Ruo Xi, when he was aware that she was Shu Xian a moment ago.


    ''So this Ruo Xi¡­ she left him?''


    "Ruo Xi¡­ Ruo Xi¡­"


    When Pan An''s arm tightened around Shu Xian''s waist, she was snapped out of her thoughts. Tears continued escaping from his eyes, making Shu Xian''s shirt wet as he continued mumbling his woes to himself.


    "Don''t leave me, Ruo Xi¡­ I love you so much. I really do¡­"


    Shu Xian found herself pissed off right of the bat! She gritted her teeth and spoke under her breath, obviously annoyed.


    "Pan An¡­ I. Am. Not. Ruo Xi!"


    Shu Xian''s eyebrow started twitching. She felt annoyance surge in her body as she red at the head of the professor on her chest, wanting to punch him at the same time.


    ''How rude! Why the hell did I feel good on the spur of the moment when she imagined me as his ex-fianc¨¦e!? Tsk! My ego is hurt!''


    As Shu Xian attempted to push Pan An''s arms away, he tightened his hold around her once more, with no intentions of leaving her even though he''s drunk.


    With his strong feelings for Ruo Xi, and with him imagining that Shu Xian is her, how could this drunk Pan An let her go!?


    "Don''t¡­" Pan An, said, Shu Xian narrowing her eyes at him as she prepared her fist to punch his head.


    "Why, you little¡ª"


    "Before you go¡­ allow me to hug you onest time¡­ please."


    When Pan An said hisst statement, Shu Xian didn''t dare tond her punch on his head. With his sadness evident on his voice, Shu Xian suddenly felt guilty of wanting to hit a sad, drunken man even though she really wanted tond the hit on him.


    ''Stupid professor.''


    Shu Xian then brushed his bangs away from his face with her hand. The moment she saw his face, her eyes widened in disbelief, already finding it impossible for Pan An to leave her alone in the room.


    ''You got to be kidding me! He''s sleeping already!?''

 Chapter 25 - Not Only Barged Yourself In The Room

    "Damn¡­"


    Pan An slowly opened his eyes. His head was throbbing¡ªthe aftermath of the hang over he hadst night when he abruptly drank one bottle of wine when he was just in his room.


    Pan An blinked his eyes a few times. ''Where am I?'' he thought as his eyes scanned the room, his eyebrows slowly creasing when he noticed that he was in a different room.


    ''This¡­ Shu Xian?''


    When Pan An suddenly remembered that Shu Xian now owns this vacant room, he abruptly sat up, making him groan once more when he suddenly felt the rush¡ªhis headache, worsening by the second.


    It was as if someone was striking the gong hard!


    "Arf arf!"


    Wan Wan barked, making Pan An look to his side to see the white, fluffy dog. It put its paws on the side of the bed as it started licking the professor''s face, a faint smile appearing on his face.


    "Wan Wan," Pan An said her name as he gave her a pat on the head. "Where is Shu Xian?"


    Pan An found it slightly foolish to talk Wan Wan as if it was a human. The dog just barked at him as it ran off from the room, Pan An nkly staring at the wall clock present in the room.


    ''6 AM¡­ even when drunk, my body clock didn''t betray me¡­''


    Pan An''s mind started to wander off. He recalled what could have happenedst night.


    He wondered why he was in Shu Xian''s room. Thest memory he could recall was that he drank the bottle of wine quicker than he could, making him drunk in an instant.


    Ovee with his memory of Ruo Xi as well, Pan An knew that he could get drunk in an instant other than drinking the wine bottle in one down.


    It was always like this with him. Every time he drinks when he''s down, he would always get drunk in a jiffy.


    "Shit!"


    Pan An eximed rather loudly. He knew well that this is now Shu Xian''s room and that this is her third day staying at his home.


    If he was drunkst night and he let his emotions run loose, could it be that he went here without him knowing?


    Damn¡ªhe couldn''t even recall what had happenedst night!


    "Shit¡­"


    Pan An frustratingly ran his hand through his hair, his head, throbbing as he forced himself to remember what had happened before he passed out.


    "What happened? Where''s Shu Xian?"


    With him feeling uneasy with the thought of being in Shu Xian''s room, Pan An couldn''t help but stand up from the bed. He didn''t care that his head was aching even though it seemed like with every step he took it was like a button for his brain to throb.


    ''Shit, shit shit¡­ I really don''t remember anything!''


    Pan An stopped in his tracks by the doorframe. He pinched the bridge of his nose as he felt his stomach churning, seemingly about to throw up at any second if he continued to move quickly.


    The smell of garlic and onions being fried wafted in the room, Pan An snapping away from his thoughts. Even though it smelled delicious as he could deduce that maybe Shu Xian was cooking omelet, he did not like the thought of eating.


    He feared that he may just have to throw them up after he ate the dish.


    "Arf arf!"


    Wan Wan came as if to get Pan An. The dog started prancing her paws right in front of him, acting cute as it bobbed its head to the side.


    Pan An probably knew what the dog meant. It was a gesture for her to call him to a meal that Shu Xian was preparing.


    Pan An then slowly walked towards the kitchen. As he did, he saw the youngdy''s back, the figure oddly calming him the moment his eyesnded on her back.


    Shu Xian had her hair in a messy bun. She was already wearing her casual clothes, in preparation to go to the university.


    She held adle, getting soup from the pot on the stove. She then served the soup in a bowl, making her slowly turn her body to ce it on the table.


    "Oh!"


    Shu Xian''s eyes slightly widened, seeing Professor Pan An already in the kitchen.


    "You''re awake," shemented, a little hint of awkwardness etched in her voice.


    "En."


    Pan An started to feel uneasy. He awkwardly sat on a vacant seat, his eyes settling on the egg fried rice that was in the middle of the table.


    ''I thought she was cooking omelet¡­''


    Shu Xian walked carefully towards Pan An''s side. She then served him cream of mushroom soup, the professor blinking his eyes a few times as he did not expect to have a different breakfast meal from hers.


    "This¡­ you didn''t have to go through the trouble¡ª"


    "Oh, it''s fine," Shu Xian interrupted, removing the apron as she hung it on the hook found on the kitchen''s wall. "With how drunk you werest night, how could you not have a hang over now?"


    When Shu Xian said this, Pan An''s body stiffened. He slowly turned his head to look at her, his eyes showing embarrassment as he tried his best to mask his shyness by trying hard to change the tone of his voice to something firm.


    "Y-you¡­"


    But when he stammered, his efforts were blown away. Even the pitch of his voice went slightly higher¡ªmaking Shu Xian raise a brow at him in shock!


    Pan An cleared his throat, wanting the ground to swallow him up already.


    "Sorry¡­ I didn''t expect to barge myself in your room," he mumbled, but it was enough for Shu Xian to hear.


    "Yeah," the youngdy replied, her eyes narrowing as what she said next made Pan An drop the spoon on the table, its sound, ringing in his ear as he felt his face heat up in sheer embarrassment.


    "You not only barged yourself in the room you offered to me¡­ but you almost barged yourself in my body, too."

 Chapter 26 - Listen To My Demands

    "You not only barged yourself in the room you offered to me¡­ but you almost barged yourself in my body, too."


    Pan An felt like he was kicked in the face by a horse¡ªthe impact of it making his head throb more than he was already feeling with the hang over that he was having!


    His lips turned into a tight line, not knowing what to say.


    Shu Xian averted her gaze from him, already serving herself the egg fried rice that she made for breakfast. She put seaweed kes on top of her serving, her hands slightly shaking as she remembered what had happenedst night.


    ''This damned drunk professor! Why can''t I put up a brave front in front of him when I should be angry at what he did to mest night!?''


    "Shu Xian¡­"


    "Y-yes?"


    When Pan An suddenly called out to her, Shu Xian could not help but stammer as she replied. With what had happenedst night even though Pan An had mistaken her for someone else, Shu Xian still felt the mixed feelings she had of both anger and embarrassment.


    "Did I¡ªwhat you said..."


    Pan An trailed off, Shu Xian, calming down as she tried her best to muster up her bravery once more to mask her difort.


    "Was it true?"


    "Yes."


    Shu Xian truthfully answered his question. Pan An sighed as he shook his head disappointingly at himself, feeling bad that he invaded Shu Xian''s room.


    But at the same time, he felt d that he could not remember what had happenedst night. Knowing what he had done was already embarrassing enough. What more if he remembered what he exactly did to her?


    "I''m sorry," Pan An immediately apologized, wanting to snap away from his thoughts as he started to feel embarrassed by the second. "Whatever happenedst night, I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to¡ªI was drunk."


    "Well," Shu Xian scoffed, "Obviously."


    She put down her spoon for a while, cocking her head to the side as she propped a hand on the table for her cheek to rest on her fist, a smug grin appearing on her face as well.


    "But you think I would let this slide?"


    Pan An furrowed his brows, "What?"


    Shu Xian grabbed Pan An by the necktie that he worest night. Pan An''s eyes widened when he was slightly pulled towards her, his face an inch away from hers.


    He felt her breath fan over his lips, her eyes locked with his. He didn''t know why, but his heart started to race when Shu Xian''s eyes seemed to scan every inch of his face, making him feel uneasy with the attention she was giving him.


    "Because you almost invaded my bodyst night, I want apensation."


    "What?"


    Pan An didn''t expect what she said. When he held her hand since he wanted to pull away from her, Shu Xian instead tightened her grip on his neck tie, not allowing him to move as she pulled him closer to her, their forehead against each other.


    "Zip it!"


    Her voice sounded firm, surprising Pan An as he did not expect Shu Xian to have this strong side to her.


    "Imagine the sleepless night I got because of your drunk antics! I thought until sunrise toe up for this proposal!"


    "Proposal?"


    Pan An scoffed, a smile of disbelief showing on his face as he pulled away from Shu Xian''s hold, crossing his arms in front of his chest as he raised a brow at her as if challenging her.


    "What kind of proposal is this?" The professor narrowed his eyes at her, "And if you''re doing this to ckmail me, then you are going to regret¡ª"


    Before Pan An could even finish his sentence, Shu Xian shed her phone in front of the professor. It showed the call history she had with her mother at around 2 in the morning, Pan An''s eyes, widening in shock, his jaw almost dropping on the floor.


    "Y-you¡­ you talked to mother?"


    Shu Xian nodded, putting her phone down for a moment.


    "Yup! She unexpectedly calledst night after you drifted off to sleep."


    Pan An''s eyebrows creased, "What did you two talk about?"


    Shu Xian shrugged, feigning ignorance as she cocked her head to the side. She even winked her eye at him as she said,


    "It''s a secret between me and ''mother-inw.''"


    Pan An closed his eyes as he clicked his tongue once. An annoyed smile appeared on his face as he puffed his cheeks in frustration, letting out the air slowly out of his mouth with each passing second as Shu Xian smiled triumphantly, picking up her spoon as she continued eating her bowl of egg fried rice.


    Knowing his mother, Cai Li, she would have talked to Shu Xian about something personal¡ªor worse¡ªwould even ask a favor from her when ites to taking care of him or getting information from him!


    He knew that his mom could pry into his privacy especially now that he imed to have a girlfriend whom he''s living with now! With her wanting to be close to Shu Xian, who knows what Cai Li could have said.


    And in the middle of the night, too? That is something unusual for his mother to do since Pan An knew that his mother respected privacy and sleep!


    What could they be talking about?


    Pan An felt a vein bulging in his head. With the hangover going on as well, he couldn''t help but think that the vein will pop at any second with all the guessing games he had been doing since the moment he woke up!


    "Shu Xian¡­"


    Pan An called out her name, Shu Xian, looking at him as she continued to chew her food.


    "You better tell me what you have talked about with my mother or else I''ll kick you out."


    Shu Xian didn''t reply for a while. She was still chewing her food so she put up her index finger, gesturing Pan An to wait until she swallowed her food.


    She got the pitcher of water in front of her, serving herself a ss of water. She drank half of it, swallowing her food at the same time.


    Shu Xian then cleared her throat, already replying to him with an answer Pan An wasn''t expecting.


    "Last night, you mistook me for Miss Ruo Xi, whoever that person is. You then crashed your lips on mine and had mistaken me for her, your hands¡ª"


    "Stop, stop, stop! That''s not the answer to my question!"


    Pan An immediately shut his eyes as he felt that Shu Xian knew a part of his life that he desperately wanted to let go. With his reaction, Shu Xian couldn''t help but smirk as she got her spoon again, mixing her bowl to get better chances of eating the egg and the seaweed.


    "If you don''t want me to tell you in detail what had happenedst night, and if you don''t want me to rat you out to your mother that this was all fake¡­"


    Shu Xian put the bowl down, her spoon at the side as well as she propped a hand under her chin. A cheeky grin appeared on her face as she spoke, Pan An''s eyebrow, twitching with how shameless she could be!


    "Listen to my demands, Professor Pan An."

 Chapter 27 - Fine

    "Listen to my demands, Professor Pan An."


    When Pan An heard this, he couldn''t help but sigh as he frustratingly ran his hand through his hair, disheveling it.


    However, even with the unkempt look, Shu Xian still found him attractive...


    "Fine," Pan An heavily agreed as he gritted his teeth, showing his frustration. "What is this deal?"


    "Great!"


    Shu Xian then put down her spoon for a while as she turned her body to look at Pan An who was sitting beside her. She then crossed her arms in front of her chest as she looked at the professor with determined eyes.


    "You see, there is a schrship wherein I couldn''t apply for in the university. I wanted to be a student assistant and maybe with you being a professor and with your connections, you could make it happen?"


    Pan An raised a brow at her, "Why can''t you apply for it? All you need is to submit the requirements and the part where it would ask you the monthly ie of your¡ªoh¡­"


    "Yup."


    Shu Xian nodded, both of them knowing what the dilemma is when applying for student assistant schrship.


    "''Oh'' is right," she added, Pan An, sighing as he contemted for a while.


    Being a student assistant in the university requires a lot of effort and time. It is usually offered to students who are having financial problems when ites to paying their tuition.


    For those applying to be a student assistant, they would have to lessen the units they spend in the university. Other than that, they would have to work in their designated area¡ªdepending on which job they applied for.


    A student assistant can either work in the library, canteen, school grounds, or even in the offices. But those jobs also depend on the marks that a student will get based on the interview and the marks he or she will get from the exams.


    The requirements for applying to be a student assistant is the same. However, they added to require an ie statement of the family, revealing how much sry they get in a month so they could see if the student is fit to be a student assistant or not.


    They require this because the university will fully pay for the student''s tuition. Other than that, they would also provide monthly allowance for him or her.


    Being a student assistant in a university also adds up to the resume since it can also be considered as a job. Working while studying can be a plus point for somepanies who are looking for their employees.


    "I really want to be a student assistant in the university. But given the process, I wouldn''t want to go through personal interviews and I wouldn''t want to go through the trouble of looking for an ie statement since, you know... I ran away from my stupid uncle."


    With Shu Xian expressing her thoughts and frustrations, Pan An snapped out of his thoughts. He looked at Shu Xian with a serious expression etched on his face, narrowing his eyes at her at the same time as he spoke his reply.


    "And you want me to do this for you because you''re doing me a favor of faking this rtionship so my mother won''t match me up again?"


    Shu Xian nodded, "Correct!"


    A smug grin appeared on Pan An''s face, "Then what if I told you that I would want to push through with the matchmaking and I want you out of the house? What would you do then?"


    "Oh!"


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times, cocking her head to the side as what Pan An said had no effect on her.


    "Are you really willing to do that?"


    "What?"


    Pan An felt that her reaction and reply was different to what he expected. He thought that Shu Xian would be scared¡ªwanting to not push through with her asking a request from him.


    With her being this way, what had made her confident to act this way?


    "Are you¡­ up to something?"


    "Oh, no, no!"


    Shu Xianughed as she shook her head, her eyes having a cunning glint to it as she looked at Professor Pan An''s face.


    "It''s just that ''mother-inw'' has asked me to watch over you and that she said she''ll pick me up this weekend to have a private dinner."


    "She¡­ what!?"


    Pan An''s eyes widened and with his sudden outburst, the spoon that he held for his soup fell on the floor, surprising the dog as it cocked her head to the side in wonder.


    "You will not be having a private dinner with her!"


    With this thought, Pan An could not help but interject. Knowing his mother, he knew that he might tell a lot of information about him to Shu Xian!


    With the youngdy still a stranger in his life, and with him only helping her because she needed it, he wouldn''t want everything to be too personal with Shu Xian.


    "I wille with you to dinner. You will not be left alone with my¡ª"


    "Oh, but ''mother-inw'' said that she will ward you off and only wants me to herself! It''s a talk required only between me and her, she said."


    Pan An rolled his eyes at her, "Will you please stop calling her mother-inw?" He then narrowed his eyes at her in suspicion. "And then she said she wanted to be alone to dinner with you?"


    "Yup!" Shu Xian nodded, drinking her half consumed water. "She said we would be eating out of the city. But don''t worry, your personal butler will take me home here, she says."


    Pan An furrowed his brows. He could not understand why his mother wanted to have a dinner alone with Shu Xian when she just met her. Other than that, when he was together with Ruo Xi, his mother even didn''t meet her when he started dating her.


    Cai Li never liked Ruo Xi. So with Shu Xian now, what could be the difference?


    With his prevailing headache due to the hangover still there and with the number of questions running in his mind, Pan An exasperatedly sighed out loud, shaking his head as if giving up before he gave his reply to the youngdy beside him.


    "Fine," he said, Shu Xian''s eyes twinkling as she knew what he meant. "I''ll help you get a hand on that student assistant schrship."

 Chapter 28 - It Wouldnt Be Much

    [This chapter is dedicated to Queenebunoluwa15 for being my reader in The Soul Eater''s Possession and now here. ^^ Thanks so much for the support!]


    ***


    With Professor Pan An already agreeing to the demands of the youngdy he saved, Shu Xian eximed excitedly as she pped her hands, her eyes, twinkling as if it were stars in a night sky.


    "Thank you, Pan An! You won''t go back on your word, right?"


    "I won''t¡­" Pan An rolled his eyes at her, "It is one thing that I don''t like. Once I agreed with it already, I won''t back down."


    "Alright!"


    Shu Xian then quickly stood up, got another spoon and gave it to Pan An.


    "Now eat your soup¡ªyou''re about to go to the university, right? Don''t forget to vouch for me!"


    Pan An narrowed his eyes at her, getting the spoon from her as he ate the mushroom soup Shu Xian had prepared for him.


    "Cheeky¡­ you better tell me what you and mother had talked about during that dinner if she wanted to talk to you privately," he said, Shu Xian, nodding as she continued eating her bowl of egg fried rice.


    "Okay. But if it is something private¡ªonly between me and her, I won''t tell."


    Hearing this, Pan An scoffed.


    "What? You have to tell me even though it was serious and only between you and her!"


    Shu Xian furrowed her brows, ufortable of the thought.


    "I have to be honest¡ªI don''t like the idea. With Ma''am Cai Li calling in the middle of the night with such a serious tone in asking me out on a dinner without you around, I don''t know¡­"


    Pan An narrowed his eyes at her once more, "Do you think you can befortable being with my mother alone after only meeting her once?"


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times. With Pan An now asking this from her, it had only urred to her now that she did not think of this through.


    ''He''s right¡­ would I be okay?''


    Shu Xian was quiet for a while. She remembered the phone call she had with his mother, remembering how sad and serious the tone of her voice was¡ªwhich made it difficult for her to refuse her even though she wanted to respectfully decline.


    She actually wanted to tell Pan An that her mother was almost crying when she called her, but with her favor of telling her to not tell her son about the call with her sad tone of voice, she said she wouldn''t want her son to worry.


    Shu Xian sighed, snapping herself out of her thoughts as a small smile appeared on her face.


    "I''ll be alright. Your mother seems to be nice," she answered, another scoffing from Pan An.


    "You see my mother nice? Let me tell you¡­ the pressure she had always been giving around women who were around me¡ªwhen Ruo Xi¡ª"


    Pan An suddenly stopped when he mentioned his ex-fianc¨¦e''s name. Shu Xian cocked her head to the side, raising a brow at him at the same time as she grew curious of what he was about to say.


    "About¡­"


    Remembering the threat Pan An told her about not mentioning Ruo Xi''s name, only one word came from Shu Xian. She expectantly waited for Pan An to answer, the man only sighing as he shook his head, continuing to eat the mushroom soup prepared for his hangover.


    "Never mind."


    "Oh." Shu Xian''s eyebrows slightly creased, "Alright then¡­ but I was wondering what you were meaning to say about what your mother was giving to the women around you," she added, removing the Ruo Xi part so she would not irritate him.


    Although, she was now curious than ever about Ruo Xi¡ªmaking her want to ask more about her from Wang Lei, Pan An''s best friend.


    Prying into other people''s lives was something Shu Xian didn''t like. However, with him being involved with a mysterious man such as Pan An, she couldn''t help but be drawn towards him and what she could possibly have in store by being involved in such a deal with him¡ªbeing his fake lover.


    "Well..." Pan An trailed off, snapping Shu Xian out of her thoughts. "My mother¡ªeven though I was not interested in dating before, she knew I had a lot of suitors. She would usually have set up blind dates by the women''s parents and every time it would happen, she would not hesitate to show them of her disapproval."


    "Oh! Like¡­ a typical, cruel, future-mother-inw?" she jokinglymented, Pan An, not minding it as a little chuckle sounded from him.


    "Yes. And believe me, I appreciated her doing that before when I was younger. Until I met¡­"


    He did not continue his sentence and his smile slowly faded away.


    With that, it was enough for Shu Xian to understand that he met Ruo Xi afterward.


    But would his hesitation mean that even Cai Li was cruel to his son''s ex-fianc¨¦e, knowing that she was the first girl he was serious about?


    "Anyway, I met someone andpared to the hatred my mother showed to the ones I wasn''t involved much with, she showed this much hatred to this woman who I was first serious with."


    ''Ah,'' Shu Xian thought, ''I knew it¡ªI was right.''


    Pan An then turned his head to the side to look at Shu Xian who was seated beside him. A small smile then appeared on his face, asking Shu Xian a question that he also asked a moment ago.


    "Do you think you can befortable being alone with my mother?"


    Shu Xian was quiet for a while.


    Pan An did not go into much detail about what she did to the previous women who were setting themselves up with Pan An. He did not go into much detail of how she treated Ruo Xi, but somehow, Shu Xian could not grasp the fear of being alone with Cai Li.


    Shu Xian shrugged, "No."


    Pan An raised a brow at her, "No?"


    "Well..."


    Shu Xian trailed off, her reply, surprising Pan An.


    "I''m different from them. If your mother was clearly the one who reached out to me in such a weing manner, then it would mean that she saw something in me, right?"


    Pan An couldn''t help but slightly chuckle at her reply. He continued eating his soup, Shu Xian, wondering why he reacted that way.


    Pan An then drank the bowl of soup in one go instead, leaving no drop behind as he put the bowl back down on the table.


    "Yes, you may be different," he said, already standing up from the table as he spoke onest time before heading back to his room to groom himself.


    "But with the fake rtionship that we have, it wouldn''t be much of a big difference."

 Chapter 29 - Like Glue

    "But with the fake rtionship that we have, it wouldn''t be much of a big difference."


    After saying this to Shu Xian, Pan An already stood up from the dining table and went to his room to prepare for work. Shu Xian scoffed, rolling her eyes at his retreating figure as she continued eating her breakfast.


    "Whatever," she mumbled to herself, "With my struggle in my finances, I have no choice but to take advantage of this until I am able to leave this ce. It''s not like I have a choice."


    At the same time, Shu Xian heard the doorbell ringing, Wan Wan, barking as her tail wagged in sheer excitement.


    Shu Xian cocked her head to the side, curious. The only person who would excite Wan Wan like this was no other than her friend, Shi Lian.


    Could it be that she is here?


    Pan An stuck his head out of his door, raising a brow at Shu Xian who just stood up from the table to get the door.


    "Are you expecting a visitor? Aren''t you shameless into telling someone''s address when you''re staying here¡ª"


    "Oh, don''t jump into conclusions," Shu Xian interrupted him, rolling her eyes at him at the same time as she walked towards the door with Wan Wan following behind her. "As if I have a lot of friends. If I do, I wouldn''t want them to know that I live here."


    The moment Shu Xian opened the door, she saw one familiar person, and one unfamiliar person outside.


    Her eyes widened in surprise when she was embraced by the person she was familiar with, Shu Xian, blinking her eyes a few times as what she assumed earlier was right.


    It is indeed Shi Lian.


    "I came here as soon as I can! I missed you!"


    Shu Xian didn''t know how to react. She furrowed her brows as she awkwardly returned the embrace of her best friend, Shi Lian. Wan Wan jumped in excitement as she barked at her.


    "You came here¡­ why?"


    At the same time, the man who was with Shi Lian gave her a wink. The moment the two broke away from the embrace, Wang Lei entered the house, the two girls following him. Shu Xian then closed the door of the house and the moment Pan An realized who the visitors are, he couldn''t help but grin.


    "Wang Lei," Pan An acknowledged him, fixing his tie as he stepped out of the room. "You just couldn''t inform me earlier that you''re going to visit me, huh," he added, Wang Lei, giving him a salute.


    "I''d rathere uninvited¡ªmakes things interesting as I always find myself into unexpected events such as you offering your house to a lovelydy such as my sister''s best friend."


    When Shi Lian heard this, she rolled her eyes at her older brother as she crossed her arms in front of her chest.


    "Super flirty as ever, brother," shemented, a small smile appearing on Shu Xian''s face as she felt happy that her best friend is here with her after telling her all that had happened to her in the past two days.


    Shi Lian then turned her body to look at Pan An, smiling at him as she waved her hand towards him to greet him.


    "Nice to meet you, big brother Pan An. Wang Lei told me that you two are great friends. With my best friend living with you temporarily as she fulfills your favor as well, I would have toe with him, knowing that my brother is curious about your whereabouts as well."


    Hearing what Shi Lian said made Pan Anugh out loud as he shook his head. He then looked at Wang Lei, raising a brow at him as he made ament about his sister.


    "It seems that the humor and shamelessness runs in the family. She reminds me of your female version¡ªbut more tolerable."


    With that, Pan An already entered the room, Wang Lei, following him in tow. Both of them closed the door for privacy, Shi Lian, raising a brow as a wild thought crossed in her mind.


    "Do you think both of them are gay for each other to be wanting to close the door, hmm?"


    Shu Xian widened her eyes, not expecting what Shi Lian had said.


    "You and your absurd thoughts! How can Pan An be gay for him when he clearly¡ª"


    Shu Xian immediately stopped mid-sentence, not wanting to tell what had happenedst night as it wouldpletely get the attention of Shi Lian.


    Instead, she cocked her head to the side, beckoning to the kitchen as she wanted to divert the conversation.


    "Do you want to eat? I made some egg fried rice a moment ago and still have some left. If you came here this morning, you and your brother must''ve traveled earlier."


    "Oho¡­"


    Shi Lian narrowed her eyes at her best friend''s back, following her as she made way to the kitchen. Shi Lian then leaned on the kitchen''s doorframe, crossing her arms in front of her chest as a teasing smile appeared on her face.


    "Tell me what happenedst night, Shu Xian."


    Shu Xian''s body froze. One thing that she knew about herself is that she found it difficult to lie¡ªespecially to her best friend, Shi Lian, who can read her like an open book!


    Still, Shu Xian feigned ignorance as she turned her body to look at her, cocking her head to the side as she knitted her brows together as well.


    "What are you talking about? Nothing happenedst night. After the call, I already slept."


    "Really?" Shi Lian scoffed, "You were talking about how Pan An could be gay when you said he clearly did something. What is that?"


    Shu Xian rolled her eyes at her as she frustratingly put egg fried rice on a bowl for Shi Lian.


    "There''s no escaping you, huh?"


    Shi Lian nodded, sitting down on the dining chair as she tapped her fingers on the table, teasing Shu Xian.


    "Oh, you know me! I won''t stop bugging you until you tell me what happened! I''ll stick to you like glue!"

 Chapter 30 - My Sister—

    The moment the door of Pan An''s room closed, Wang Lei threw both of his hands up in the air as Pan An continued to fix his tie.


    "What the hell, man? Why didn''t you tell me that you are letting a woman live in your spare room? Why do I have to learn from my sister that it is actually her best friend that is living under your roof, huh!?"


    Pan An sighed slightly as he looked at himself in the mirror, getting some gel from his table as he put some on his hair to brush them up.


    "If I told you about this, you wouldn''t shut up about it and would bother me nonstop. Especially if it is a girl involved."


    "Well," a cheeky grin appeared on Wang Lei''s face, "You''re right. But¡­ hey! I won''t touch her! She''s too young for my liking to even flirt with!"


    Pan An rolled his eyes at Wang Lei''s reflection on the mirror as he sat on his bed, rxed as he continued talking to Pan An.


    "What are you thinking? I heard that you saved the girl from an assault. Knowing you, you''d rather let her stay temporarily and offer her money so she could find a temporary ce with her pet, or help her go to her friend''s ce. Why this?"


    Pan Anbed his hand through his hair, further fixing his hair to make himself look presentable at work.


    "I pitied her, you know," he honestly answered, turning his body to look at Wang Lei, who was sitting on his bed. "And then, a thought identally crossed in my mind of letting her stay as long as she helps me manage the house and follows my favor."


    Wang Lei couldn''t help but scoff, "You wanted someone to manage the house and do your favors. Why not hire a house helper?"


    Pan An narrowed his eyes at him.


    "You know I don''t like hiring house workers. Remember when I did? My mother knew about it and contacted the house helper, making her update her of my whereabouts. I don''t want that."


    Hearing this, Wang Lei raised a brow at him and crossed his arms in front of his chest.


    "So you think choosing Shu Xian as the person to manage your house is better?"


    Pan An shrugged, "I have no choice. She even pretended to be my girlfriend for me so that I could stop my mother from doing the incessant blind dates."


    A smug grin appeared on Wang Lei''s face, making him look handsome as ever¡ªhis looks an infamous pair to his ybook demeanor.


    "So, you brought her to one of your dinner dates with your mother?"


    Pan An heaved a sigh, "That''s right. She was talking with you and your sister, no? You know as much."


    Hearing this, Wang Lei stood up, looking around his room as he continued talking.


    "You really want to stay lowkey, huh¡­ you really want out of the pressure you''re having from your father."


    When Pan An heard this, he suddenly went silent. Wang Lei then turned his head to look at him seriously, talking about his family¡ªhis father¡ªone of the things Pan An didn''t like talking about.


    "I was in a meeting with your father once since ourpany is affiliated with yours," he said, Pan An, heaving another sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose, his voice somewhat snappy.


    "Not mine¡­ hispany."


    "Right, right," Wang Lei nodded slowly, sarcasm evident in his voice. "Your father''s."


    Pan An got his work bag from the floor, put it on his desk, and checked if all the things he has in the bag are still there. Wang Lei shook his head as he sighed, getting Pan An''s attention as he continued talking about his father.


    "He looks like he is bing weaker," hemented, Pan An, stopping midway in finalizing his things. "You''re the only one who is possible to get his ce."


    Not liking what he is hearing, Pan An turned his body to look at his best friend.


    "My sister¡ª"


    "Your sister is married and can only help so little in Invicta, Pan An. She''s married and she has to manage her husband''spany, too. Remember that."


    With Wang Lei interrupting him and with him scolding him at the same time, Pan An''s hands balled into tight fists.


    "You know I don''t like having this conversation."


    "I know," Wang Lei said, "But this important topic can only be opened up by me and your family. You need to listen and¡ª"


    "Shut up, Wang Lei."


    Pan An turned his body, his eyes piercing cold. It was as if some invisible daggers are pointed at Wang Lei and one wording from him would already signal to stab him.


    "If you continue further, I won''t hesitate to beat you up. I don''t care if Shu Xian is around, or your little sister."


    Wang Lei just continued to stare at Pan An. With both of them only looking at each other, Wang Lei scoffed as a chuckle came from him, already walking towards Pan An then he patted his shoulder two times, heaving a sigh as well.


    "Yeah, yeah, Im sorry, Pan An."


    He sarcastically apologized, already opening the door to see the two girls eating in the kitchen from afar.


    "I''ll try to bring this topic up again in the future," he added, Pan An, rolling his eyes at Wang Lei''s back as he made his way towards the kitchen.


    "Hey, girls!"


    Wang Lei greeted them, Shi Lian, raising a brow at him as he sat down beside her and stole her bowl, tasting the egg fried rice Shu Xian made.


    "Wow!"


    He eximed in amazement, Shu Xian''s lips curling into a sweet smile.


    "Pan An''s lucky! My sister couldn''t even cook this well when she tried making amends with me when we had a fight!"


    Hearing this, Shi Lian stole her bowl away from her brother and stuck out her tongue at him.


    "Shut up! It''s the thought that counts!"


    With his house lively in the morning while he was still having a headache due to his hangover, Pan An groaned, shouting at the same time as he called out to Wang Lei.


    Knowing him, he went here to talk to him rather than stay with the girls and tease them.


    "Wang Lei, let''s go!"


    "Ugh!"


    Groaning, Wang Lei stood up, stomping his feet as he walked like he was a little kid throwing tantrums.


    "I can''t even take a few bites? Sheesh... you''re such a drag!"


    They may have almost argued a moment ago, but still, Pan An knew that Wang Lei was the best friend that he can only have.

 Chapter 31 - To Kill Him Or Not?!

    Shu Xian and Shi Lian are left alone in the house. With Shi Lian being the sister of Pan An''s best friend, Wang Lei, Pan An had no problems of leaving the house with Shu Xian and Shi Lian left behind.


    Even though it is Shu Xian''s third day staying in the house for today, Pan An found it easy that he could put his trust in her even though they just met unexpectedly when he saved her back in the park that day.


    With that, since it was still early to go to ss, Shu Xian and Shi Lian decided to hang out in the house for an hour before they go to the university.


    Wang Lei had already left the house with Pan An. With Pan An already walking to the university, Wang Lei used the car and went to hispany to do those usual, dreadful paperworks that he always hated.


    Being the eldest male child of their household, he had to carry the responsibility. Luckily, though, being a CEO is one of his dreams.


    Shu Xian and Shi Lian started to eat the egg fried rice that Shu Xian made. They both then conversed with each other, Shi Lian still probing her best friend about what happenedst night after the call.


    "Come on, tell me!"


    She was practically poking Shu Xian''s shoulder with the end of her spoon. With her pouting, too, as if she was a child asking for some money from her mother, Shi Lian made Shu Xian giggle.


    "You''re like a kid, Shi Lian," Shu Xianmented, taking a spoonful of her egg fried rice in her mouth and ate it. She chewed her food properly, swallowing then after before she talked again. "Nothing much happenedst night."


    Shi Lian knew her best friend too well. Remembering her reaction a while ago, she put down her bowl for a while and narrowed her eyes at her, crossing her arms in front of her chest as well.


    "You know I won''t stop until I get the answer from you, Shu Xian."


    Shu Xian let out a small sigh, knowing that Shi Lian is indeed right. She won''t stop unless she got the answer she''s been looking for from her target.


    "Come on, Shu Xian!"


    Shi Lian probed again, Shu Xian feeling ufortable with suddenly remembering the event that happenedst night.


    "It''s as if I''m not your best friend! Didn''t my family and I help you back when you were in high school? Even from your edgy uncle which we couldn''t further research on? Don''t you trust me? Come on,e on!"


    Shu Xian heard Shi Lian''s voice like it was background noise. It sounded muffled as what happenedst night between her and Pan An reyed in her mind like recalling a part from the movie.


    Her heart started racing when she remembered how Pan An crashed his lips on hers. She remembered how Pan An pulled her towards him with no intention of letting go.


    She felt her body warming up again when she slowly reached out to her neck, making Shi Lian cock her head to the side in wonder, curious as to why Shu Xian is doing such gesture with a soft flush of pink on her cheeks.


    Shu Xian seemed to be in a daze. When her fingers grazed on the part where Pan An licked her and gave kisses, it was as if the feeling was still there, sending shivers down Shu Xian''s spine as she bit her bottom lip.


    How is it possible that the sensation still lingered on her skin as if it happened a moment ago when it happenedst night?


    Rather...


    How is it possible that she felt good even though both of them are just acquaintances helping each other out?


    Heck, Shu Xian even found it amazing that she kept a strong facade in front of the professor despite the shock she bore sincest night!


    Shu Xian then remembered what Pan An was about to do. Her body froze as if she was reliving the experience again, the sensation of Pan An''s fingers going inside her shirt tingly like she was with him again even without him there.


    But then, Shu Xian started to feel difort in her heart, a slight pang of pain felt in her chest when she remembered how Pan An called for another name despite him being with her in the room that he gave her.


    "Ruo Xi" was her name¡ªthe ex-fianc¨¦e of Pan An.


    He thought of Shu Xian as her and this slightly made her heart ache!


    "Nnnghh!"


    Surprising Shi Lian, Shu Xian disheveled her hair as if she was in the brink of insanity! Making Shi Lian furrow her brows, she worriedly put a hand on Shu Xian''s shoulder, concern evident in the reflection of her eyes.


    "Hey, what''s up?" Shi Lian asked, Shu Xian profusely shaking her head as if wanting to snap out of her thoughts in sheer desperation.


    "I want to get it out of my head! I want it out now!"


    Shi Lian further creased her brows together, finding Shu Xian surprisingly not in her usual self. Because of this, Shi Lian actually started to worry more about her, now sincere in her words, rather than being her naughty self.


    "Hey, tell me," Shi Lian gently urged, her hands still on Shu Xian''s shoulder. "You know you can trust me. I won''t ever tell a soul¡ªyou know that."


    With Shi Lian being the only friend that she has, Shu Xian slowly looked at her as if she was her savior. She then looked down, some tears pooling in her eyes as she mumbled to tell her best friend, enough for her and her dog, Wan Wan, to hear.


    "Pan An kissed me and almost touched my body¡ªmistaking me as Miss Ruo Xi..."


    "He... WHAT?!"


    Shi Lian immediately stood up from her chair, the sound of it being pushed back surprising Shu Xian as she looked up at her best friend, holding both of her hands.


    "Shi Lian¡ª"


    "Tell me!"


    Shi Lian interrupted Shu Xian with a disgusted, angry expression on her face, her eyes shouting "MURDER" with the information of Pan An touching her best friend as he thought of someone else.


    "Shall I tell my brother and some men to kill him or not?! Rather... shall I kill him instead?!"

 Chapter 32 - That Must’ve Hurt Your Ego

    "Tell me!"


    Shi Lian interrupted Shu Xian with a disgusted, angry expression on her face, her eyes shouting "MURDER" with the information of Pan An touching her best friend as he thought of someone else.


    "Shall I tell my brother and some men to kill him or not?! Rather... shall I kill him instead?!"


    "W-wait!"


    This time, it was Shu Xian''s turn to abruptly stand up from her seat. With her chair pushed back as well, the sound surprised Wan Wan, the dog watching them as it cocked its head to the left and right, curious.


    "Listen to me first! You''re always getting ahead of yourself without letting me exin!"


    Shi Lian rolled her eyes at Shu Xian. She threw both of her hands up in the air, frustrated as she was told to listen when she''s just worried for her best friend!


    "How am I going to sit by this? Look, there are tears pooling in your eyes!"


    Shu Xian didn''t say a single word for now. Instead, she took a deep breath then slowly released it so she could calm down.


    She then refilled her pitcher of water again, drinking it in one go before she wiped the tears away from her hands with her thumb.


    "I¡ªI just didn''t know what to feel."


    Shu Xian finally spoke in a soft voice that was enough for Shi Lian to hear. She then sat back down on her chair, Shi Lian, sighing as she sat back down as well.


    "What do you mean? If you don''t want me to act on this, tell me what happened then."


    Shu Xian nodded, grabbing her bowl of egg fried rice again as she took another spoonful in her mouth. With Shi Lian now being patient with her, she silently ate with her best friend, knowing that Shu Xian can be a foodie despite the circumstance.


    She knows her best friend Shu Xian well. Shu Xian is a stress eater regardless of anything. When she''s sad, she eats. When she''s worried, she eats. When she''s frustrated and angry, she eats. When she''s also confused, she eats.


    With her suddenly grabbing the bowl of egg fried rice, Shi Lian knows that she may be stressing over something, patiently waiting for Shu Xian to share what she was thinking of with her.


    After chewing her food, Shu Xian looked at Shi Lian without even bothering to put down her bowl of food. She then told her what happenedst night in hopes that Shi Lian will not throw a fit.


    "Pan An was drunkst night after we came home from the dinner with his mother. After I freshened myself up, I was surprised to see him in the bedroom."


    "And then?" Shi Lian now finished her bowl of egg fried rice, putting the bowl on the table. "What happened?"


    Shu Xian took half a spoon of rice in her mouth and chewed. Once swallowed, she answered her question, further surprising Shi Lian once more.


    "Pan An seemed so drunk so I asked him why. When I told him if this had something to do with Ruo Xi, he suddenly became angry and pushed me on the bed and told me not to speak of her name ever again."


    Shi Lian then slowly nodded, putting the pieces together as she listened to Shu Xian.


    "And then when I said alright, I won''t ever do it, he interrupted me and kissed me... aaaah!"


    Shu Xian''s voice became softer word after word that came out of her mouth. She then hid her face with both of her hands, continuing to tell her best friend what happened.


    "A-and the kiss deepened. And I find it weird because I allowed him to since... i-it felt good..."


    "Oh!"


    Shi Lian couldn''t help but gasp as she stifled herugh.


    At first she was worried to death about her best friend but turns out she enjoyed the kiss?!


    This is something she didn''t expect from the ever-self-centered Shu Xian who always focused on her studies!


    "Shu Xian, you dawg!"


    Shi Lian pped Shu Xian''s thigh as sheughed out loud, the impact surprising her as she removed both of her hands that covered her face.


    "You found yourself liking it so you allowed him? And here you are worrying me!"


    Shu Xian rolled her eyes at her and replied, "But then, I got all scared because he was bing too... touchy."


    "Oh?"


    Shi Lian inched in closer to her best friend as if they were telling each other a secret even though both of them are alone in Pan An''s house.


    How funny it is that they''re gossiping about the professor in his own home!


    "Tell me more," Shi Lian probed, as if she was not angry a moment ago!


    "W-well..."


    Shu Xian trailed off, her face already beet red.


    "He pulled me closer to him and then started kissing my neck. His hand was also getting in my shirt so I got nervous and scared..."


    "Oh, steamy!"


    Shi Lian squealed, pounding her hand on the table a few times with how giddy she''s feeling.


    "Go now! Out with it!"


    "But then..."


    When Shu Xian now remembered that Pan An called out another name, now it was her turn to get angry. She put down her food for a moment as she felt her blood boiling in frustration!


    Her hand turned into a tight fist, then she pounded it hard on the table, making the bowls jump with the impact that it has done. Shu Xian wished that the table was Pan An, so she could hurt him instead!


    "The audacity that he went in my room and almost vited my body¡ªjust to be called and thought of as another person who isn''t me?!"


    Shi Lian raised a brow, already deducing what she meant.


    "Wait, don''t tell me..."


    Shu Xian nodded, already knowing that she guessed right.


    "Yeah, you got it! He called me Ruo Xi! He dared call me Ruo Xi!"


    Shi Lian''s jaw almost dropped to the ground. She already guessed it right, but still, it was surprising to her even after Shu Xian told her.


    "Wow... that must''ve hurt your ego. I mean... you never had these moments with someone and he''s practically your first and you enjoyed it even and¡ª"


    "Wow, thank you!"


    Shu Xian interrupted her, her statement sarcastic as she grabbed her bowl from the table again and stuffed her cheeks with a lot of rice.


    "Thanksh fer pointing it out," sheined, talking with her mouth full as Shi Lian tried her best to stifle herughter.


    And indeed, Shi Lian is right. The eventst night is embarrassing and has actually hurt Shu Xian''s ego.

 Chapter 33 - Shu Xian... Who Are You?

    Shu Xian and Shi Lian had already tidied up the kitchen and dining room. They also took care of Wan Wan for a while before both of them left Pan An''s house to go to the university.


    It was almost 8 AM and both of them secured the house and started walking towards the university which is only a walking distance.


    "Are you sure it''s okay for you to go back to ss?" Shu Xian asked, keeping the keys of the house in her bag. "I mean... you just got home from your vacation. Don''t you need rest? How did you quickly fix your papers in uni?"


    "Yeah, I can go. I''m excited to see you, remember?"


    Shi Lian then linked arms with her as they continued walking.


    "Besides... one of the best things of having an older brother is to make him fix things for you even though we''re both on vacation."


    Shu Xian couldn''t help butugh at what she said. It''s funny that Shi Lian gets to boss her brother around even though he''s older than her. Other than that, both of them were in a vacation and they could order their secretary for that but still, Shi Lian asked her brother to do it for her.


    "Why bother your brother this much?" Shu Xian asked, "I mean... you can ask your secretary, no?"


    "Oh, please!"


    Shi Lian rolled her eyes, shaking her head to disagree then a cheeky grin appeared on her face.


    "My brother is like my ve! He''s always at my beck and call¡ªeven better than the helpers!"


    Shu Xianughed out loud, her head tipping up as she indeed missed hanging out with her best friend.


    Wanting to change the topic, Shu Xian elbowed her side, going back to what they were talking about a moment ago.


    "Anyway... Pan An¡ª"


    "Urgh!"


    When Shu Xian groaned and interrupted Shi Lian, now it was her turn tough out loud as she knew that she isn''t going to let this go.


    "Can we not talk about it?! You already know that my ego is hurt because he called out a different name. Now, stop it!"


    But Shi Lian didn''t want to stop! Instead, she whispered beside her ear to ask a question, making Shu Xian''s ears red in an instant.


    "But you liked it, no? Was he a good kisser?"


    Shu Xian stopped in her tracks and stomped her foot, Shi Lian,ughing out loud once more as Shu Xian gave her a warning look.


    "Do you want to stop? Or do you want to keep going?"


    "Come oooon!"


    Shi Lian snickered as she held Shu Xian''s hand, pulling her to walk as they now entered the campus.


    "I just want to know and then I''ll stop!"


    "Fine!"


    Shu Xian gave in, her face blushing again as she now answered her question the softest way possible.


    "I don''t know since it''s my first, torrid kiss but yes... it felt good¡ªI mean! He''s good..."


    Shi Lian gave her a naughty smirk. Shu Xian then averted her gaze from her, already walking on ahead as she felt embarrassed, Shi Lian, following her.


    "Hey, wait! I''m sorry! I won''t tease you again!"


    ***


    In the garden under the gazebo, Cai Li, Pan An''s mother, was found having her day tea as she read the papers that she got from Mr. Lee.


    Days ago, she told her secretary to research about Shu Xian''s background, specifically on He Shen, her uncle.


    Cai Li scanned on the paper as Mr. Lee stood beside her, ready to further answer the Madame''s questions if there are any.


    "So, Shu Xian is indeed her niece," Cai Li mumbled, Mr. Lee further exining with the information that he knew.


    "Yes. She has been in his care since she was born and He Shen ''took care of her'' until she escaped from him when she turned high school. Sadly, she was verbally and sometimes physically abused during her stay with him."


    Cai Li took another sip of her tea as she shook her head in disapproval, the idea of Shu Xian abused for many years saddening.


    "So, from there, she sought help from her friend, Shi Lian?"


    "Yes," Mr. Lee validated. "However, when she graduated high school, she didn''t want to prolong her stay as the people working for Shi Lian''s household found Shu Xian to be a freeloader and she didn''t report them gossiping about her."


    "Hmm..."


    Cai Li put down her tea cup and the papers as well. She sighed as she took a small biscuit from the tter before her and took a bite before she spoke again.


    "Shu Xian is indeed a polite and kind child," shemented, resting her back on the chair''s backrest. She then took the paper from the table again and read, her eyesnding on a familiar name.


    "Avidity Corporation?"


    Mr. Lee cleared his throat before answering the question of Madame Cai Li.


    "It turns out that He Shen is the CEO of Avidity, Madame Cai Li."


    "Oh, I see!"


    At the same time, her eyes widened in astonishment as she turned her head to look at Mr. Lee, since Avidity is also apetingpany against Invicta, theirpany.


    "Then, have you searched about his family background and affiliations?"


    When Mr. Lee sighed and shook his head to say no, that''s when Cai Li creased her brows in wonder, knowing that Mr. Lee always did thorough research with little to no failure.


    Why did it seem impossible now?


    "I''m sorry, Madame, but it seems that He Shen''s background has been blocked. Even a tiny detail, I couldn''t get a hold of it."


    "Huh..."


    Cai Li crossed her arms in front of her chest, wondering how He Shen''s information had been blocked. If it was possible for that to happen, then it could mean that he is powerful, or knows someone powerful for his background to be a secret.


    The only family able to do that as Cai Li knows is hers and also other powerful owners at par with Invicta.


    With having no idea about who Shu Xian''s parents are, now it made Cai Li think who she really is and what made his son fancy her.


    Sighing, Cai Li waved her hand, indicating for Mr. Lee to go. With him getting the papers from the table, he gave her a small bow and left to leave her alone.


    Cai Li then nkly stared at the flower garden before her, her fingers tapping on the table as she thought of Shu Xian.


    ''Shu Xian... who are you?''

 Chapter 34 - Gasp!

    Shu Xian and Shi Lian walked in the campus, going towards the Teacher Education Building. The moment both of them set foot inside, all the attention was on them, well, rather¡­


    All the attention was on Shi Lian.


    "Woah, isn''t she the daughter of W&S Co.?"


    "I thought her studying in our university is a rumor! Turns out it''s true!"


    "Is that the thing that actually surprised you?"


    "What!? She''s studying Teacher Education?"


    "Now, you''re surprised!"


    "I mean, yeah! Why not push with business then get MBA like how those children of owners of apany usually do?"


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but roll her eyes at their shameless gossiping that was enough for everyone to hear. Shi Lian paid no attention to it, still walking in the building with Shu Xian as her arm is linked with hers.


    "Shi Lian is actually pretty! Her straight, jade ck hair is something I want."


    "Her spunky attitude is what I like, too! I mean¡­ I''ve watched interviews with her and her brother, and both of them are very lively!"


    "Huh¡­ their family is open-minded like this, I see."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Well, look at her! She''s the daughter of a famouspany. She''s also learning in a normal university such as this under the Teacher Education degree at that, and she''s not those snobbish, prim, and properdies!"


    "Oh, now that you point it out that way, they are liberated!"


    "She''s what you say ady who''s down to earth!"


    "Humble, I say!"


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but smile. She elbowed Shi Lian, proud that she is seen as a person who can freely express herself. She couldn''t agree more that people saw Shi Lian that way because it''s who she really is.


    She sees people equally and doesn''t bother to be honest with the people around her.


    "Wow, with all this, how can you not be affected?"


    Shi Lian yfully rolled her eyes at Shu Xian, tugging her arm so they could walk pretty close to each other as Shi Lian is also that type of person who is super clingy to her friend¡ªor to people she''sfortable with.


    "Why should I? I get it every day!"


    Shu Xian giggled, "I hope they know that you are somewhat shameless," shemented, the two of them already clicking the elevator button and waited as everyone threw subtle looks on the duo, feeling jealous that Shu Xian is close with someone like Shi Lian.


    "Why do you think both of them are friends?"


    "I don''t know¡­ maybe the other is rich, too?"


    "Huh? I don''t know her at all! She seems ordinary to me!"


    "Stupid! Not all rich people can be known, too!"


    "Anyway... do you think she''s sucking up to Shi Lian so she could get free stuff from thepany?"


    "I think so! Look at her outfit! It''s so simple and tacky and with Shi Lian''spany having a name in fashion, maybe she is sucking up!"


    "But the girl beside Shi Lian is actually not so bad."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Like a natural beauty. I mean, her clothes may not be the best, but she carries it so well!"


    "Hmph¡­ now that you put it that way, yeah."


    "Duh! She''s with Shi Lian! Obviously, she was pampered and fixed up by her."


    To be honest, Shu Xian wasn''t bothered by thements they heard from other people since she knew very well to herself that as long as she knows what''s true, then what other people say didn''t matter.


    But to Shi Lian, however, she didn''t like it when her best friend is being looked down upon like this!


    Yes, it didn''t matter to everyone that she was being talked about, but when ites to her friend, oh, no¡­ she wouldn''t want to hear this wrong gossips about her even though Shu Xian is not minding them!


    Shi Lian was about to turn her body to look at those people behind them who were judging Shu Xian. Before she could even do it, however, Shu Xian stopped her, shaking her head at the same time as she already knew what Shi Lian wanted to do.


    "No," Shu Xian mumbled, sighing at the same time. "Don''t waste your time."


    "Hmph¡­"


    Shi Lian harrumphed, rolling her eyes as she felt irritated at the same time.


    The moment the elevator opened, however, Shi Lian immediately went inside, grabbed Shu Xian inside with her, then blocked the entrance of the elevator as she held the door, not granting ess to the other people who were waiting with them.


    Shu Xian widened her eyes, "Shi Lian, what are you¡ª"


    "Anyone who spoke ill of my best friend will not be using the elevator now that we''re inside. Only for today, don''t worry," she said, the other students outside, gasping as some female students didn''t tolerate what she did.


    "Now aren''t you petty! Is the elevator yours?"


    Shi Lian grinned, waving her index finger in front of her face as if scolding the people before them.


    "Let me tell you one thing you don''t know about me," she started, the others looking at her in disbelief as they couldn''t believe what they heard from Shi Lian!


    "One of the things our family loves to do is funding universities. I''m enrolled here to help make a name because this university has potential! And the elevator is one of the things the money funded here."


    "Wha¡ª"


    One female crossed her arms in front of her chest, finding it petty for Shi Lian to act this way.


    "If you funded it, then it''s for everyone''s use! Now, aren''t you immature to do that just because some people spoke ill of your simpleton friend!"


    "Gasp! You did it again!"


    Shi Lian put her hand over her mouth as she said the word "gasp" instead, rather than doing the action!


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but stifle herugh as she bit her bottom lip, what Shi Lian said next irritated the group in front of them.


    "I don''t care if I''m immature. Go use the stairs and do reflect on the gossiping you did. I don''t tolerate such judgmental people while I''m around. Buh-bye!"


    With that, the elevator doors closed, Shi Lian, turning to her best friend as she furrowed her brows, not knowing where their ss is.


    "What floor is our ssroom?"


    "Oh, geez¡­"


    Shu Xian shook her head as sheughed, pressing the button for the sixth floor. She then remembered what Shi Lian did for her when she knew that it''s okay for her not to do such a thing.


    However, she felt warm that her best friend protected her, making her grateful to have a best friend like her.


    "You never cease to amaze me, Shi Lian."

 Chapter 35 - Narrow Down The People

    Shu Xian and Shi Lian already entered their first ss of the day, still, Assessment of Student Learning.


    The moment Shi Lian saw Shu Xian already choosing the seat from the back, she couldn''t help but yfully roll her eyes, smiling at the same time.


    "Still away from the people, I see," shemented, both of them already sitting down then Shi Lian giggled.


    "Can''t help it," she started, getting her notebook from her backpack as she prepared it on the table, setting aside her pen as well. "You know how I hate people."


    With what she said next, Shi Lian couldn''t help but smile at her as she propped a hand under her chin.


    "I wonder why we became such good friends," she said, Shu Xian,ughing again as she elbowed Shi Lian beside her.


    "Y''know, I wondered the same thing," she replied, having a small shback as Shi Lian got a KitKat from her bag and ate it, staring around the room as well.


    Shu Xian remembered that when she was still with her uncle when she just started high school, she was enrolled in a prestigious private school.


    She didn''t understand her uncle. He hated her and verbally abused her, sometimes physically hurt her, too.


    But why let her enroll in a prestigious school when he could just ignore her and let her enroll in a public school?


    Heck, her uncle can even not let her study at all!


    So why go through all this trouble? Until now, she couldn''t get it.


    But still, Shu Xian actually didn''t hate being enrolled in that prestigious school. The school held one of her greatest memory and one if it was when Shu Xian met Shi Lian.


    ***


    It was their first year of high school and Shu Xian didn''t fit in.


    Even given the greatest stuff by her cruel uncle, she still found it awkward to use, her self-esteem low as she didn''t know how to talk to others because of the emotional turmoil her "home" has caused her.


    During their English ss, however, they were asked to take their seat mate as their partner and since it was an all-girls school and Shi Lian was her seat mate, it was during that time that they spoke together.


    They were answering exercises wherein they trante the sentences in their firstnguage, to the targetnguage, which was English.


    Since Shi Lian is down to earth and was outspoken, she was the one who spoke first, saying that she would do 1-10, and Shu Xian would handle 11-20.


    To other people, they wouldin that the other got 1-10 because the first set of questions are always easierpared to the seeding ones.


    However, since Shu Xian loved the English subject so much, everything went in a breeze, surprising Shi Lian that she even finished tranting them first before she even did.


    With her even answering her share of questions, both of them didn''t speak until they heard their ssmates in front who were also smart, talking about Shu Xian in English behind them.


    "Shu Xian is peculiar, isn''t she?"


    "Yeah... she''s in a private school but is so aloof."


    "I wonder how she got inside here?"


    "Well, we have to admit that she is indeed pretty. Maybe she seduced the teacher?"


    The two girls snickered as they continued gossiping, not knowing that Shu Xian and Shi Lian understood them because they, too, can speak English well.


    With Shu Xian looking outside the window, not caring that she was being gossiped about by the people before them, Shi Lian suddenly had an idea, wanting to surprise the two in front of them as well.


    Shi Lian sighed, rolling her head as she leaned on her chair''s backrest and spoke to Shu Xian in English.


    "Hey, wanna go hang out with meter?" she asked, instantly making the two girls in front of them silent as Shu Xian turned her head to look at Shi Lian.


    "Hmm?"


    The girls snickered again, finding Shu Xian''s answer funny as they thought that Shu Xian couldn''t speak in English.


    Seeing this, Shi Lian rolled her eyes and spoke again, smiling at Shu Xian as she spoke in English again.


    "Sorry, forgot to introduce myself. I''m Shi Lian."


    Hearing this, the two girls in front of them widened their eyes in disbelief. They then already knew who the girl behind of them is, making them feel conscious as they know about Shi Lian''s reputation being one of the W&S Co.''s children!


    "Shu Xian."


    Shu Xian extended her hand toward Shi Lian for a handshake, the girl taking it for a shake as they now formally introduced themselves to each other.


    "Like I said... wanna go hangout with meter?"


    Not answering again as Shu Xian contemted for a while, the two girls in front of them stifled theirughs as they found Shu Xian stupid for not understanding English!


    However, when Shu Xian suddenly replied, the two girls'' body stiffened as they didn''t expect her to speak fluent English.


    "Why are you talking to me in English?" Shu Xian asked, furrowing her brows in wonder. "Well, whatever. Rather, why do you want me to hangout with you?"


    The two girls'' mouth opened wide, their jaw almost dropping to the ground as they didn''t expect Shu Xian to reply!


    Did that mean that they understood their topic a while ago?


    With a cheeky grin on Shi Lian''s face upon seeing the two girls'' reaction, she cocked her head to the side and asked her a question, feigning ignorance.


    "Did you hear what the two were saying about you?"


    Shu Xian looked at the backs of the girls in front of them. Nodding, she did understood what they said, but what Shu Xian said made Shi Lian find her cool.


    "I don''t care. As long as I''m minding my own business and I know that they''re wrong, I could care less."


    The two girls bit their bottom lip, embarrassed. With their sudden silence, Shi Lian remembered Shu Xian''s question a while back, making Shi Lian answer in their firstnguage, her words further giving another p on the two girls'' faces.


    "Anyway, I actually wanted to narrow down the people with whom I want to hangout with. Turns out I narrowed it down nicely! I hate people who gossip!"

 Chapter 36 - Another Pain In The Ass

    With Shu Xian remembering the moment she had with Shi Lian on the day they first met, she couldn''t help but let out a smallugh as she watched her best friend beside her, eating her KitKat.


    Noticing the attention on her, Shi Lian looked at Shu Xian, wondering why she wasughing. She then got her phone and opened the camera then smiled, looking at her teeth if there was chocte stained on it.


    "Geez, you got me worried there for a second," Shi Lianmented, rolling her eyes at Shu Xian. "Why are you suddenlyughing? I thought you saw something funny on my face."


    Shu Xian shook her head, not wanting to tell Shi Lian that she was reminiscing about the past. If she did, she knows that Shi Lian would just tease her and say that she''s sentimental, making her happy as well.


    "Nothing," Shu Xian reasoned, telling her something else instead. "I just remembered how much of a piggy you are, eating chocte without even sharing some to your best friend."


    "Hey!"


    Shi Lian eximed, feeling slightly guilty as she got another KitKat bar from her bag and quickly put it in front of Shu Xian.


    "I''m sorry, alright? You don''t have to call me a piggy."


    Shu Xianughed again. She knew that Shi Lian didn''t want to be called a piggy since it was her nickname when she was a child.


    It was told to her by her mother, telling Shu Xian stories that Shi Lian was a chubby girl until she grew conscious in the start of her adolescence, already doing diet.


    Sooner orter, the school bell already rang. The students in ss already settled in their seats, fixing their notebooks and pens on their table as they waited for the professor toe in.


    The moment they saw a handsome figure appear in the room, the other girls couldn''t help but to stifle their swoons, most of their lips either in a tight line or some of them biting their bottom lip in contempt.


    Professor Pan An wore simply todaypared to the suit he wore during their first day of sses. He wore a men''s white and navy gingham long-sleeved shirt, light blue necktie, dark brown chino pants, and a white British style PU leather loafer shoes.


    Anyone who dressed this simply wouldn''t get anyone''s attention, but if the professor is someone like Pan An who also has a good body paired with good looks, he definitely would look great in anything!


    "Good morning, ss."


    "Good morning, Professor."


    With the professor already standing before them in the middle of the room, he stared at everyone silently as he counted them as quickly as he could, already assured that everyone is around ording to the number registered in the ss list.


    "We were only missing one student before, so with the student around now, let me quickly see your white form indicating that you''re enrolled so I could validate it with my ss list."


    "Oh, yeah!"


    With that reminder announced in ss, Shi Lian immediately got her form from her bag, grinning ear to ear as she stood up, waving the paper as she walked towards the professor.


    "''Tis I, Shi Lian, Professor!"


    Maintaining his professionalism, Pan An just got her white form and looked at it, signing her name on his ss list that she came in today as he greeted her, feigning that they haven''t met.


    "Nice to meet you, Shi Lian. Wee back to ss."


    Shi Lian couldn''t help but to internally scoff. With the Professor being in his cool demeanorpared to how he is out of work, the girl couldn''t help but be mischievous.


    Pan An then handed her the white form. With Shi Lian already getting it from him, she stood for a while and spoke, getting everyone''s attention knowing about her reputation in school.


    "Professor, may I ask if you''re hurt?"


    Pan An arched a brow at her, wondering where the question came from.


    "No, why?"


    "Oh! I thought you might be!"


    Shi Lian cocked her head to the side as she creased her brows, feigning ignorance as what she said next made the ssugh, and the professor, feel internally irritated at her.


    "Since you fell from the Heavens with your handsome looks, I thought you''re in pain."


    With the ssughing at her shamelessness whilst Shu Xian''s mouth was agape in disbelief, Shi Lian walked back to her seat, Professor Pan An letting out a fakeugh as he gave a reply to Shi Lian, their exchanges making the ssugh more.


    "Miss Shi Lian, why do we have two ears and one mouth?"


    Shi Lian contemted for a while and shrugged before she answered, "So we look beautiful and handsome?"


    Professor Pan An shook his head as he crossed his arms in front of his chest, Shi Lian already settled in her seat beside Shu Xian.


    "No."


    Professor Pan An started, what he said quite a burn to Shi Lian that told her to be quiet.


    "Two ears so we could listen more, one mouth so we could speak less. Do keep that in mind."


    With the ss stifling theirugh, Shi Lian rolled her eyes at the professor as Pan An now started to write on the board, his headache from the hangover still with him as a sudden thought passed his mind.


    ''Wang Lei and Shi Lian are indeed siblings! I thought I already endured Wang Lei''s mischievous acts enough, turns out I''ll have another pain in the ass to handle!''


    Shu Xian elbowed Shi Lian, wondering why she suddenly gave a remark such as that in front of everyone.


    "What gives? What made you do that?"


    Forgetting the remark of Professor Pan An already, Shi Lian shrugged as if nothing happened, letting out a smallugh as what she said made Shu Xian shake her head in disbelief.


    "Nothing! He has a hangover, no? I just want to tease him, that''s all!"


    Shu Xian sighed as she just opened her notebook. She couldn''t help but think that Shi Lian''s naughtiness will someday court death, wondering if there wille a time and if she would regret it.


    With that, Pan An then started to discuss to the ss what assessment for students is, the students already taking notes as they listened to his lecture.


    It made most of the girls (and some of the boys) think that if their teacher was this handsome, they wouldn''t mind going to ss everyday.


    ...or want to retake them as long as the professor is Pan An.

 Chapter 37 - Wouldnt Mind Doing A Few More Favors

    The discussion was actually pretty good! Or maybe it''s because it''s still the first days of sses and their focuses are still there¡ªup and running.


    The lesson went by in a breeze, Shu Xian actually focusing as Shi Lian didn''t even take down notes, relying on Shu Xian to copy for them and she would just photocopy the notes.


    "You''re sozy," Shu Xianmented, Shi Lian,ughing as she winked at her.


    "I have such a studious best friend here! Of course, you love me¡ªyou''ll let me borrow your notes in the future!"


    The sses had already ended and they are about to go to their next ss. Shu Xian rolled her eyes at Shi Lian as they fixed their stuff, scolding her as she put her backpack over her shoulder and her free hand on her waist.


    "I can''t do this for you forever. You''re practically taking advantage on my being responsible," she said, Shi Lian, pouting as she acted cute in front of her best friend and spoke in a baby voice.


    "But you loooove me!"


    Shu Xian narrowed her eyes at her, "Stop it. I mean it. Be responsible for your own notes."


    "Hmph!"


    Shi Lian harrumphed, already sensing that Shu Xian is indeed serious now and that she meant it.


    "Alright, alright! In our next sses, I''ll start to take down notes."


    "Shu Xian, Shi Lian."


    Sooner orter, before they can even leave the ssroom, Professor Pan An called their attention, the other girls who are still around, looking at them as they wondered why they were called by the handsome professor.


    Shu Xian and Shi Lian turned their body to look at him. The moment professor Pan An approached them, the two girls looked at each other in wonder, then back at the professor.


    Shu Xian couldn''t speak! With her suddenly remembering what has happenedst night, she immediately averted her gaze from the professor, her heart racing in her chest as a soft flush of natural pink appeared on her face.


    Seeing this gesture made the other girls in the ssroom roll their eyes and scoff, thinking that Shu Xian is acting cute in front of the professor.


    Noticing that Shu Xian is ufortable and that there are uninvited gazes on the three of them, Shi Lian cocked her head to the side, her faking a smile as she talked to the group of girls who seemed familiar to her.


    Those girls from the elevator!


    "Yes?" Shi Lian blinked her eyes a few times, "What did I say about gossips? Don''t you want to use the elevator tomorrow?"


    Hearing this, the girls couldn''t help but roll their eyes at her. They then left the ssroom, a triumphant grin appearing on Shi Lian''s face as the three of them are now left alone in the room.


    "What is it, Professor Pan An?"


    Shi Lian spoke on their behalf, Shu Xian feeling slightly awkward as the memory ofst night still lingered in her thoughts.


    "We still have a next ssing," she added, Pan An, sighing as he scolded her once he was assured that the three of them are left alone in the ssroom.


    "Did you ban them from using the elevator?"


    Pan An asked in a whisper, Shi Lian, scoffing as she crossed her arms in front of her chest.


    "They were gossiping and talking bad about my best friend! I hate that!"


    Pan An shook his head in disapproval, "You''re as obnoxious as your brother," hemented, Shi Lian, not minding thement as it actually made herugh, agreeing with it.


    The professor then looked at Shu Xian, almost forgetting why they called her attention in the first ce.


    "Before lunch time is your vacant time, correct?"


    When Pan An asked this to Shu Xian, she nodded slowly, now snapping away from her thoughts as she furrowed her brows in wonder.


    "Yes¡­ why?"


    Pan An gave her a folder. When Shu Xian opened to see what it was, it is an application form for applying to be a student assistant, making Shu Xian''s eyes twinkle like stars in the sky.


    She grinned ear to ear, showing her perfect teeth as her eyes turned smaller with how bright her smile is.


    Seeing her this way made Pan An''s heart skip a beat for a moment. Luckily, both of the girls in front of him are distracted, making him feel grateful that both of them wouldn''t notice the small smile tugging his lips the moment he saw Shu Xian''s happy face.


    "You''re applying for the schrship?" Shi Lian asked, a frown appearing on her face as she raised a brow at Shu Xian. "Why didn''t you tell me!?"


    "I was about to while we''re walking to the next ss!" Shu Xian rolled her eyes at Shi Lian, "It just so happened that we are stopped by Pan An, okay?"


    "Fine¡­" Shi Lian mumbled, Pan An, getting their attention again as he suddenly spoke.


    "Anyway, I talked to the librarian when I arrived at work first thing in the morning and luckily, they are looking for a student assistant since one dropped out and enrolled in another university. The slot is yours¡ªI told her you were my former student who needed help and vouched for you."


    "Oh, thank you so much, Pan An!"


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but smile. With her gratefulness and happiness taking a toll on her body, Shu Xian jumped to give Pan An a hug, surprising both him and Shi Lian.


    "Sh-Shu Xian!"


    Shi Lian panicked, looking out for them as she started yanking on her arm.


    "Be careful, you dummy!"


    "Oh, right!"


    Shu Xian then remembered that they are in the university, her glee still not going away as she looked at Pan An while she pulled away from him and apologized.


    "Sorry."


    Pan An didn''t expect Shu Xian to act this way!


    What is she happy about? The fact that he helped her, or the fact that she is going to be a student assistant?


    Maybe even both?


    Either way, he felt happy that he made the girl this excited, making him feel an ufortable beating in his chest!


    Shaking himself from his thoughts, he cleared his throat, reprimanding Shu Xian as he also gave her more reminders.


    "Anyway, once filled, go to the library and talk to the Chief Librarian. Also, call me professor whenever we''re in the university."


    "Oh, alright. Thank you¡ª"


    Before Shu Xian could formally thank him, Pan An quickly left the ssroom, a smile appearing on his face as Shu Xian''s grin was still fresh and lovely in his mind.


    It made the professor think that he wouldn''t mind doing a few more favors for her if it meant for him seeing her this happy.

 Chapter 38 - No One Was, Is, Or Will Be...

    Wang Lei sat on his seat, talking to someone over the phone. He raked his hair out of frustration, making his hair disheveled but still, making him look attractive all the more!


    "How the hell did you get a hold of my number?" he snapped, the voice of a woman heard from the other end of the line.


    "How can you ever do this to me!? Didn''t we share a moment together?"


    Hearing this, Wang Lei couldn''t help but scoff. He rolled his eyes as a smirk appeared on his face, what she said not important to the man with whom she''s speaking with.


    "We just fucked once¡­ and you think we shared a moment?"


    The woman on the other end of the line stifled her sob, choking on her words as she tried her best not to cry so she won''t make a fool of herself.


    "I-I¡­ you said I''m beautiful and that I caught your attention, a-and¡ª"


    "Yes, you are beautiful and indeed, you had caught my attention."


    Wang Lei interrupted, what he said next breaking the woman''s heart as he even ended the call, not bothering to wait for a reply.


    "But that''s all there is to it. Nothing more, and I don''t want to talk nor see you again."


    Wang Lei then put his phone on the desk. Slumping on his office chair, he sighed, then he looked at his side to look at his reflection in the mirror.


    He stared at himself for a little longer. He looked how disheveled his ck hair is, but he had no intentions of fixing it as of this moment.


    He remembered how he is among the most handsome men ranked in their city, making daughters of otherpanies want him as if he was a reward.


    However, Wang Lei never wanted to be in a serious rtionship. Once he sees someone he fancies, it would just be temporary, living up to the meaning of the word, "fancy."


    Taking a fancy to someone means having a feeling of liking or attraction, typically one that is superficial or transient, and is usually temporary.


    He couldn''t bring himself to like someone for a long time, because he found himself difficult tomit¡ªone thing that he feared doing because he loved the freedom to himself all the more while he continues chasing his dreams.


    Sooner orter, a knock was heard on his door, making himpose himself. He snapped out of his thoughts as he sat straight on his chair, fixing his tie as hebed his hair with his hand.


    "Come in," he instructed, the sound of heels clicking on the tiled floor heard after the office door was closed.


    "Hello, Mr. Wang Lei. Here are the papers that are needed to be signed before I send them out and sort them," the woman before him greeted and said, the CEO of W&S Co., looking up at her to assess her quickly.


    Her wavy, brown hair was tied into a neat ponytail. She wore a white blouse that was tucked inside her ck pencil skirt, her white two-inched heelsplimenting the outfit. She also wore ck stockings, making Wang Lei think briefly if it isced or not.


    Shaking himself from his own perverted thoughts, he got the folder from the table and opened it, scanning the papers briefly before he got his pen to sign.


    "Thank you, Yu Yan," Wang Lei thanked her, asking a question at the same time. "Are there more?"


    "Nothing more, Mr. Wang Lei," Yu Yan answered as she smiled, Wang Lei, looking up at her as he handed her the folder, the documents already signed.


    "Once you''re done with sorting out the papers, ask someone to hide my personal information. Someone had just called me in my personal number," he instructed, Yu Yan, cocking her head to the side.


    "Again?"


    She couldn''t help butment, Wang Lei, arching a brow at her as he did not like his secretary''s reaction.


    "Did I tell you toment?"


    "No," Yu Yan immediately answered, her smile, widening more as what she said made Wang Lei feel more irritated. "But I want to suggest, Mr. Wang Lei, that you avoid hanging out with women out of whim because you might end upnding on someone powerful who''s capable of looking into you."


    Wang Lei stood up from his chair slowly, Yu Yan, not even fazed or intimidated as she got the folder from his desk, the secretary already smiling then she gave him a small bow, indicating her leave.


    "That''s all. If there''s nothing you wish to ask, Mr. Wang Lei, then I''d take my leave¡ª"


    But before Yu Yan could even take a step away from him, Wang Lei had caught her wrist, pulled her harshly towards him.


    Yu Yan gasped in surprise as she crashed on his body, her hand sprawled on his chiseled chest as the papers from the folder fell on the floor around them.


    Yu Yan had her eyes opened wide. She felt Wang Lei''s hand touch the small of her back, the CEO before her looking straight into her eyes with a fiery gaze that seemed to be capable of melting an iceberg.


    His touch and gaze sent shivers down her spine but still, she didn''t want to show the difort she was feeling¡­


    Not wanting to look small and weak in front of their flirtatious boss.


    "Mr. Wang Lei," Yu Yan called out, a small smile appearing on her face as she slowly pushed him away, giving space between them. "If there is something that I did or said that irked you, you must tell me and I should correct it right away."


    Seeing her unaffected reaction made Wang Lei''s eyebrows twitch, the secretary already out of his hold as she elegantly bent down to pick up the papers that fell on the floor.


    With Yu Yan not even affected by their close proximity, it made Wang Lei think how is it possible that she acted as if she was not in the arms of a handsome, rich CEO such as him!?


    With that thought slightly hurting his pride, he couldn''t help but scoff as he unexpectedly had an outburst, Yu Yan only widening her eyes when she heard what he said.


    "How are you unfazed by my touch, my gaze¡ªwhen women usually swoon and beg for more!?"


    This time, Yu Yan couldn''t help butugh out loud. Surprising Wang Lei with her sudden disy of emotion which showed her beautiful smile along with the harmonious sound of herugh, the secretary just shook her head as she allowed Wang Lei to see a glimpse of her no one has ever seen before.


    "It''s because I''m not like other women, Mr. Wang Lei."


    Yu Yan then took a few steps toward him, surprising Wang Lei as she grabbed his necktie, their face inches away from kissing as the secretary whispered, her breath fanning his lips as she stared straight into his eyes.


    "No one was, is, or will be... brave enough to melt my icy heart."

 Chapter 39 - Wang Fang

    Before they even knew it, their sses in the morning had already ended.


    Before Shu Xian and Shi Lian decided to get lunch, they immediately filled up the Student Assistant Schrship form the moment the bell rang, the two of them already walking to the library so they could submit the form to the Chief Librarian.


    The moment they entered the library, Shu Xian and Shi Lian were in their best behavior, knowing that inside the library, they should be quiet so as to not disrupt the people who are studying inside.


    Shu Xian and Shi Lian scanned their surroundings, now seeing the sign which said "OFFICE OF THE CHIEF LIBRARIAN" on the farthest corner of the library, right after walking up the stairs, near the inte library where people surf the online for a limited time.


    The library has a few tall walls of ancient volumes, though mostly they are now a sort of decoration to set the scene since it is indeed a ce full of books where people can study.


    Nowadays, one simply logs in through one''s device and either reads or listens to one of the thousands of titles, including scientific research papers.


    Heck, people can do this at home, too! Yet the library is still a great ce to study and learn around peers and make new connections.


    To Shu Xian, studying in the library is not at all that bad. She prefers it, actually! She loves reading in a quiet environment and furthermore, with the thought of working here, she couldn''t help but feel excited that she would get to spend more time here!


    It pays her tuition! It helps her earn, too, with the allowance the university gives! With Shu Xian living with Pan An, then she could still get to earn, making sure that she would definitely save up and only spend money when needed.


    To Shi Lian, however, being in a quiet environment such as this makes her frown! She couldn''t help but think that she would have to visit Shu Xian here often, making her shudder with the thought of not being able to bother her with her usual, lively self.


    "How many hours are you required to work in a day?" Shi Lian asked, Shu Xian, whispering to answer her question.


    "From what I know, six hours a day."


    Shi Lian widened her eyes, "Six hours!?"


    "Hush!"


    Shu Xian immediately elbowed her, Shi Lian''s voice almost loud.


    "Don''t forget we''re in the library!"


    Shi Lian rolled her eyes at her,menting about her application in the softest way possible so she will not be scolded by her best friend.


    "I know working in the university in the janitorial department would be difficult. The canteen sounds good for the food, but still hectic. I heard working as an office secretary is good. But why the library? It sounds so boring¡­ it''s so, so¡­ quiet!"


    Hearing Shi Lian''s remark, Shu Xian couldn''t help but roll her eyes at her. She then stopped in her tracks and turned her body to look at her, the two of them already in front of the stairs going to the second floor of the library where the office of the Chief Librarian is residing.


    "Keep yourints to yourself," Shu Xian retorted, "Besides, I''m the one working¡ªnot you. It''s just that the thought of visiting the library just to see me irks you."


    "You¡ª"


    Before Shi Lian could even answer, Shu Xian already walked up the stairs, not bothering to listen to her reply. With her best friend walking away from her, Shi Lian couldn''t help but puff her cheeks as she sat on the couch near her, surprising the other students who were sitting and reading at the same time.


    ''That Shu Xian¡­ she could''ve asked help from me for this since we are one of the ones who fund the university. Why ask for the stupid professor''s help?''


    Shi Lian crossed her arms in front of her chest as she slumped on the couch, waiting for her as she got her phone from her pocket and started browsing the.


    Shu Xian already arrived on the second floor. With the folder at hand, one student assistant approached her, inquiring about what she needed as she saw how Shu Xian expectantly looked at the office of their Chief Librarian.


    "Yes?" The short-haired girl called Shu Xian''s attention. "Is there anything that you wish to inquire?"


    "Oh! Yes!"


    Shu Xian immediately answered, handing her the folder as well as she saw the nametag that was pinned on the left part of her shirt. The tag read: Hi! My name is Ying Ying, a Library Student Assistant!


    Seeing the nametag made Shu Xian observe the student assistant before her. If Shu Xian would soon work here in the library, then she would also be provided with a nametag and would be often avable to patrons just like this girl before her.


    With this, it made her look forward to working for the university, one thing that is different from her service crew jobs that she juggled just so she could pay her tuition and have allowance.


    "Oh! You''re Shu Xian, the student assistant applicant we were told to expect," Ying Ying said, snapping Shu Xian out of her thoughts as she nodded to answer Ying Ying''s question.


    "Yes. My name''s Shu Xian. Am I¡­te?"


    "No, not at all!" Ying Ying said with a smile, already giving back her folder. "Miss Wang Fang is expecting you!"


    With that, Ying Ying knocked on the Chief Librarian Wang Fang''s office door, announcing the arrival of Shu Xian.


    "Miss Wang Fang, Shu Xian has arrived."


    "Alright!" Wang Fang called out, enough for the two of them who were outside to hear. "Bring her in!"


    With Ying Ying opening the door of Miss Wang Fang''s office, Shu Xian thanked Ying Ying with a small bow, the applicant already entering the office before the student assistant closed the door.


    The moment Shu Xian was inside the office, she immediately gave the Chief Librarian a bow, greeting her at the same time.


    "Good day, Miss Wang Fang. The name''s Shu Xian and I am applying to be your student assistant."


    The moment Shu Xian raised her body, she was slightly surprised to see a beautiful, young woman before her!


    She had straight, brown hair that cascaded behind her. She was obviously well-endowed that even though she''s sitting down, one could deduce that she has a great, sexy body! Her lips had a natural pink tint to it, her eyes a beautiful almond, too!


    "Good day, Shu Xian."


    Wang Fang greeted her, elegantly standing up from her chair as she put on her eyesses.


    "Professor Pan An has told me about you."


    Seeing her right before her eyes clearly than ever since she stood up, it made Shu Xian think that if Pan An and her stood side by side, they are a perfect couple¡ªthe thought slightly making her feel ufortable as she remembered that the two of them talked earlier this morning¡­

 Chapter 40 - I Promise To Work Hard!

    "Good day, Shu Xian."


    Wang Fang greeted her, elegantly standing up from her chair as she put on her eyesses.


    "Professor Pan An has told me about you."


    Blinking her eyes a few times as if she saw a goddess in front of her, Shu Xian couldn''t help butpliment her, making Wang Fang let out a smallugh.


    "You''re so beautiful, Miss Wang Fang."


    Wang Fang smiled at her, showing her perfect teeth as she thanked her, finding Shu Xian interesting for having the courage to absentmindedlypliment her in the moment of their first meeting!


    "Why, thank you, Shu Xian," Wang Fang said, snapping Shu Xian out of her dazed mind as a soft blush crept her face, embarrassed. "You''re beautiful yourself."


    "Th-thanks¡ªI mean¡­ s-sorry," Shu Xian thanked her then apologized. "I couldn''t help but let out apliment," she mumbled to herself, but still enough for Wang Fang to hear.


    "It''s alright. I can take apliment any day and any time. It''s one thing for us women to appreciate ourselves, no?"


    With the Chief Librarian Wang Fang giving her a wink, Shu Xian feltfortable to sense kindness emanating from her soon-to-be-boss, making her sigh in relief as Shu Xian smiled at her as well.


    "Oh! You''re right. If you say so, Miss Wang Fang."


    Nodding, Wang Fang leaned on her desk, gesturing for Shu Xian to sit on the couch behind her.


    "Take a seat! This would just be quick," Wang Fang started, Shu Xian, sitting down on the seat behind her as Wang Fang got her cup of coffee from her desk and took a sip, still standing before her applicant.


    "Thank you for choosing to be a library student assistant. I have heard from the professor that it is what you specifically want, and you''re in luck, we are in need of one more student assistant!"


    Shu Xian nodded enthusiastically, standing up for a brief moment for her to formally hand Wang Fang her application form that was inside the folder.


    "Yes! Here is my application form, Miss Wang Fang."


    Wang Fang put her cup of coffee down before she got the folder from Shu Xian. The applicant then sat back down on the couch, expectantly waiting for Wang Fang as she scanned on Shu Xian''s application form.


    She saw that the form was filled in¡ªfrom her name to her birthday, from her blood type, and then educational background and also, the degree she''s studying in the university along with her major.


    However, Wang Fang''s attention was caught particrly when she noticed that one important section of the application was not filled up, making her raise a question.


    "If it is alright for me to ask, Shu Xian, why is your family background empty?"


    Shu Xian''s lips turned into a tight line. Before answering, sheposed herself first, this question difficult to answer every time she applied for a job, being a student at the same time.


    "To be honest, Miss Wang Fang, I am not so sure of who my family is," she answered, the Chief Librarian, putting the folder down on her desk as she got the cup of coffee again for another sip.


    "I see. Go on."


    Shu Xian nodded, further telling her about herself in terms of her family background which is the unknown in her life since she was born.


    "I was actually raised by my uncle, but it was not a good way to raise a child..."


    When Shu Xian said this, her voice became soft, no longer continuing to speak as the memory haunted her here and then, Wang Fang, noticing the difort in the girl''s eyes.


    Shu Xian''s lips were in a tight line. She then looked down on her knees, her hands on it tightening as she was trying her best to snap herself out from remembering her cruel uncle.


    She wondered why she was being taken care of by him. She wondered why He Shen, her uncle, couldn''t tell her about her family and would just say that they were dead.


    What Shu Xian couldn''t understand was why even Shi Lian''s family who is affluent, couldn''t get a single clue as to who her parents are when they got blood samples¡ªDNA, and the like?


    Shi Lian''s secretary said that the information was blocked, making Shu Xian think who she really is and who her parents really are.


    Shu Xian''s eyes then became ssy, surprising Wang Fang as her single question turned out to be something sensitive to the girl, making her put her coffee down as she quickly got another ss and filled it with water from the water dispenser in her office.


    "I''m sorry, Shu Xian, for asking such query."


    Wang Fang apologized to the applicant, snapping Shu Xian out of her thoughts as she consciously wiped her tears away with the back of her hand, feeling embarrassed to show this vulnerable side to her soon-to-be boss during an interview.


    "I-I''m sorry," Shu Xian stammered, "I shouldn''t have¡ª"


    "It''s alright," Wang Fang interrupted, handing her the ss of water as she gave her an apologetic smile. "I was insensitive¡ªI should have thought that this topic can be sensitive to some. Now I understand why the professor wanted to help you."


    "Thank you," Shu Xian thanked her, getting the ss from her as she drank it. "You''re very kind, Miss Wang Fang."


    "You''re wee."


    Wang Fang then put her hand on Shu Xian''s shoulder as she sat beside her,forting her as she somehow shared her sentiment, telling her a bit of herself.


    "I should not be saying this since I will be your boss and we just met now but¡­ seeing your eyes when you were asked about your family, I could feel the same."


    Shu Xian didn''t know what to say. With Wang Fang now standing up from the couch, she smiled at Shu Xian, what she said making Shu Xian happy as she didn''t expect the turn of events happening in her life right now.


    "I don''t have further questions. You are officially our student assistant starting tomorrow. If you have free timeter, you can visit the library so you can have a briefing about the policies."


    "Wow!"


    Shu Xian eximed, standing from her seat as she gave Wang Fang a grateful bow.


    "Thank you so much, Miss Wang Fang! I promise to work hard!"

 Chapter 41 - Molto Affamato

    Shu Xian excitedly and happily walked down the stairs, Shi Lian, from knowing and living with Shu Xian for a few years, already hearing the familiar footsteps.


    The feeling is like living with your family for too long and you stayed inside your room and when you hear their slippers pping on the floor, you would already know who''s awake judging by their footsteps without having the need to look at them.


    Shi Lian stood up from the couch, sighing in relief that finally, her best friend is done with the talk. Shu Xian stopped in front of her with a wide smile on her face, Shi Lian, actually happy for her to have seen such a big smile on her best friend''s face.


    "Obviously, you got in, right?"


    "Yes!" Shu Xian whispered back, biting her bottom lip to contain her excitement. "If I have free timeter, I was told to visit so I could learn more about the policies before I can report tomorrow!"


    "Good! I know you will do a great job!"


    Shi Lianmented with pride, happy for her best friend. They then walked out of the library, Shi Lian asking a question as she remembered here and then that Shu Xian was still employed in her part-time job¡ªbeing one of the service crew of a fast-food restaurant.


    "Hey, if you applied, did you already send your resignation form?"


    Shu Xian nodded, the smile on her face not disappearing.


    "Yes! I actually sent itst night when I couldn''t sleep because of¡­ you know."


    Shu Xian rolled her eyes, already pertaining to the kiss and this made Shi Lianugh.


    "Anyway, now that I''m here and I really asked it from Pan An, then it was worth it."


    "Alright, then!" Shi Lian linked her arm with Shu Xian''s, "What do you wanna eat this lunch time? Damn¡­ I''m famished!"


    Shu Xian chuckled, furrowing her brows at Shi Lian.


    "Instead of asking me, I should ask that instead! You know a lot of ces where we could eat."


    "Yes!" Shi Lian nodded, a thought already passing her mind. "Wanna try some Italian pasta? There is a new restaurant in the city called ''Molto Affamato'' and I think the food will be great!"


    "Oh! I actually am craving for pasta now," Shu Xian replied, cocking her head to the side. "We only have an hour lunch break until our next ss. Is it near the university?"


    "Yeah, don''t worry," Shi Lian said, getting her phone from her pocket. "I''ll ask our driver to drive us there then back here. Don''t fret."


    With that, the two of them conversed while they waited for the driver to pick them up in front of the university gate. Remembering the name of the Italian restaurant, Shu Xian couldn''t help but wonder what it meant, asking Shi Lian about it.


    "What do you think is the meaning of the name?" she asked, the two of them already in front of the gate. "Is it something fancy? It sounds fancy."


    "No," Shi Lian replied,ughing as she shook her head to say no. "Since most of the people in our country don''t study foreignnguages, they wouldn''t understand. But to those who could understand, the meaning of the name isedic¡ªactually eye-catching to those who can speak Italian."


    "Really? What does it mean?"


    "''Molto Affamata'' in Italian means ''Very Hungry'' in English."


    When Shu Xian and Shi Lianughed out loud, at the same time, the driver already arrived with a BMW, already heading out from the car to open the door for Shi Lian and Shu Xian.


    Seeing this, some students watched as they remembered Shi Lian being the daughter of an affluent family who owns W&S Co., the students jealous off Shu Xian that she is good friends with her.


    Once the two had already entered the backseat, the driver closed the door, going back inside the driver''s seat so he could drive to the newly opened Italian restaurant.


    "Whoever thought about the restaurant name is so witty," Shi Lianmented, Shu Xian, nodding in agreement.


    "Yes! People who would use the trantor to know the meaning would find itedic as well. It actually sounds like a name for an Italian buffet rather than a fancy restaurant," Shu Xianmented and added, the both of themughing again.


    The driver said that it will take them 10 minutes to reach the ce. Shi Lian then contacted the manager of the restaurant to have an advanced order of their food so they can save time and would not bete for their afternoon sses.


    "What did you order?" Shu Xian asked, Shi Lian, answering her question.


    "I got myself Spaghetti Bolognese and for you, Spaghetti A Puttanesca."


    Spaghetti Bolognese is spaghetti with a meat-based sauce which is slowly cooked. For Spaghetti A Puttanesca, it is a pasta invented in Naples and is typically made with tomatoes, olives, capers, and garlic. Both pastas can be spicy or not, but either way, it sounds delicious for the girls, making them feel their hunger as they are excited to taste their food.


    Remembering that Shu Xian will soon be working in the library, another smile crept her face. It was because of Pan An that she got the job, making her think if there is something that she could do to show her gratitude to the professor.


    With Shu Xian''s lips in a tight line as she was suddenly pulled by her own thoughts, Shi Lian noticed it, making her look at her with wonder in her eyes.


    "Shu Xian, is something bothering you?"


    "Oh!"


    Shu Xian immediately looked at her best friend, not expecting what she said as it made Shi Lian want to tease her at the same time.


    "Do you think it would be too much to give Pan An a gift because he helped me get the schrship?"


    "Oho¡­" Shi Lian narrowed her eyes at Shu Xian, "So you wanna give him a something-something?"


    "Shi Lian¡­" Shu Xian rolled her eyes at her best friend, Shi Lian,ughing. "I''m being serious here."


    With the car already parking in front of the restaurant, Shi Lian couldn''t help but shove Shu Xian''s question aside for a while, actually hungry.


    "Can we talk about it once we''re inside?"


    Shu Xian rolled her eyes and let out a smallugh, understanding her best friend when ites to food.


    "Fine. Let''s go, then."


    With that, the two of them got out of the car, already entering Molto Affamato as they also felt the meaning behind the name of the restaurant.


    Yes, the girls are indeed very hungry¡­ and they are excited to eat the pasta while they engage in a conversation that Shi Lian finds funny.

 Chapter 42 - A Good Laugh

    Shu Xian and Shi Lian already entered the Italian restaurant, Molto Affamato. They also invited the driver to dine with them, the driver quite happy that he was since employers like them who treat their employees equally are rare.


    The restaurant felt as if the three of them have entered a dreand, the happy chatter, and the fragrances, the easy and natural colors. It was so weing that the three of them smiled at the ambiance, already knowing that this is going to be a ce that they would frequently visit.


    "Buongiorno!"


    The waiter greeted them in Italian, the three of them nodding in acknowledgement before he spoke in theirnguage, already tending to them.


    "I heard from our manager that you called in advance. We have already prepared the food and your table, Miss Shi Lian."


    "Thank you so much," Shi Lian thanked him, the waiter already leading them to the table.


    "Over here, Miss."


    As the three followed them to the best table near the window that overlooked the streets, both of them appreciated the location as they sat down, the driver sitting beside Shu Xian.


    "Are you sure, Miss Shi Lian, that I should be at the table with you? I¡ª"


    "Oh, stop it, Mr. Chang. You know I''m not like those other people who are snobbish. The morepany, the better!"


    Mr. Chang, their driver, smiled, nodding in gratitude as he thanked her boss.


    "Thank you, Miss Shi Lian."


    Soon after, the Spaghetti Bolognese and the Pasta A Puttanesca came. Also, for Mr. Chang, Shi Lian did a follow up order of Carbonara, coincidentally Mr. Chang''s favorite pasta.


    With that, the three of them started mixing their own pasta and they ate, also engaging in the conversation that they were about to have in the car.


    "It''s actually good that Mr. Chang came," Shu Xianmented, twirling her fork around her pasta.


    "Oh? Why?" Shi Lian asked as she took a bite of her meatball, Shu Xian, answering her question with a joke.


    "Because I know with food around, you won''t be able to focus with what I wanted to ask you."


    "Hey!" Shi Lianughed, Mr. Chang, grinning as he listened to the young ones talking to each other. "I can keep my focus! Look! I remember what you wanted to ask me earlier. If it''s too much to give Pan An a gift!"


    When Shu Xian heard this, she couldn''t help but feel shy around Mr. Chang. Shi Lian then grinned as she twirled her fork, feeling like she got back at Shu Xian for what she said.


    However, even though Shu Xian feels embarrassed that Mr. Chang hears them like teenage girls talking, she shoved it aside for a while, actually wanting to know Shi Lian''s opinion and also Mr. Chang''s since this is going to be for Pan An.


    "As I was saying¡­ is giving a gift to him too much? I mean¡­ I just want to show my appreciation."


    "Hmm¡­"


    Shi Lian didn''t answer for a while. She then looked at Mr. Chang, asking for him to speak first so she coulde up with an answer. This made Shu Xian narrow her eyes at her because she knows that''s what Shi Lian''s doing.


    "What do you think, Mr. Chang?"


    This is what she usually does. Shi Lian wants to listen to what other people say first because what she thought may hurt the people she''s talking to who''s expecting for a feedback. This is Shi Lian wanting to be careful so she would not say the wrong words.


    Mr. Chang put his fork down for a while and pointed at himself.


    "My opinion?"


    "Yes," Shi Lian nodded, "Since you''re a man, why not we hear from you instead?"


    "Oh, you do have a point," Shu Xian mumbled, making Shi Lian yfully roll her eyes at her as the girls continued eating their pasta.


    "Before I answer, is the person you want to give a present to someone you want to thank? If yes, what did he do?"


    "Yes, you''re right, Mr. Chang," Shu Xian confirmed, adding more information. "He helped mend on a schrship in the university and I want to give him something to show my appreciation. Is it too much?"


    "Oh!" Mr. Chang eximed, shaking his head with a smile stered on his face. "It''s not too much! It''s actually a very sweet gesture! Is it also to make him notice you?"


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times, "Wh-what?"


    Hearing this, Shi Lian couldn''t help butugh out loud. She was tipping her head up as she pped in sheer joy, getting some attention of the customers around.


    Embarrassed, Shu Xian''s face slowly turned red, crossing her arms in front of her chest after she threw a balled tissue to Shi Lian.


    "You''re exaggerating. Shut up and just eat your pasta, piggy."


    Even though she was called with the nickname that she hated, Shi Lian stifled herughter as she bit her bottom lip, Mr. Chang, apologizing as he understood that what he said was something ufortable to Shu Xian.


    "I''m sorry, Miss Shu Xian! I¡ªI assumed that you were doing this for someone you like!"


    Shu Xian opened her eyes wide in shock when she heard Mr. Chang''s assumption. This made Shi Lianugh once more, shaking her head as she now spoke for Shu Xian, really sad that she has to exin so this would end, when Shi Lian wanted this to go on so she could tease her best friend.


    "Mr. Chang, the guy who helped Shu Xian is an acquaintance even though they live together. Shu Xian actually made a bargain with the man and is also our professor in school. That''s the situation."


    Mr. Chang found the information surprising! His jaw almost dropped to the ground, Shu Xian, knitting her brows together in panic.


    "What are you doing?"


    "Rx," Shi Lian replied, "Mr. Chang has been loyal to our family since I was in my diapers! He won''t dare say a word."


    With Shi Lian picking up her fork from her te, she twirled it around her pasta again and let out a chuckle, what she said surprising Mr. Chang.


    "You, sir, are funny! I''ll make sure my family gives you a bonus on your next sry day for giving me a goodugh!"

 Chapter 43 - A Necktie

    Shu Xian was still sulking, seeing that she was being teased by her best friend, Shi Lian. Since she has told their driver, Mr. Chang, about Shu Xian''s rtionship with Pan An, he was quiet for a while, still feeling bad that hemented about Shu Xian''s intent, his assumption wrong.


    It was merely just showing her appreciation to the man who helped hernd on a schrship.


    "I¡ªI''m sorry, Miss Shu Xian," Mr. Chang apologized again, Shu Xian, shaking her head as she gave the man a small smile.


    "Oh, don''t worry. It''s alright," she said, letting out a small, awkwardugh.


    Sighing, Shi Lian already finished her pasta, thinking that she wanted more because the serving seemed small for her. However, if she ordered one more serving, it would make them wait and they might bete for sses.


    "Anyway, Mr. Chang? About Shu Xian''s n?"


    "Well¡­" Mr. Chang trailed off after he cleared his throat. "My opinion is still the same¡ªgiving him a gift is okay to show appreciation to the man."


    "Ooh!" Shi Lian then became excited, immediately looking at Shu Xian with an idea. "I think it''d be best if you give him something that he can use so he remembers you every time he uses it?"


    "Oh?" Shu Xian narrowed her eyes at Shi Lian, no longer feeling awkward. "You think the idea is not that bad?"


    "Pfft! No!" Shi Lian scoffed, "Besides, the meaning behind the gift is to show your thanks. Nothing more, nothing less. You''re not going to be like the others who would do it just for the sake of being noticed."


    "True," Shu Xian agreed, taking her iced tea at the side and took a sip. "Hmm¡­ if you say that I should give him something that he would use every day, what do you think should I give him?"


    "Hmm¡­" Shi Lian contemted for a while, shrugging her shoulders after being quiet for five seconds. "To be honest, I don''t know much about him. Shall we ask our brother what his interests are?"


    "No!" Shu Xian immediately declined, shaking her head profusely at the same time. "I don''t want him to know. I''m shy, and knowing that both of you are good at teasing people¡­"


    Even without Shu Xian finishing her sentence, Shi Lianughed, already getting it.


    And yes, she agrees to it!


    Knowing the siblings, they would tease Shu Xian about it even though they''re not always together. If there wille a time that they would be together and Shu Xian is around, Wang Lei would probably remember it and ask her about it.


    Sighing and shaking herself from her own thoughts, Shu Xian looked at Mr. Chang, already asking for his opinion.


    "How about you, Mr. Chang? What do you think should I give to him that he could use? Something not too much, but not too useless, either."


    "Hmm¡­" Mr. Chang twirled his fork as he thought for a while, remembering what was told to him a moment ago. "The man is a professor, no?"


    "Yes," Shu Xian nodded, confirming him. "He''s a professor."


    "Then we have various suggestions in mind as to what a professor will use. A fancy pen, perhaps?"


    "No¡­ once the ink is gone, he won''t use it." Shu Xian shook her head, thinking that it is too simple. "Any other ideas?"


    "Hmm¡­ a bag?"


    Shu Xian shook her head again and said, "No. I see the professor has a splendid bag. What can something I afford be any better?"


    "Come on, Shu Xian," Shi Lian spoke, rolling her eyes at the same time then she took a sip of her iced tea before speaking again. "It''s the thought that counts! What does it matter if you give him something expensive or cheap? Remember why you''re doing this¡ªto show appreciation!"


    "Miss Shi Lian is right," Mr. Chang chimed in, smiling at Shu Xian as well. "Don''t think much into it and just think of something that you''re giving him to show gratitude."


    "Hmm¡­ alright."


    Shu Xian then rested her back on the cushion behind her, an idea passing her mind.


    "Can I necktie be a good present?"


    "Oh!" Mr. Chang widened his eyes, approving the idea. "A necktie is actually pretty good! He can use it frequently for work!"


    Shi Lian nodded in agreement, grinning ear to ear as well as a thought passed her mind.


    "It''s rather sexy seeing him wear the necktie you give him and he wears it to work, you see him during our ss and then the memory of you two would¡ª"


    "Ahem!" Shu Xian cleared her throat, giving Shi Lian a warning re. "You dare finish that sentence, I will not let you copy the notes that I took while you were away on a vacation."


    "Hey!" Shi Lian pouted, "I''m not going to tease you for this day, I swear!"


    Shu Xian yfully rolled her eyes at her. Hearing her say "this day" meant that Shi Lian meant not to tease her today, but instead, will still tease her the following days!


    This girl and her spunky personality¡­ Shu Xian may annoy her at times because of it, but she loves her dearly.


    "Anyway," Shu Xian started after she let out a sigh, "Do you think I can afford a good one? You know¡­ considering his job and background, he may get something better."


    "Oh, Shu Xian¡­ how many times will Mr. Chang and I say it? It''s alright for you to buy something for him¡ªit''s the thought that matters, alright!? If it worries you so much , why not give a sincere, heartfelt letter, too?"


    "That''s good, too, Miss Shi Lian!" This time, Mr. Chang finished eating his pasta. "Miss Shu Xian can give a small note saying thanks¡ªthe letter doesn''t need to be long."


    "This is actually not a bad idea," Shu Xianmented, Shi Lian already nodding as she called the waiter and gave him her card to pay the bill.


    "That''s settled, then," she said, smiling at the two. "Take this as a treat from me¡ªour first meal together in college."


    "Miss Shi Lian, I can''t possibly¡­"


    "Oh, Shi Lian¡­ I can pay you and¡ª"


    "Oh, stop it, you two," Shi Lian said with augh, standing up from her seat at the same time. "Just take it. What''s the point of being rich if I can''t be generous, yeah?"


    Shu Xian and Mr. Chang looked at each other then back at Shi Lian, giving her an appreciative smile as they thanked her in unison.


    "Thank you."


    With that, once the waiter had given back her card, Mr. Chang drove them back to the university for their afternoon sses.

 Chapter 44 - Past, Present, And Future Tenses

    The caf¨¦ in such honeyed hues brings sweetness to the day, coaxing an inner smile that warms from within.


    Except for two people, however, who were seated near the window that overlooked the city streets.


    Wang Lei, a corporate CEO of the W&S Co., decided to have coffee with Professor Pan An in a nearby caf¨¦ found in the neighborhood of the university.


    The expressions on their faces were not exactly happy at all! Pan An is still in the aftermath of his hangover, and Wang Lei still seemed to be bothered by his strong secretary who grabbed his necktie and told him that no one can melt her icy heart!


    Remembering the gesture as if it happened just now when it was only a moment ago, Wang Lei nkly reached out to his necktie, remembering how Yu Yan grabbed it, their faces inches away from kissing already.


    With that in mind, he felt like he was choking, losing his breath. Wang Lei then grunted and frustratingly took his necktie off, slightly surprising Pan An with his sudden action.


    "What''s wrong? Papers piling up your desk?"


    "No," Wang Lei replied, shaking his head at the same time as his eyes hadn''t left his coffee. "It''s a woman."


    Hearing this, Pan An couldn''t help but scoff. He rolled his eyes at the same time as a light chuckle came from him afterward, taking another sip of his coffee as if it was a life saver that is giving him remedy for his hangover.


    "Another woman bothering you? What did you do this time?"


    "No! It''s¡ª"


    Wang Lei sighed once more, Pan An,ughing now while the other women looked at them.


    Seeing two handsome men together like this is not a rare sight to behold, but then again, the women''s eyes still couldn''t leave them, Pan An and Wang Lei actually more handsome than thosemon handsome men that they''re seeing from time to time.


    It made them think if these two are models, or working in apany that is very well known!


    Shaking his head, Wang Lei looked at his necktie, still remembering his secretary''s tantalizing eyes that sent shivers down his spine along with the words she said that he remembered clear as day.


    "No one was, is, or will be¡­ brave enough to melt my icy heart."


    ''What could she ever mean?'' Wang Lei thought, his eyes still not leaving the necktie on the table. ''Has no one really seeded in getting her heart?''


    With what she said, it was in the past, present, and future tenses.


    No one was brave enough to melt her icy heart. Past tense.


    No one is brave enough to melt her icy heart. Present tense.


    No one will be brave enough to melt her icy heart. Future tense.


    Wang Lei had to admit, Yu Yan''s line is actually witty and amazingly, it has caught his attention as it made him more curious about his secretary who worked with him for more than three years!


    No one was brave enough to melt her icy heart. Does that mean that in the past, no one has attempted to win her heart?


    No one is brave enough to melt her icy heart. Does that mean that even now, no one wants to attempt to win her heart?


    No one will be brave enough to melt her icy heart. Now this, in future tense, had really caught Wang Lei''s interest, making him think as if it was a challenge posed at him!


    Is Yu Yan telling him that no one will ever win her icy heart?


    "Ha!"


    Wang Lei suddenly eximed, slightly surprising Pan An in front of him, widening his eyes slightly as well.


    "I''d like to see her get her words back!"


    Hearing this, Pan An put another cube of sugar in his coffee and mixed it with his teaspoon, his eyebrows furrowing as he thought that his best friend may be going insane with whoever this girl is bothering him.


    Whoever she is, Pan An found it amazing that it has caught his attention into thinking about her until now when Wang Lei usually throws them aside after he had lost interest after they fucked maybe once, or twice.


    "What is it this time?"


    Pan An couldn''t help but ask, taking a sip of his coffee before putting the cup down.


    "Is this girl bothering you and threatening you? Which affluent family?"


    "No, nothing of the kind," Wang Lei immediately answered, "It''s my secretary."


    "Oh?"


    Now this is something interesting. Wang Lei usually involves himself with the young miss of any corporatepanies. With him hearing that this time it is his secretary, Pan An didn''t expect this at all, with the simple fact that Yu Yan has been working with him for more than three years.


    "What about your secretary Yu Yan? Did she say something that offended you? From your words ''get her words back'', something she said might have irked you some way," hemented, Wang Lei, not answering for a while.


    Seeing his necktie on the table, Pan An arched a brow at it, too, looking at it.


    "And your necktie? Don''t tell me something has happened between you two in your office and you didn''t like her touching your clothes and¡ª"


    "No! That''s not it," Wang Lei interrupted, narrowing his eyes at him at the same time. "Us? In the office? Is that really how you think of me?"


    Pan An smirked, shrugging at the same time as he honestly answered his question.


    "We''re best friends because I''m honest and I see past your bullshit so, yes. I see you that way."


    Wang Lei let out a chuckle, now taking his cup of coffee and took a small sip.


    "Whatever," hemented, Pan An, now looking at his watch and saw that there are 15 minutes left before sses would start after lunch.


    "We could talkter in the evening around dinner if you want," Pan An suggested, Wang Lei, nodding to answer.


    "Sure. Thanks."


    With that, both of them already stood up from their seats after Pan An and Wang Lei left their pay on the table, having no intention to wait for their change.


    The women watched them leave, stifling their swoons even though they only looked at their backs, Pan An and Wang Lei''s sex appeal already changing the standards of these women.


    ***


    ANNOUNCEMENT:


    Hello, my lovelies!


    There will be double updates starting tomorrow, May 11 until May 25! This is to show my appreciation for giving love to my story by sending stones, giving gifts, leaving chapter and paragraphments, and for also writing reviews! ^^


    What you guys are doing motivate me to be better and encourage me to work hard!


    Also, this is to inform you that on chapter 76 which will be released on May 27, it will be locked and you have to either read it using FP (fast passes) or coins! ^^ But don''t worry, you will still get to read more quality work as I would update daily. ;)


    Furthermore, on May 30, there will be a 5 chapters mass release! ^^ Yehey~! Isn''t this exciting!?


    I hope announcing this earlier would make you guys excited for the book! I promise to work hard for everyone to enjoy as well!


    Also, if you want, you can check out my other contracted works, too!


    1. The Soul Eater''s Possession (the most popr one among my works at 1.3 million views, fantasy romance)


    2. idental Harem: Let''s Kiss Again! (reverse harem. fantasy romance)


    3. Army of True Salvation (not my proudest work, it''s fantasy romance in a zombie apocalypse


    Anyway, this is it for the announcement. Thank you again for the support you''re showing! ^^

 Chapter 45 - Zhang Ren

    Shu Xian goes back to the library after they have finished their afternoon sses. She has two more hours to spare before she goes home to prepare dinner so she came with Shi Lian, her best friend waiting on the couch where she sat earlier.


    "I''ll wait here. We''re going to have dinnerter and¡ª"


    "Oh, I''m sorry, Shi Lian!" Shu Xian interrupted her, apologizing as well. "I would have to decline tonight because I have to prepare dinner at home. You know what I mean," she added as she put her hands together in a prayer position.


    "Oh, yeah¡­" Shi Lian rolled her eyes, "You''re taking care of the house and you need to cook as well. Yeah, yeah¡­"


    "Sorry! I''ll make it up! Once I have my first allowance from the schrship, I''ll treat you."


    "Oh, you don''t have to," Shi Lian said, rolling her eyes at the same time¡ªin a yful manner. "Just give me somepany and it''s enough. I want that."


    "Alright," Shu Xian replied with a smile, already going up the stairs to talk with Miss Wang Fang, the university''s Chief Librarian.


    The moment she arrived on the second floor, the student assistant who assisted her a while ago was no longer the student assistant that is going to assist her now.


    Instead, the student assistant is quite a handsome young guy, with shaggy ck hair. Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times, the guy already greeting her.


    "Good afternoon," he greeted with a smile as he stood up from the table and asked a query. "What do you wish to inquire?"


    "Oh!" Shu Xian snapped out of her thoughts, answering him with a smile as well as she told him her concern. "Miss Wang Fang told me that when I have the time, I would visit the library for me to learn the policies and such? What tasks to do as well? I''m going to be the new student assistant."


    "Oh, thank goodness!" The man before her couldn''t help but exim, sighing in relief as he nodded. "We are really short-handed here in the library and I really need a helper in handling the books and the patrons."


    Shu Xian smiled, already extending her hand to the man before her for an introduction.


    "I see! Great timing, then! The name''s Shu Xian," she introduced, looking at his nametag for her to know his name. "And you''re Zhang Ren?"


    "Yes!"


    Zhang Ren then extended his hand to her, already epting the handshake as he properly introduced himself.


    "The name''s Zhang Ren and I would be your fellow student assistant in the Inte Library and also, in the Fiction Library."


    "Oh! I see!"


    Shu Xian looked around, noticing that the inte library is indeed together with the fiction library. The inte library area is at the left side of this floor, whereas the fiction library is at the right side of this floor.


    The main desk is found in the middle, two chairs together and twoputers found¡ªone unit for the input of the inte library patrons, and one for the checkout of the fiction library patrons.


    "We will be together in this sorta what they call the help desk," Zhang Ren started, gesturing to the circr desk where he is in. "This here is my station, where I enter the names of those who are using theputer units, and this here beside me, is your station! I''ll teach you the ropester."


    Shu Xian nodded, already appreciating how Zhang Ren seemingly is already kind to her when they just met. It made her think that she will have a very understanding and joyful partner at work, already something that she will look forward to.


    At the same moment, the door to the Chief Librarian''s Office opened, Wang Fang, blinking her eyes a few times when she saw Shu Xian already with Zhang Ren.


    "Oh! Miss Shu Xian!" Wang Fang said and greeted with a smile. "Good timing, you have arrived! I was wondering why there were already conversing people outside my office."


    "Oh!"


    Zhang Ren let out a small chuckle, scratching the back of his head apologetically as Miss Wang Fang crossed her arms in front of her chest, arching a brow at Zhang Ren at the same time.


    "Sorry, Miss Wang! I was excited when Shu Xian told me that she was the new student assistant that would help me in my shift!"


    "No worries," Wang Fang replied, sighing as she got the phone hanging on the wall and paged in another student assistant. "Can one watch over the inte and fiction library, please? Send one right away¡ªI need to talk to both the recruit and Zhang Ren."


    With that, one student assistant already came upstairs without them even having to wait for a minute. She then smiled at everyone as she went inside the help desk, sitting on Zhang Ren''s seat.


    "Zhang Ren, Shu Xian,e inside. We need to talk about your shifts, your tasks, and the adjustments in your schedule."


    With the two of them nodding, Zhang Ren and Shu Xian already entered the office, Wang Fang, closing the door once the two had already sat on the couch.


    "I''ll get straight to the point, Shu Xian, it''s my time out in an hour so I''ll go with this briefly and Zhang Ren would have to do the rest."


    "Yes, of course," Shu Xian said and nodded, "I understand, Miss Wang Fang."


    Wang Fang then showed herptop to the two, in the profile of Shu Xian that showed her ss schedule. Seeing this, Zhang Ren already understood the predicament, nodding slowly as he puffed his cheeks.


    "I see¡­ I think you have a problem with your schedule," hemented, Shu Xian, blinking her eyes at the same time.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "You see, Shu Xian, dear¡­ since your shift would be afternoon, 1 PM to 7 PM¡ªstudent assistants need to work six hours a day, you would have to give up your afternoon sses and only have sses in the morning."

 Chapter 46 - Ding, Ding, Ding!

    "You see, Shu Xian, dear¡­ since your shift would be afternoon, 1 PM to 7 PM¡ªstudent assistants need to work six hours a day, you would have to give up your afternoon sses and only have sses in the morning."


    When Shu Xian heard this, she actually knew that this is going to be a problem. She knew that student assistants should work six hours a day and that they would have to take straight sses either in the morning or in the afternoon.


    Having a broken ss schedule is not advisable, too. Because it would mean that she would also have broken working schedule, too, so this means that she would have to give up her sses in the afternoon so she can avail of the student assistantship schrship.


    "It''s alright," Shu Xian said with a smile. "I''m prepared to drop my sses in the afternoon¡ªthey''re only two of them, anyway. I can take them again in the next semesters."


    "Oh! You''re awfullypliant," Zhang Renmented, making Shu Xianfortablyugh at hisment.


    "Is it bad?"


    "No," Zhang Ren shook his head, grinning. "Other student assistants are demanding and they would not like this at all."


    Not understanding it even though Zhang Ren told her the answer, Shu Xian furrowed her brows, not bothering to mask her confusion.


    "What do you mean?"


    "Oh, you see, Shu Xian¡­" Wang Fang trailed off, answering her question instead. "Being a student assistant means less units to take in school so you can work. Since you work, the university provides all¡ªtuition and allowance. If you ask for more, it would already be too much for the university to provide."


    "That makes sense," Shu Xian nodded, now understanding. "And other people who would find this out would want to go out of the schrship because it would mean that it would dy their graduation since less units¡ªthe longer you stay to study. That it?"


    "Ding, ding, ding!"


    Zhang Ren imitated the "you are correct" bell and grinned ear to ear,menting on what Shu Xian said.


    "Correct! You''re smart after all! But you know, people like me and like you, need this schrship. And seeing you agree immediately to your sses dropping so you can work in the afternoon made me think that you need this schrship so much, no?"


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but let out a smallugh. She nodded to say yes, Wang Fang, smiling as she wrote Shu Xian''s sses in the afternoon on a small piece of paper.


    "Alright, then. I will visit the College of Teacher Education on your behalf and would have to tell your professors of these sses that you would be dropping once you formally sign the contract of being a student assistant."


    With Wang Fang gesturing Shu Xian to get the folder from the table as she asked the College of Teacher Education secretary who the professors of the sses that Shu Xian is going to drop are, Shu Xian opened the folder and only saw a two-paged contract, making her furrow her brows.


    "Hmm¡­ this doesn''t seem to be tooplicated," she mumbled, enough for Zhang Ren to hear as he nodded in agreement.


    "I could say the same! All that you need to know from the contract is that you should maintain your grades to all passing. Once you failed three subjects, your renewal will be questioned."


    Shu Xian nodded, "I see¡­"


    "And then, other than that, you should remember that you are to work six hours a day, and then when it''s the university''s semester break, we are yet to still report to the university to work."


    Shu Xian turned her head to look at Zhang Ren, curious.


    "What do we do during break when we won''t have any patrons by then since they are on vacation or something?"


    "Simple. we clean! You think the janitorial team would clean for us? No! The library is ours so of course, we have to clean it ourselves!"


    "Okay. That makes sense," Shu Xian said and nodded, looking at the contract again when her eyes slightly opened to see the allowances that the university will give. "They will give us a monthly allowance of $100?"


    "Yes!" Zhang Ren answered enthusiastically and further exined. "Other than the perks of our tuition being free, we also get a monthly allowance for a job well done! But of course, one must maintain a good rating for we will be assessed every semester and during our semester break, too."


    "Oh! So this assessment is also a basis for student assistantship schrship renewal?"


    "Correct! You''ve caught on! Wow¡­ you''re actually pretty smart," Zhang Ren confirmed andmented, making Shu Xian grin as she got her pen from her bag.


    "Then, that''s all there is to it! I don''t need to know more¡ªI just have to sign, then further learn the library tasks and policies."


    At the same time as Shu Xian is signing her papers, Wang Fang is already finished talking with the College of Teacher Education secretary. With her already knowing the names of the professor who is handling her afternoon sses, Wang Fang got her contract from her, smiling at both of her student assistants.


    "Alright. I trust that you read and discussed the contract with Zhang Ren," Wang Fangmented, the two already standing up from the couch as they waited for her further instruction. "I will finish this task before I have my time out so Shu Xian is already officially dropped out of her afternoon sses."


    "Thank you, Miss Wang Fang."


    Shu Xian thanked her with a bow, Wang Fang, smiling as she nodded at the two and bode them her farewell and then looked at Zhang Ren with another instruction.


    "Make sure that you will tell Shu Xian everything that she needs to know so she will be ready for tomorrow''s first day of duty. She can train and practice with you now¡ªI can see that Shu Xian is really eager to work so soon in our library."

 Chapter 47 - I Want To Have You For Seven Days

    Zhang Ren gestured Shu Xian to go inside the help desk. The moment they were inside, Zhang Ren instructed Shu Xian to open herputer station, Zhang Ren, crossing his arms in front of his chest.


    "Open your work station and see from there how this happens."


    Shu Xian did as she was told. The moment she pressed the power button, theputer immediately opened, asking for a password.


    "What should I enter?"


    "Oh, just the code we have for the library section. Since you''re in fiction library, just type in ''FL'' and you''re good! Oh, by the way, all caps."


    "Alright," Shu Xian said, typing in the letters FL in all caps and pressed enter, already allowing her ess in their database.


    "Now, if you could see," Zhang Ren started, getting his swivel hair then sat beside Shu Xian. "We will be sitting side by side here, every day, for six hours. Nice to be your partner, Shu Xian."


    "Likewise," Shu Xian replied, smiling at the same time. "I''m d you''re a good partner to be with, Zhang Ren," she added, the guy nodding approvingly as he gave her a smug grin.


    "Of course! Now, putting my greatness aside¡­" he drifted off, making Shu Xian let out a smallugh as she shook her head, finding his shamelessness funny. "Look at the application that opened on theputer. You can see that we have a scanner beside ourputer, yeah?"


    Shu Xian looked at the scanner that was beside theputer. It looked like a scanner that is used with a hand, the old ones used in the grocery stores to scan barcodes.


    "Hmm¡­ this is what you use to scan the barcodes on the books, no? I borrowed books before in the library and for it to be registered in the database since we no longer use a borrower''s card, you scan the barcode on the student''s ID, then soon scan the book to register the borrowed book under his or her name."


    "Correct! I guess being nerdy and you visiting the library has helped you to catch on."


    "Hey!"


    Shu Xian stifled herughter, afraid that it is going to be loud for the patrons of the library to hear.


    "Why make such a remark? You¡­ geez!"


    Both of them wereughing softly, soon after, Shi Lian walking up the stairs so she could visit Shu Xian at the help desk.


    When Shi Lian saw Shu Xianughing with a fellow student assistant, she couldn''t help but arch a brow at the scene, not believing that her best friend is getting along with someone.


    A man at that!


    With that thought in mind, Shi Lian approached the help desk, surprising the two as Zhang Ren immediately greeted her, seeing her as a patron.


    "Inte and Fiction Library. How may we help you?"


    "Why, yes¡­"


    Shi Lian replied, propping a hand under her chin as she leaned on the help desk.


    "I just wish to inquire how my friend is doing while she''s learning how to be a student assistant?"


    Shu Xian yfully rolled her eyes at Shi Lian. She swiveled her chair to look at Zhang Ren, introducing her best friend to him.


    "Zhang Ren, this is my best friend, Shi Lian. Shi Lian, my co-worker, Zhang Ren."


    "Oh!"


    Zhang Ren grinned at Shi Lian, revealing his perfect teeth as his handsomeness had unexpectedly caught Shi Lian off guard.


    "Nice to meet you, best friend of Shu Xian, Shi Lian! The name''s Zhang Ren, co-workier of Shu Xian."


    Shi Lian couldn''t help butugh a little as she heard how Zhang Ren introduced himself by the way Shu Xian described them. Reaching out a hand for a handshake, both of them did, further introducing themselves formally.


    Shu Xian then spoke, getting their attention with what she said.


    "Now, Shi Lian, let me learn the ropes for a while, and then we''ll go home, alright? Or if you want, you can go on ahead¡ªI think I would have to stay for a little while longer."


    "Alright," Shi Lian nodded, "I will go on ahead. Thanks for giving me a heads up."


    Shi Lian then turned to Zhang Ren, her naughtiness kicking in as she asked him a question.


    "Are you a subject book?" she asked, making Zhang Ren furrow his brows, not expecting that kind of question from Shi Lian.


    "No, why?"


    Shi Lian then leaned in closer, whispering enough for the two to hear as she answered Zhang Ren''s question.


    "Because I would like to be with you for two hours."


    Shu Xian opened her mouth, shocked! Shi Lian used a pick up line with the use of the hours they needed to borrow the book¡ªa policy for borrowing subject books!


    Realizing that Zhang Ren was given a pick up line, he chuckled as he shook his head, telling her his version instead.


    "Are you a fiction book, Shi Lian?"


    "Hmm¡­"


    Shi Lian contemted for a while, thinking about the policy for borrowing fiction books but sadly, she doesn''t know since she never borrowed a fiction book from a library before.


    "No¡­ why?"


    "Because¡­"


    Zhang Ren grinned at Shi Lian, leaning in closer at the same time as their faces were inches away from each other.


    "I want to have you for seven days."


    Shu Xian coughed, not believing their exchange of conversation when they just met for no longer than five minutes!


    What surprised her more was that Shi Lian waspletely caught off guard, her face slowly turning red by the second as Zhang Renughed, pping his hands as he swiveled his chair in one full circle.


    Zhang Ren then stopped and looked at Shi Lian, biting his bottom lip as he stifled hisughter. Shi Lian''s heart then started to beat erratically in her chest, what he said next, making her turn her body immediately so she could not see his face!


    "Your pick up line is weak. If you n on flirting with a librarian who knows the rules well, make sure you kick it up a notch, yeah? Visit me more. I''ll guarantee you''ll learn a lot from me."


    Zhang Ren even winked, grinning ear to ear as Shi Lian''s heart continued to race, also beating hard like a drummer is doing his or her drum solo!


    ''This guy!''


    Shi Lian then left without saying a word, walking down the stairs quickly as she felt desperate to stop this foreign feeling in her chest.


    ''No one has ever dared to return my pick up line with another¡­ EVER!''

 Chapter 48 - See You Tomorrow

    "Are you a fiction book, Shi Lian?"


    "No¡­ why?"


    "Because I want to have you for seven days."


    Shu Xian kept reying their conversation again and again in her mind. With her blushing for Shi Lian as well, the sight of it made Zhang Ren grin as he teasingly pinched Shu Xian''s cheek, snapping her out of her thoughts.


    "What''s wrong? Was it too shameless?" He let out another chuckle and said, "Your friend started it! Anyway, why only want to borrow me for two hours when being borrowed for seven days is better? More time, more fun."


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but widen her eyes, her jaw almost dropping to the ground as she couldn''t believe what she just heard!


    "I¡­ Zhang Ren! How could you have such a perverted mind?"


    "What? I''m not even thinking of that¡ªI meant by going out to the mall, y games or stuff!"


    This time, hisugh came out rather loud, getting the attention of the other patrons as some of them red at him, making Shu Xian feel shy as she hit his leg with her hand.


    With what Zhang Ren had also said to justify himself, now Shu Xian was the one who felt like a pervert for thinking otherwise the first time they heard them exchanging pickup lines.


    "Quiet! People are looking," she scolded, Zhang Ren, stifling hisugh as he shook his head.


    "I¡­ I''m sorry, I can''t help it," hemented, a tear of happiness escaping from his eye. "Damn¡­ now I know that my duty hours with you would quickly fly by. It''s not officially your first day, but I''m already enjoying this much," he added, Shu Xian, grinning as she actually agreed with him.


    "Yes. You''re lively to be with. With afternoon shifts, I heard it goes by slowly since most of the work is done by the morning duty."


    "Ugh¡­ you said it," Zhang Renmented, rolling his eyes at the same time. "The morning pips finish more work! They leave nothing for us to do but to just watch the patrons and stuff."


    With that, Shu Xian giggled a little, now further asking questions about other tasks she could do in the library.


    "So, what else do I need to know? It''s gettingte¡ªI might leave earlier once I get the information that I needed," she said and asked, Zhang Ren, nodding as he got the notepad at the side.


    "Right¡­ here is our notepad. This here has our cleaning schedule. So what we have to do together since the inte library and the fiction library are together, is that we sweep the floor, we wipe the chairs, and then we close the windows and make sure everything is turned off and plugged out¡ªincluding our stations in the help desk."


    "Alright," Shu Xian nodded, "What else?"


    "And then¡­ since you know the policies of borrowing books, there are some information you need to know about borrowing since there are some rules you need to know. Even though you''re a student assistant here, you should be aware of the other sections'' policies because there are times that you will be called to watch if they need a help."


    "Okay!"


    Shu Xian smiled, understanding where this is going as she remembered a student assistant from another section watching over the inte and fiction library while they were being talked to by Wang Fang.


    "Tell me the policies¡ªI''ll type them down quickly on my phone."


    "Good! Now listen closely," Zhang Ren started, Shu Xian already paying attention as she listened to him intently.


    "The patrons for the inte library only have two hours maximum to use theputer. If they didn''t consume their two hours, they can log in again, but you have to take note of the minutes he or she spent in the previous log in, then give him or her the remaining time they have."


    "Got it," Shu Xian said as she typed, "Next?"


    "And then, for fiction, you already know it from the pickup line a while ago," he said, letting out anotherugh as Shu Xian rolled her eyes at him. "Fiction books¡ªyou can only borrow one, for seven days."


    "Got it."


    "Next¡­" Zhang Ren contemted for a while, "Subject books. A subject book can be borrowed overnight for a day only. It has to be returned tomorrow. BUT¡­ if a subject book is only one, it is called a busy book, you can only borrow it for two hours."


    "Alright," Shu Xian typed it down,ughing a little as she remembered Shi Lian''s pick up line. "So she was pertaining to a busy, subject book¡ªnot a subject book that can be borrowed for a day."


    "Yes," Zhang Ren agreed, "Shi Lian is smart, too. I tell you that," hemented, making Shu Xian let out a small chuckle.


    "Alright. What else?"


    "Periodicals and journals are not allowed to take home," Zhang Ren said, "You can borrow it for two hours¡ªsame with theses and dissertations."


    "Oh!"


    Shu Xian eximed, remembering a policy that she remembers about the thesis and dissertation.


    "Theses and dissertations are not allowed to be taken out of the library and no pictures taken, no?"


    "Correct," Zhang Ren confirmed, nodding at the same time. "It is to prevent piracy since theses and dissertations are made by researchers and we made this policy because a lot are copying what they''re doing¡ªthe students."


    "I see! But photocopying the abstract is okay?"


    "Yes, taking a picture or photocopying the abstract is okay since it serves like a summary of the research. That''s the only thing we can allow¡ªbut still, not allowed to bring home UNLESS, they know who the researcher is."


    "Alright, then! Is this all?"


    Zhang Ren contemted for a while. When he nodded as he thought that this is what Shu Xian needed to know for now, he then just told her about another thing that student assistants need to do before going to his or her duty.


    "No more, I guess. What you have to do tomorrow is wait for your duty and then sign your time in there in the log book near the Office of the Chief Librarian. Same thing with doing the time out."


    "Alright!" Shu Xian then stood up from her swivel chair, getting her bag that was put aside. "I''ll see you tomorrow, Zhang Ren!"


    "Yes!" Zhang Ren nodded, standing up as well. "Tomorrow, Shu Xian!"

 Chapter 49 - Shameless, Professor Pan An!

    The bell already rang, indicating that it was the end of sses. Not showing to his students his relief, Pan An turned his back to face them, already dismissing hisst ss in the afternoon before evening strikes.


    "Remember to do your homework. Remember the standard of making your report¡ªfont size 11, font style Century Gothic, 1.5 space, margin half inch all sides, A4. Understood?"


    "Yes, Professor!"


    "Alright." The professor nodded, seeing that his students already understood. "ss dismissed."


    The students already fixed their things and stood from their desk. Pan An waited for them to leave before he leaves the ss, making sure that no one or nothing is left before he closes the door for the janitorial team to clean once the professor has logged out his use of the ss since he is thest touch.


    Sighing, the professor leaned on the board for a while, pinching the bridge of his nose as he still had the headache, as if the pain was not having the intention to leave him.


    ''Damn¡­ I already had coffee, but it''s still here? I think I need more sleepter on.''


    As Pan An was fixing his things inside his bag, he caught a familiar figure passing by, making him slightly widen his eyes as he called out to her.


    "Shu Xian?"


    There was silence for a while. Soon after, Shu Xian bobbed her head behind the opened door, blinking her eyes a few times as she did not expect to pass by Pan An''s sses even though it has already finished.


    "Oh! Pan¡ª"


    Pan An raised a brow at her, reminding her of what they talked about earlier.


    "Professor Pan An," Shu Xian addressed, walking inside the ssroom as she rolled her eyes at him. "You tell me to call you by your name and now you''re telling me to address you formally," sheined, making the professor scoff.


    "There is a difference, Shu Xian," he started, already zipping his bag to secure his belongings. "You call me informally when we''re not in the university, and then you call me formally when we''re in the university. People will think otherwise. Isn''t this what you were worrying about before, hmm?"


    "Alright, alright," Shu Xianmented, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "I''ll be more careful, Professor."


    At the same moment, Pan An felt his head throbbing once more, making him grunt for a moment, getting Shu Xian''s attention.


    "Are you alright?" she asked, Pan An, honestly telling her what he feels as he got his phone from his pocket and dialed Wang Lei''s number.


    "No. It''s the hangover. It hasn''t left my head at all."


    With how quiet the room is, Shu Xian heard the call connect to the receiver, hearing Wang Lei''s voice already.


    "Yo! What''s up?"


    "I''m sorry, Wang Lei," Pan An apologized, "I think we would have to postpone our dinner today. My head is still not giving me mercy."


    "Aaah¡­" Wang Lei chuckled, Shu Xian oddly finding his voice attractive in the call. "Alright, then. We go next time."


    "En. Thanks so much for understanding."


    "Sure."


    With that, the call had already ended. Pan An kept his phone inside his pocket, Shu Xian, clearing her throat as she said something, slightly worried about his headache.


    "Want me to immediately cook dinner? A soup, perhaps, to make you feel better? I can make tea as well," she suggested, Pan An, looking at her as he actually thought about the idea.


    His eyes locked with Shu Xian''s. He then noticed how simply beautiful she is, also remembering the hug that he got from her moments ago when he gave her the application form for being a student assistant.


    "Thank you. I actually like the suggestion but I want rice for now," Pan An replied, snapping himself from his thoughts.


    "Alright, then," Shu Xian nodded, giving him a small smile as well. "I''d have to go ahead, then. I need to prepare the ingredients so you can have them¡ª"


    "Wait," Pan An interrupted, seeing that Shu Xian is about to leave him in the ssroom. "Wait for me. Let''s walk home together."


    "Wh-what?"


    Shu Xian widened her eyes, not believing what she heard from the professor, her heart beating fast in her chest at the same time.


    "B-but others who see it might think of us as¡ª"


    "I just wanted to ask you about your progress as being a student assistant," Pan An interrupted, "And besides, it would only be a quick walk home¡ªpeople won''t have to follow us that far," he said, Shu Xian, narrowing her eyes at him in doubt.


    "I think I would still have to worry about other people who have the audacity to follow behind you, Professor."


    Pan An rolled his eyes, shoving Shu Xian the papers that he collected from his previous sses. Shu Xian then widened her eyes in disbelief, not expecting what he heard from the professoring out as an order.


    "Help me carry these papers home. Now that would be enough reason for them not to think suspiciously, no?"


    "Huh?" Shu Xian furrowed her brows, "But won''t you think that other men once they see me, would volunteer to carry these stacks on my behalf¡ª"


    "They wouldn''t dare," Pan An interrupted, scoffing at the same time. "With a handsome professor beside you, how could they not be intimidated seeing me beside you? You carry the papers."


    Without waiting for Shu Xian''s reply, Pan An already went out of the ssroom, turning off the lights as Shu Xian immediately followed him, calling out to his shamelessness in the empty corridor, her voice echoing.


    "Shameless, Professor Pan An! Just shameless!"


    Pan An didn''t dare to wait for her, Shu Xian, struggling to keep up with hisrge strides. A grin crept on the professor''s face, already getting revenge with how he remembered Shu Xian grabbing him by the necktie earlier this morning.


    ''Aren''t you as shameless as me, Shu Xian? Now I think I understand what Wang Lei was meaning back then when he said he wanted Yu Yan to take back her words. I want Shu Xian to cancel her ns with my mother!''

 Chapter 50 - Im In No Mood When Im Hungry

    Pan An and Shu Xian were already in the campus, about to leave the university as Shu Xian helped him carry his papers, trying her best not to show her annoyance as other people were looking at them.


    Seeing them together, some girls widened their eyes in surprise, the others ring at Shu Xian as well as they grew jealous of how she was with the professor.


    Some men wanted to help, too! But like Pan An said, most of them wouldn''t daree near him to help Shu Xian because Pan An already showed his condescending authority, making it ufortable for the men to approach them.


    "Don''t you see what you''re doing?" Shu Xian snapped, narrowing her eyes at Pan An as she whispered for the two of them to only hear. "Girls are ring at me and you''re intimidating the boys! If people start to hate me as if we''re in high school, then it''s your fault!"


    "Rx," Pan An scoffed, letting out a chuckle at the same time. "If you keep showing them your uneasiness, they will suspect a thing more."


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but fake a smile, now giving up as she didn''t want to argue with the professor. She did her best to carry his papers, making sure that not one will fall from the pile so it won''t be a bother to pick up.


    "Whatever you say, Professor," she said sarcastically, Pan An, already changing the topic to make the atmosphere between them brighter.


    "Anyway, Shu Xian, how is your applicationing along?"


    With being reminded about the application, Shu Xian suddenly became excited about it! She almost forgot that she was pissed at the professor, actually happy in answering his question.


    "It''s pretty good, I must say! I already talked to Miss Wang Fang and she is so helpful¡ªshe helped me with dropping my afternoon sses! I also liked it that my co-worker is lively. I''m sure that the afternoon shifts will not be as boring with him around!"


    Hearing this, Pan An stopped in his tracks, raising a brow at her as he asked her an unexpected question that made Shu Xian blink her eyes a few times.


    "Him? Your co-worker is a guy?"


    "Yes."


    Shu Xian arched a brow at him as well, not understanding why Pan An is asking her that question as if he is her lover or he is her guardian.


    "Is there a problem?"


    Pan An didn''t answer. He just looked at her for three seconds, smirking as he walked off and spoke, making Shu Xian follow him.


    "Nothing''s wrong. Don''t worry. Just enjoy with your co-worker¡ªit''s none of my concern."


    Hearing this, Shu Xian couldn''t help but roll her eyes at his back, now matching up to his pace so they could wake side by side.


    "You say it as if you''re jealous, professor."


    "Wow! Aren''t you jumping to conclusions?" Professor Pan An retorted, "I just asked a question and you already think I''m worried or jealous about it? Just be d that I talked with Wang Fang so you could get in the library."


    When Wang Fang was already involved in the conversation, Shu Xian also couldn''t help but ask about her, remembering that they talked in the morning, knowing that Wang Fang is indeed pretty and at the same time¡­ well-endowed.


    "What''s your rtionship with Miss Wang Fang that she easily epted your favor?"


    "Oho¡­"


    Pan An let out a small chuckle, what he said making Shu Xian slightly blush.


    "Now I can ask the same. Are you jealous, Shu Xian, that I talked with Miss Wang Fang and her easily epting my favor has something to do with our connection?"


    Shu Xian''s jaw almost dropped to the ground! With the conversation they are having now and remembering that they are still in this stupid, big campus, she couldn''t help but pout, mumbling to herself enough for Pan An to hear.


    "If only we''re at home¡­ I would smack the back of your head so hard!"


    "Now, isn''t that mean?" Pan An replied with a chuckle and said, "You dare hit the man who has saved you and provided you a ce to stay, hmm?"


    Shu Xian stopped in her tracks. With Pan An stopping as well as they are now outside the university gate, the girl red at her, threatening her with his papers that she was holding.


    "Tease me one more time, I won''t hesitate to drop these papers and I won''t cook your dinner as well!"


    Pan An raised a brow and inquired in a teasing manner, "Aren''t you a little sensitive for just a little tease? Why don''t you cancel ns with my mother so I can stop teasing you?"


    Hearing this, Shu Xian didn''t dare say a word. With her already walking on ahead as it made Pan An curious as she did not say a single word, he furrowed his brows together, already catching up to Shu Xian as she walked back to their house.


    "What? You have no intentions of canceling ns with my mother?"


    "No," Shu Xian immediately answered, making sure that no one is following them as she looked left and right, whispering to Pan An to check his surroundings in a whisper.


    "Before I could answer, can you please just look around before we make an issue?"


    Pan An rolled his eyes. He then checked his surroundings, even walked to see the neighboring blocks to see if there was someone following them.


    When he was assured that there are none, he quickly opened the gate for Shu Xian''s easy entry, the two of them already heading inside as Wan Wan greeted them with an excited bark.


    Shu Xian then stopped in front of the door, Wan Wan, waiting beside them as well. Pan An grew impatient as he opened the door, the three of them already heading inside.


    Shu Xian heaved a sigh of relief as she put the papers on the side table down, already turning her body to face Pan An.


    "Like I said¡­ I don''t n to cancel ns with your mother. It''s because declining her would show that I''m disrespectful after she cried during our call."


    Pan An furrowed his brows.


    "Was she that sad?"


    "I think so," Shu Xian replied, immediately making way to the kitchen as she put on the apron and quickly tied her hair in a messy bun. "I don''t know her well, but I could sense this much, I guess."


    Before Professor Pan An could even answer, she immediately turned her body to look at him, her question catching him off guard.


    "Now tell me what to cook. Your final decision. I''m in no mood when I''m hungry."

 Chapter 51 - Knows Her Way In The Kitchen

    "Now tell me what to cook. I''m in no mood when I''m hungry."


    "Uuuh¡­"


    With Shu Xian already looking at the rice cooker, she noticed that there are still a lot of rice left, making her remember what Pan An said, wanting rice for tonight.


    "We still have a lot of rice. Want fried rice for dinner?"


    "Sure¡ª"


    "What do you want me to put inside? Egg? Ham?"


    With Shu Xian speaking as if she was in a rush, already getting garlic at the side as she started to mince them, Pan An couldn''t help but arch a brow at her, curious.


    "Why are you in a rush? No one''s chasing after you. We''re at home. You can rx and just do what you wanna do."


    Shu Xian continued to mince the garlic. She sighed as she did notice that she is in a rush, already turning her back to lean on the counter for a while as she put the knife down, looking at Pan An with a little worry in her eyes.


    "I''m sorry. I didn''t notice that I was rushing. It''s just that I got used to old habits. Every time I go home from school or at work, I immediately cook so that I would have more time to studyter or rest. With working and studying, I have to rush my homework most of the time."


    Hearing this, Pan An grabbed a chair and sat on it. With him quiet for a while as he listened to Shu Xian, she sighed, crossing her arms in front of her chest as she gave Pan An a small sigh, now thanking him for giving her the schrship.


    "I guess now I would have to readjust my habits. With you helping mend on this schrship, maybe I can have a little time for myself and my dog. Don''t you think?"


    "Yes," Pan Anmented, propping a hand under his chin as he looked at Shu Xian straight in the eyes. "You¡­ lived in an apartment alone and do this kind of habit every day?"


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but let out a chuckle, nodding to answer his question.


    "Yes."


    With that, Pan An stood up from his chair then got another knife, getting the ham from the chiller at the same time as he got four slices of it, asking if it is enough for their fried rice.


    "Is this enough? We can put egg and ham in our fried rice. I think I can help you with that. Makes cooking and chatting all the more fun, no?"


    Hearing this, Shu Xian couldn''t help but yfully roll her eyes at him.


    "Yes, but you don''t need to help me. You have to check your papers. What you let me carry a while ago is already too much," she said, making Pan Anugh as he shook his head.


    "What you said is making me feel guilty now. Sorry for asking you to carry this much," he replied, already slicing the ham into small pieces of squares. "I want to eat fried fish, too. Is it alright?"


    "Sure," Shu Xian said, already heating up the pan to prepare the saut¨¦ing. "You sure it will help you with your hangover? Wow¡­ it''s with you for a long time now."


    "Yeah, don''t worry. After dinner, I''ll rest then sleep. Papers can wait ''til this Friday to be checked, anyway. More sleep will help with the headache."


    With that, Shu Xian already put the garlic on the pan, frying it to golden brown before she could put the fried rice inside. Pan An then gave her the sliced hams, Shu Xian already mixing it in the rice as she stirred.


    "You should have put this while I was saut¨¦ing the garlic."


    "Nah¡­ it gets cooked, too, while you stir-fry the rice. I don''t like toasted ham."


    Shu Xian nodded, understanding his preference.


    "Alright, then. I''ll keep this in mind!"


    With that, Shu Xian started to season the rice with some soy, making it brown as the smell of it invited Pan An to get a taste but he would have to wait until Shu Xian is finished preparing their dinner.


    It is just simple fried rice and yet, Pan An loves to eat breakfast food anytime of the day! He always loved how breakfast food is so delicious and believes that people could eat it anytime of the day as long as they wanted to.


    "I checked your fridge and saw two fishes. Can you clean it up for me before I cook it, please? Thank you."


    And Pan An did as he was told. He got the fish from the fridge and started to remove the insides, making Shu Xianment on his basic cooking skills.


    "Hmm¡­ as a person who grew up from a known family, I''m surprised you know how to do things in the kitchen and what to do with the food."


    Pan An smiled, continuing to clean the fish as they engaged in a conversation.


    "Living alone has helped me do this much. I actually like the idea of people knowing these stuffs as a must. I don''t get why people who are rich have to disregard this basic knowledge when they can do it themselves."


    Shu Xianughed as she agreed, nodding to what he said as shemented on the statement as well.


    "True. Maybe it''s a way to unt riches? You guys usually hire known chefs to cook for you, do you not?"


    "Well, yes," Pan An answered, already deboning the fish as well as Shu Xian is now putting the fried rice in a big bowl for her to put on the table. "But I love it when food is made by the family."


    "Oh! Your mom knows how to cook?"


    "Of course! When mom looks for a wife for me, she makes it a point that the woman knows her way in the kitchen. This is a big plus point for her regardless of the title and possession of the woman."


    Shu Xian nodded, already serving the fried rice on the sink as she got a clean pan and put it on the stove for the fish.


    "Ma''am Cai Li is indeed unique. I now understand why she is a loving mother to you."


    Hearing this, Pan An couldn''t help but frown, not saying a word. Seeing his expression, it made Shu Xian regret saying herment, maybe something amiss as she didn''t expect Pan An to be this way.


    "I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have¡ª"


    "It''s alright," Pan An interrupted, faking a smile as he loosened his necktie in front of her. "While you''re cooking, I''ll take a shower. Thank you for cooking dinner."

 Chapter 52 - Handsome Guàiwù

    Since Pan An had cancelled their dinner, Wang Lei had actually stayed behind to finalize some papers so he won''t have a lot of workload tomorrow. He had his hand on his forehead as he scanned the paper that was on his desk, his eyebrows knitted together as he signed, pen already at hand.


    ''Damn¡­ why are there so many proposals when this can be due next month?''


    Soon after, a knock was heard on the door. Knowing that it was Yu Yan who was knocking, he already signaled for her entrance, the secretarying in with coffee at hand.


    "Come in!"


    Yu Yan''s heels clicked in the quiet room. She elegantly put the coffee down, asking if Wang Lei wanted something before she leaves the room.


    "Do you want anything else, Mr. Wang?"


    "Yes¡­"


    Wang Lei sighed in relief as he was now finally done reading thest paper of those submitted today, actually emptying his desk for tomorrow! He then slumped on his office chair, his hand wiping his face as he was obviously tired for this evening.


    "I''m hungry. I want something to eat."


    "Alright," his secretary nodded, already getting her phone to do a reservation in his favorite Chinese restaurant. "I''ll call the manager right away and¡ª"


    "No, not in my favorite restaurant," Wang Lei interrupted, making Yu Yan look at him quizzically.


    "Do you wish to try something new, Mr. Wang?"


    "Yes," Wang Lei answered, a smirk tugging the corner of his lips at the same time. "I want to eat in Molto Affamatto, the new Italian restaurant and I want you to dine with me."


    "Oh?" Yu Yan immediately declined, giving an apologetic smile as well. "I''m sorry, Mr. Wang¡­ but I must decline now."


    "Hmm? Why?" Wang Lei frowned, not expecting that his invitation be declined. "Are you busy?"


    "Yes. I already promised someone that I have to go home earlier so I could spend more time with him."


    "Him?" Wang Lei''s eyebrow twitched, "I thought no one was able to melt your icy heart! How can you have someone now?"


    "Oh, Mr. Wang¡­ you are mistaken!" Yu Yan said,ughing at the same time. "I said that because I have a perfect exnation as to why!"


    Seeing herugh this way as if he had said something stupid, Wang Lei couldn''t help but knit his brows together. He continued to watch Yu Yan giggle, herughter like music to his ears as he found her voice beautiful and melodious.


    "Then, let me understand," he said, already standing up from his chair as he fixed his necktie. "If you want, I can drive you home."


    "Oh, you can!?"


    With Yu Yan hearing the suggestion of Wang Lei driving her home, he was actually surprised to have seen this happy and excited expression on his secretary''s face, aplete different emotion from what she usually shows every time she''s at work.


    "Oh, thank you. It might seem that I am taking advantage of this suggestion, but I would want to arrive home as much as possible," she said, Wang Lei, now curious as to why she wanted to rush going home.


    With Wang Lei remembering what she said a while ago that someone is waiting for her and being told that it''s not what he thinks when she said no one can melt her icy heart, now he grew all the more curious as to who the person waiting for her is!


    "It''s alright," Wang Lei snapped himself from his thoughts, already walking out of his office as his secretary followed. "I''ll drop you off to your home."


    "Thank you, Mr. Wang!" Yu Yan didn''t mask her gratitude, her smile ever so beautiful on her face. "I''ll cook for you, too, if you want!"


    Actually liking the suggestion, he nodded, both of them already going in the elevator to go down thepany''s parking lot. Once they have arrived, the driver already bowed at the two, opening the back seat door to make Wang Lei and his secretary enter.


    As the driver left thepany, Wang Lei had already asked Yu Yan to tell him the address, the driver, nodding as he already knew the location and drove them to Yu Yan''s house.


    It was a ten-minute quiet ride. The moment they arrived in front of a simple house, Yu Yan immediately left the car, surprising Wang Lei with the urgency. He then instructed the driver to wait for him, Wang Lei already getting off the car then he followed Yu Yan.


    "This is my home, Mr. Wang. I''m sorry you have to enter such a shabby house."


    "It''s alright, Yu Yan," Wang Lei said as he gave her a small smile. "With you preparing for dinner, I would have to experience your cooking, knowing that it''s worth the visit."


    As if sensing that there are already people outside, the door of the house opened, revealing a little boy at around the age of three, weing them.


    "Aaah! Mama, mama! Mama, you''re home!"


    "Oh, my little mooncake Li Jie!"


    Wang Lei opened his eyes wide when he saw Yu Yan scoop the little boy in her arms, the child giggling as his cute voice excited Yu Yan, further embracing him tighter.


    "Mama came homete? Why, why?"


    "Oh, I''m sorry, my mooncake! Mama did more work!"


    Yu Yan put him down after she nted a kiss on top of his head, her hands on her knees as she looked at Lie Jie lovingly.


    "Where is [1]N¨£inai?"


    "Shhh!" Lie Jie put his index finger in front of his mouth, indicating for Yu Yan to be quiet. "N¨£inai is sleeping on the couch!"


    Yu Yan stood up straight, nodding as she let out a smallugh.


    "Alright, then!" Yu Yan whispered, "Mama will be quiet!"


    With little Li Jie noticing the man beside his mama, he cocked his head to the side, not knowing what to say as he was told not to talk to strangers.


    Almost forgetting that his boss was with her, Yu Yan immediately turned her body to look at his boss, giving him a bow to apologize.


    "I''m sorry, Mr. Wang! With suddenly seeing my son, I almost forgot that you''re here," she said, Wang Lei, still surprised with the fact that his beautiful secretary is actually with a child, not remembering that fact in her employee''s profile!


    "It''s alright," Mr. Wang said, snapping himself from his thoughts. He then looked at Li Jie then introduced himself with a smile. "Nice to meet you, Li Jie. My name''s Wang Lei, your mama''s boss."


    "Boss?"


    Li Jie then looked at his mama as he innocently asked a question, what he said making Yu Yan''s face blush as the CEO''s lips turned into a tight line, not expecting how Yu Yan described him to her son.


    "Mama, he''s the handsome [2]gu¨¤iw¨´ that you were talking about at work?"

 Chapter 53 - Yu Yan Has Li Jie

    "Nice to meet you, Li Jie. My name''s Wang Lei, your mama''s boss."


    "Boss?"


    Li Jie then looked at his mama as he innocently asked a question, what he said making Yu Yan''s face blush as the CEO''s lips turned into a tight line, not expecting how Yu Yan described him to her son.


    "Mama, he''s the handsome gu¨¤iw¨´ that you were talking about at work?"


    Yu Yan still couldn''t believe that her little mooncake had to sell her out to her boss like that even though it was innocently done!


    She felt like a boulder was pushed onto her, Yu Yan now turning her body as best as she could just to face Wang Lei as she let out a nervous chuckle, apologizing to him.


    "I''m sorry, Mr. Wang. My son is mistaking you for someone else," she said, Li Jie, cocking his head to the side as he furrowed his brows in confusion.


    "But, mama¡­ you showed me a picture of handsome gu¨¤iw¨´ before and told me that he''s making you tired and that he''s the one keeping you from home so he can fatten our wallets for us to live."


    Yu Yan felt her soul leave her body!


    With her body suddenly stiffening like it was an iceberg, Wang Lei couldn''t help but have a bbergasted expression on his face, blinking his eyes a few times at the little boy who was talking in front of them.


    "Your mother said that, Li Jie?"


    "Yes!"


    Li Jie put his little hand on his chest and proudly nodded, pride swelling from him as he told him what his mother had taught him.


    "Li Jie never lies! Mama told me not to lie! What I''m saying is true, handsome gu¨¤iw¨´!"


    ''Oh, little mooncake!''


    Yu Yan attempted to talk to him with her mind as she looked at him desperately.


    ''You are so cute, but why do you have to be this good at such a wrong time!?''


    But Yu Yan knew that there is nothing she can do about it. Sighing, she just turned her body to look at her boss once more, a shy, apologetic smile, forcefully tugging the corners of her lips as she spoke to Wang Lei.


    "I apologize for what you''ve heard, Mr. Wang," she started, giving him a small bow as well as Li Jie watched them. "I cannot deny it further¡ªmy son is indeed honest and if what you''ve heard is something that you didn''t like, then I am prepared to receive punishment."


    Wang Lei didn''t say anything for a while. With his eyes now slowly shifting back to Li Jie, he gave him a smile as he bent down, patting his head as he talked to him instead.


    "Li Jie," Wang Lei said his name, his smile not leaving his face. "Good boy for being honest. Now, if you can, is it alright to borrow your mama for a while? I need to talk to her and your NaiNai needs somepany, no? Be a brave boy and watch over NaiNai, yes?"


    With that said, Li Jie grinned, nodding as he let out a cute giggle that was also cute enough for Wang Lei to acknowledge even though he didn''t like kids.


    He saw them as an abomination! He knew that he was a kid before as well, but never did it cross his mind to have one. If there are quiet kids, then there are certainly naughty kids like he was when he was younger.


    With that thought, he didn''t want to have one even though his parents were adamant about it.


    Shaking himself from his thoughts, Li Jie suddenly spoke, giving Wang Lei a thumbs-up as well.


    "Li Jie will listen to handsome gu¨¤iw¨´! I will guard NaiNai and wait for mama toe inside like a brave boy!"


    As Yu Yan was about to get him so she won''t be left alone with the "handsome gu¨¤iw¨´," Li Jie had sessfully ran away, closing the door behind him as well.


    ''Oh, no¡­ there goes my little mooncake. After he sold me out, he left me alone!''


    Surprising her, Wang Lei made a [1]kabe-don (rather, a [2]doa-don), making Yu Yan look at him straight in the eyes as Wang Lei made sure to himself that Yu Yan won''t escape from him as his hand was on the door that was right behind her.


    "Handsome gu¨¤iw¨´?" Wang Lei asked, Yu Yan, letting out a nervous chuckle.


    "I''m sorry, Mr. Wang. It was something that I said to my son when I came home a bit drunk. I told him why I was suddenly tired and then said the nickname¡ªand it got stuck on the little boy."


    Wang Lei arched a brow at his secretary, "You came home drunk? Aren''t you worried that your son is going to¡ª"


    "I know, you don''t have to scold me," she interrupted, not liking to be questioned on the way she raises her child. "I never did it again since then."


    With Wang Lei''s breath fanning over Yu Yan''s slightly parted lips, both of them suddenly went quiet, staring straight into each other''s eyes.


    With Wang Lei''s heart racing in his chest as they were closer like this at this time of night even, he started to feel warm, not liking the feeling already.


    ''Why?''


    Soon after, Wang Lei removed his hand from the door, making Yu Yan sigh in relief as she was no longer trapped.


    "Dinner would have to wait for next time, Yu Yan," Wang Lei said, his secretary, blinking her eyes in surprise.


    "Are you sure? I¡ª"


    "Your son has already said it¡ªI''ve been keeping you from him for a long time already," he interrupted, Yu Yan, feeling guilty now that he heard what she has been venting to the little boy.


    "I''m sorry. I¡ª"


    Before Yu Yan was able to finish her sentence, Wang Lei cleared his throat, already fixing hisposure as he stared straight into her eyes.


    "See you at work tomorrow, Yu Yan. We will be talking about your new schedule once we start with work hours."


    "What?!"


    Yu Yan then suddenly felt nervous, not liking the tone of his voice.


    "Is this about what you heard? I''m sorry¡ªI''m willing to take any punishment, but if you''re talking about firing me, then¡ª"


    "I''m not going to fire you, Yu Yan!"


    Wang Lei interrupted, letting out a chuckle at the same time. What he did next was something that surprised Yu Yan. He kissed the back of her hand, making her heart race with the simple gesture that he did, opposed by the words that came out of his mouth.


    This in turn, made her feel flustered as well¡­


    "We''ll just talk about your new working schedule. You''re continuing to work for me, and I will continue to fatten your wallets, alright?"


    With Wang Lei giving him a wink, Yu Yan stood still, her body stiffening in shock. Before Yu Yan could even retort, Wang Lei already turned his body to walk away, now understanding what was meant behind her words.


    Yu Yan has Li Jie¡ªand flirting with someone or having someone to love is out of her vocabry.

 Chapter 54 - Blue

    Pan An and Shu Xian were already eating. However, it was quiet, the use of their chopsticks only heard as it somehow made them feel conscious if they are ever going to make a noise with it again.


    With Shu Xian subtly looking at Pan An and with him looking at her as well, Shu Xian felt immediately shy when their eyes met, the professor, clearing his throat as he got a small piece of his fish and ate it with the fried rice Shu Xian has prepared.


    By this time, Wan Wan at the corner of the kitchen also finished eating her fill, already taking a nap as she waited for Shu Xian to give her the potty time that she needed.


    Breaking the silence, it was Pan An who spoke first, making Shu Xian listen to him as he remembered the conversation that they had earlier.


    "Wang Fang¡ªif you''re wondering who she is, she is a great friend of mine since I frequently borrow from the library and I had quite arge amount of overdue fee."


    "Oh!"


    Shu Xian nodded, furrowing her brows as the same time.


    "You had a great overdue fee?"


    "Yes."


    This time, Pan An let out a chuckle, remembering the absurd amount of fees that he had.


    "It amazingly reached to $500."


    "What!?"


    Shu Xian widened her eyes, astonished.


    "How?"


    "You see, I was not aware of the policy," Pan An started, continuing to eat as well as they conversed. "Faculty members are allowed to borrow the book for a month. But since the duration was long, I forgot the due date of when to return it and ended up borrowing it for more than it was needed."


    "How long?"


    Pan An grinned, further surprising Shu Xian with what he said.


    "Eight months."


    "Whaaat? That long!?"


    "Yes," Pan An nodded, "And the overdue fine is $2 a day¡ªthat''s why I got $500. She then notified me about the subject book that I borrowed, and then I was so surprised, I wanted to void it."


    This time, Shu Xian couldn''t help but roll her eyes as she let out augh, getting a small piece of fish as well and ate it.


    "Why is $500 a big deal to you? You''re rich, aren''t you?"


    "Oh, Shu Xian¡­"


    Pan An scoffed, letting out a smallugh as well.


    "I know I grew up from an affluent family, but I wouldn''t want to use a single cent from them since I have a work of my own. As much as possible, I would want to use the money I earn," he exined, Shu Xian, nodding as she remembered the car they were in yesterday.


    "But the car yesterday¡ª"


    "The car is different," Pan An interrupted, "I''m sorta a car enthusiast. Don''t judge me."


    This time, Shu Xianughed, the atmosphere between them already lighter. They then continued their conversation, their talk no longer awkward like how it was earlier.


    "Speaking of, that $500?"


    "Oh, right¡­"


    Pan An remembered, taking a sip of his water before he continued telling the story as he held his bowl of fried rice again.


    "Anyway, since it was my first time being given an overdue fine, Wang Fang suggested to only pay half until I did a bargain."


    "Oh, you¡­" Shu Xian shook her head, "You told her that since it''s your first time, why not let it slide since it slipped your mind and then the next time you borrow, you''re going to make sure you won''t forget it?"


    Hearing this, Pan An chuckled, nodding as Shu Xian guessed right.


    "Very good! And it''s what Wang Fang did. Since then, every time I borrowed books, I put an rm on my phone as a reminder. I wouldn''t want to have any more overdues. This is why Wang Fang and I are close."


    "I see!"


    Shu Xian then recalled the conversation the students had yesterday¡ªsaying that Pan An is a new teacher. With that remembered, now Shu Xian is confused about Pan An''s stay in the university, asking him about it.


    "How long have you been teaching in the university, Pan An? Yesterday, students were gossiping that you were new and with what you said about borrowing the book long, it seemed you''re not?"


    "Ah, I see!"


    Pan An nodded, understanding the confusion.


    "Maybe what your ssmates meant was I''m new in the College of Teacher Education. I was previously in the College of Arts and Sciences."


    "College of Arts and Sciences?" Shu Xian cocked her head to the side, "Why? What were you teaching?"


    "Language and Literature. Some humanity subjects, too. But since the College of Teacher Education needed someone who also took a lot of education units since one of the faculty retired, then they got me for their office and then now I teach how to be a teacher."


    "Wow!"


    Shu Xian widened her eyes in astonishment, now liking where their conversation is going.


    "It seems that you really like to learn, Pan An! Considering that you can also teachnguage, literature, and also humanities!"


    "Yes, I do say I have a fondness for learning," Pan An said, his lips showing a mncholic smile that made Shu Xian look at him in a different light. "It''s why I''m here. I can do whatever I want¡ªnot satisfy whatever my parents wanted for me."


    With what Pan An said the next, it actually made Shu Xian wonder more about Pan An.


    She wanted to ask more about his family, but with the sad or pissed off expressions that he was showing, Shu Xian knew that prying into his private life is something that she should not do especially that she is staying in his home.


    It would seem insensitive of her and she wouldn''t want Pan An to feel this bad when it was already obvious how he doesn''t like to talk about his family.


    Shu Xian understands. It''s the same for her¡ªthe topic about her family irks her, too.


    Shaking herself from her thoughts, she then gave him a smile, remembering that she is to shop with Shi Lian tomorrow for Pan An''s gift.


    "By the way, Pan An, what''s your favorite color?" she asked, surprising the professor for a moment with the unexpected small talk and question.


    "Whatever for?" he asked, Shu Xian, shrugging her shoulders as they continued eating.


    "Nothing. Just curious," she reasoned, Pan An, just raising a brow at her as they continued the conversation, after telling her his favorite color in a poetic manner, making Shu Xian smile.


    "Blue is the ocean, blue is the sky. Blue are the blueberries, I put in my pie."

 Chapter 55 - That Woman

    After eating dinner, Pan An has volunteered to do the dishes, Shu Xian, taking Wan Wan out for a short walk in the neighborhood as he believed that the dog needed exercise, not only being let out in the front yard for a potty session.


    Shu Xian was adamant that she would do the dishes, but instead, Pan An and her had talked about their share of housework at least with the dishes so Pan An would still get to do something since Shu Xian already does the cooking and theundry¡ªwith the exception of his underwear, of course¡­


    Pan An wouldn''t want Shu Xian to wash his undies¡­


    As soon as Pan An finished washing the dishes, he wiped his hands on the nearby towel and hung the apron, already leaning on the kitchen counter as he nkly stared at the table where he and Shu Xian ate and conversed.


    He then recalled the days that they were together¡ªletting out a small scoff, followed by a grin on his face as he realized that in the short days that they were together since the other day, a lot has happened.


    Pan An wondered if ever he had not been jogging in the nearby park, what could ever happen to Shu Xian?


    Pan An didn''t like the thought. Instead, he sighed, already shaking himself from his thoughts as he remembered instead what happenedst night. What Shu Xian told him was something that he did not believe, not wanting to get that drunk again.


    They say people don''t actually forget the things that they were doing when they''re drunk¡ªtheir mind is just doing it defensively because the person knew that he or she was doing something embarrassing.


    Pan An only remembered a few of what happenedst night. If what he knows is actually true, then what he did to Shu Xian was something embarrassing for him indeed to have made him forget this much.


    The professor sighed, also remembering that Shu Xian spoke to his mother. With that in mind, Pan An got his phone from the table and dialed his mother, the phone already ringing.


    Pan An waited for his mother to answer. The phone rang for roughly five seconds, Cai Li now answering the call and then greeted her son Pan An with a surprised tone.


    "Pan An! Dearie! How are you?"


    "I''m fine, mother," Pan An replied, hearing her mother giggle at the other end of the line making him smile a little. "I guess you''re doing good?"


    "Oh, I am, dearest," Cai Li replied, "With my son unexpectedly calling me, how could I not feel this happy?!


    Pan An didn''t say a word for a while, his smile slowly disappearing on his face. He then let out a sigh, making Cai Li wonder as she asked him what''s wrong.


    "What''s up, dear? What''s with the sigh?"


    Pan An''s lips turned into a tight line. Pan An didn''t know how to ask his mother, somehow knowing that whatever Cai Li called Shu Xian about, it is something private.


    "Mother," Pan An started, now scratching the back of his head with his free hand. "You see, it''s about Shu Xian¡ª"


    "Aaaah¡­"


    It''s as if Cai Li now understood, interrupting her son.


    "You heard about the call that we hadte at night? Oh, I don''t know if I told her not to tell you," she added, Pan An, now having the courage to ask her the question since she has brought it up.


    "What do you want to talk about, mother?" he asked, his hand now holding the counter he was leaning on. "Is it something¡­"


    Pan An didn''t know how to answer her question. With him remembering how she talked to the previous girls who were setting themselves up adamantly with their family, Cai Li was cold to them, only being warm to people whom she chose¡ªnot those who volunteered themselves.


    Also, he suddenly remembered Ruo Xi. When she suddenly passed through his mind, his grip on the counter tightened, remembering that herst encounter with Ruo Xi had prompted the girl to leave him for good¡­


    Without even saying a word of goodbye.


    With Pan An not finishing his sentence, Cai Li already understood what he was worried about. Sighing, her voice sounded gentle, wanting her son to understand that her intentions are not as bad as he thinks it is.


    "Pan An¡­ after not dating for such a long time and with you declining my matchmaking with other nicedies, it''s only proper for me to want to know what''s taken you to fancy the girl you''re living with now, no?"


    Pan An actually wasn''t convinced. He remembered his mother saying almost the same thing when he was talking to Ruo Xi, not sure of what she said to her to make the girl leave him for good.


    With that in mind, that made Pan An worry--it made him think if his mother were to be kind to her or not¡ªwith Pan An and Shu Xian knowing that both of them are only on a fake rtionship.


    If Cai Li "threatens" Shu Xian when what they''re doing is just fake to keep Cai Li at bay, he wouldn''t know what to do if Cai Li has "hurt" Shu Xian when she''s only doing this for Pan An''s sake.


    "Mother," Pan An spoke, snapping himself from his thoughts. "Please, Shu Xian is kind. I¡ª"


    "Don''t worry," Cai Li interrupted, sounding snappy this time as she didn''t like their conversation to go around in circles. "I wouldn''t do anything like what I did to that woman," she added, Pan An, understanding that she was already addressing to Ruo Xi.


    She never addressed her by her name¡ªever¡ªand only pertained to Ruo Xi as "that woman."


    "Mother¡­" Pan An spoke again, not liking how his mother addressed to the woman he loved even though they are no longer together. "Ruo Xi is not a bad woman. She''s¡ª"


    "Goodbye, Pan An," Cai Li interrupted once more, trying her best to control the snappiness of her voice as she did not like talking about his past lover. "Do rest well. Your mother is really tired."


    Without bothering to wait for her son''s reply, Cai Li ended the call. Pan An then sighed as he ran his hand through his hair exasperatedly, not understanding what she knew to make her treat Ruo Xi this way to the extent that she left him behind.


    ''She acts pained when Ruo Xi left me¡­ but still, she couldn''t mask the hatred she has towards her. I don''t understand!''

 Chapter 56 - Yan Ran

    "Yan Ran! Yan Ran!"


    The woman was crying desperately as she watched the fire eat their car, the thought of their baby daughter inside. As the fire continued aze, it worried her that it might engulf their daughter to death.


    "Yan Ran! Yan Ran!"


    Tears uncontrobly escaped her eyes as she wanted to escape from her husband''s hold from the ambnce they are in, already on their way to the hospital. She snapped her head at her husband, not caring to show this side of her as she was worried desperately for her child.


    "How dare you allow us to go without our daughter?!"


    The man didn''t say a word. There were tears escaping his eyes, too, also looking at the fire from where they are as his heart ached, thinking that their daughter is inside the fire.


    "Gu Shufen!"


    The woman snapped once more as she said her husband''s full name, getting his attention as her husband looked at her with hurt in their eyes.


    "Aren''t we being irresponsible!? How can we let this thing happen? How can this¡ª"


    "Meili¡­"


    Gu Shufen interrupted, already pulling his wife in a tight embrace as the ambnce rushed them to the hospital, Gu Meili, already wailing on his chest as he cried as well, his tears falling on the top of his wife''s head.


    They wanted so much to go back to their car¡ªthey wanted so much to save the baby inside!


    But since the car had exploded and it had already started a fire, they were unable to get their baby, the fire already burning his wife so they prioritized her, too.


    The firemen were only able to save the husband and wife, however, the baby, they couldn''t seem to hear or see any signs of life already¡ªthe firemen already telling them that the child may have already been suffocated to death that is why the infant could no longer cry.


    With that thought in mind, Gu Shufeng held his wife tight, already stifling his sobs as he made a promise to his wife, to his now-gone daughter, and to himself.


    "I promise I''ll let the person pay¡­ I promise once I know something, I''ll let the person pay with his or her life."


    ***


    "Ha!"


    Meili abruptly sat up from her bedside, waking up her husband beside her as he turned to his side to face his wife, worry evident on his face.


    "Meili, is something wrong?"


    Meili didn''t answer for a while. With her running her hand through her hair, she couldn''t help but let out a single tear from the corner of her eye as she looked at her husband, remembering the event that had happened 19 years ago.


    "Our Yan Ran¡­ our dear Yan Ran¡­ I¡ª"


    "Oh, Meili¡­"


    Shufeng sat up from his bedside, pulling his wife in an embrace. She then cried against his shoulder, Shufeng, not saying a word as he understood how this has affected Meili.


    Shufeng and Meili had been longing for a child and were blessed with Yan Ran. However, an unfortunate event happened, seemingly a nned car crash in an attempt to hurt them, failed.


    Until now, Shufeng didn''t give up in looking for the person who nned their deaths, wanting justice as well for the death of their poor, sweet daughter, Yan Ran.


    19 years may have passed, but still, Shufeng is still determined to know who this person is for causing harm on them, resulting in the loss of their child.


    At the same time, they heard a knock on their door, snapping Shufeng out of his thoughts.


    "Come in."


    Knowing that it''s their daughter, he signaled for her entry, the door already opening to reveal her in her nightgown and with a ss of water in her hand.


    "Wang Fang," Shufeng greeted her, Wang Fang already sitting beside her mother, the ss of water still in her hand.


    "Mother''s having those dreams again?"


    Shufeng didn''t say a word. He nodded, Wang Fang already getting her mother''s attention as she gave her a ss of water.


    "Mother, father¡­ I''m sorry, I can''t help but check up on you guys recently these nights. With father updating me about mother frequently having bad dreams, I had to¡ª"


    "It''s alright," Meili interrupted, already wiping her tears away with the back of her palm. "I''m d you and Shufeng are here," she added, drinking the ss of water in one down before giving the ss back to Wang Fang.


    "Want to go for a walk in the garden before going back to sleep, hmm?"


    "Yes¡­" Meili immediately answered her daughter, a small smile appearing on her face as she stood up from the bed, walking towards the bathroom. "Let me pee first," she added, Wang Fang, nodding as she was still seated on their bed.


    The moment they heard the restroom''s door closing, Wang Fang sighed, worriedly looking at Shufeng.


    "Father¡­ do you think we have to call for a counselor soon for her? These nightmares keep haunting her. I don''t know what else to do but to worry," she asked said, Shufeng, sighing as he held Wang Fang''s hand.


    "The disappearance of your sister is too much for her. I don''t mean to say this because you are not of my blood, but losing our child, it still breaks my heart until now. Sometimes, I couldn''t sleep until I resort to my prescribed sleeping pills."


    Wang Fang nodded, her eyes ssy with tears at well as she returned his hold of her hand with her other hand.


    "Yan Ran may be my half-sister, and I may not have recalled much about her since I was seven at the time, but¡­ it also saddened me¡ªlosing a part of our family."


    Shufeng nodded, nting a soft kiss on Wang Fang''s forehead. He then smiled at her as he held her face, Wang Fang, giving him a small smile as she loved the gesture Shufeng gave her as if she is his real child as well.


    "Thank you for looking out for me and your mother. I''ll try my best to find out about this person who dared harm our whole family. I promise."


    With Meili alreadying out from the restroom, Shufeng and Wang Fang looked at her, Meili already smiling as she got her shawl from the closet and wore it.


    "Now, let''s go have our midnight walk!"


    "Of course," Wang Fang said, already standing up from the bed then she looked at Shufeng. "Thank you for the talk, father. I''ll bring back mother in 15 minutes."


    "En."


    With that, both of them already went out of the room on their way to their private garden, Wang Fang grateful that her mother has met a great man after her husband died.


    Remarrying Shufeng, Wang Fang thought that she would suffer the same fate as the ones she watched in dramas¡ªbeing abused by the stepfather.


    Turns out that she was not, even until now. She is lucky to meet a man who treated her as if she is his own.

 Chapter 57 - Shu Xian, Please...

    "Why haven''t you still found that girl!? "


    He Shen threw his papers that were stacked on his desk, raging at his secretary and his other bodyguards as they bowed in front of him. The papers were scattered around them, He Shen, huffing and puffing in an attempt to cool down his anger.


    "Ever since she ran away from this house, we can''t even get ahold of her, her papers and infos blocked¡ªnot knowing if she''s even enrolled or not!"


    "I''m sorry, Mr. He Shen," his secretary apologized as he gave another bow once more, "I''m trying my best to get a hold of her. However¡ª"


    "However?" He Shen interrupted, "However, what?"


    He Shen slumped on his office chair, already lighting up a cigarette as one of his escapes when ites to stress. He then got a hit of it and then exhaled, intentionally blowing it to his secretary and bodyguards.


    "If only you were paying attention when you were on duty that night when she ran away¡­ this would not have happened!"


    "We''re sorry, Mr. He Shen," both of his bodyguards said in unison, giving another bow as He Shen sighed, already finishing the cigarette immediately.


    "You are to look for her. Do you understand?"


    "Yes," the three men in front of him immediately answered, He Shen now putting and crossing his ankles on the table before him.


    "You wouldn''t know what would happen¡­ if ever that Shu Xian coincidentally meets those people. You wouldn''t want to go down with me, do you not?"


    The three men didn''t dare to answer. With He Shen''s lips curling into a smirk, he spoke again as he lit another cigarette, continuing to talk to them.


    "If you also did a good job 19 years ago, this would not have happened but anyway, with their child as our revenge ticket to get what they have, then there''s nothing we should worry about. But until then¡­"


    He Shen now stood up, looking at his people condescendingly as the cigarette was in between his fingers, the ashes falling on the floor and on some papers that were beneath him.


    "Find Yan Ran. If we can''t get ahold of her until now, then she must''ve met someone when she ran away. Someone powerful at that. Search the whole country if you have to. Once you have a single clue as to where she is, inform me immediately. Understood?"


    "Yes, Mr. He Shen."


    "Good."


    With that, his bodyguards already left, the secretary still inside his office as he picked up the papers that were on the floor, and fixing them back on the table once he has sorted them well.


    He Shen ignored his secretary. Instead, he walked towards the window and stared at the city lights outside, He Shen still continuing to smoke as he watched the cars belowe and go, already calming down from his annoyance.


    "Zheng Zi," He Shen called out, Zheng Zi, He Shen''s secretary, already stopping midway his task for a while as he looked at his boss expectantly.


    "Yes, Mr. Gu?"


    This time, he addressed him as Mr. Gu, He Shen''s family name. Gu He Shen then turned his body to look at Zheng Zi, taking another hit of his cigarette before throwing it on his office floor to litter.


    "How is your investigation on my elder brother? Has he stopped investigating the issue?"


    "No," Zheng Zhi immediately answered, "Until now, we are still doing our best to close our connections so as to not give him even a single clue," he added, He Shen, smirking as he nodded approvingly at his secretary.


    "Good. We''ll keep it this way," he said, already leaving the room to leave his secretary behind in his office. "Fix the room. And then update me with my work schedule for tomorrow. I can''t stand to be my brother''s stand-in."


    "Mr. He Shen."


    He bowed until He Shen left the room. The moment he heard the door close behind him, he raised his body as he heaved another sigh, already picking up the papers and stacked it on his table and started sorting it.


    ''Aaah¡­ I always hated it when he threw tantrums on his papers. I hate sorting them after I have already sorted it.''


    Zheng Zhi stopped doing his task for a while. He stared out the window, a frown slowlying to his face as he remembered Yan Ran¡ªnow known as Shu Xian, already desperate to look for her before their boss has their heads for another failed attempt.


    ''I have a family to feed¡­ Shu Xian, please¡­ where are you?''


    ***


    It was already morning and Shu Xian was already in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. Wan Wan was beside her, already expectant of the food Shu Xian was cooking. She then looked at her dog, shaking her head as a grin crept her face.


    "You''re not going to eat human food for this morning! You have to eat the remaining dog food I gave you so my money won''t get wasted!"


    Wan Wan whimpered, actually knowing the word "dog food." With hearing it a lot of times from Shu Xian every time she served her her food, it sort of trained Wan Wan what is meant by the word "dog food," making her this sad once she knows what she''s going to eat.


    At the same time, Pan An had already arrived in the kitchen. With a small towel on top of his head as he did a quick morning shower, she greeted Shu Xian as he sat on the table, the girl already putting the eggs and bacons on the table with two pairs of toast.


    "A light breakfast this morning," Shu Xian said, removing the apron then she hung it on the wall, already sitting beside Pan An. "Later at dinner, I''m thinking if we should have something unique since I saw some pasta in your cupboard. A simple spaghetti, perhaps?"


    Pan An nodded, actually liking the idea.


    "That''s good!"


    "Also, I''m thinking¡­" Shu Xian trailed off, already eating as she got one sunny side egg, and then two strips of bacon on top of her toast. "If you wanna have a packed lunch? I''m thinking to get packed lunch, too."


    "That''s also good. Of course, you''ll be getting the money for it?"


    "Of course!" Shu Xian grinned, giving him her wallet. "Now fatten up my wallet, and I''ll go grocery shopping after duty!"


    Pan An shook his head, starting to eat his toast as well.


    "We go grocery shoppingter. You shop once a week, next week, you''ll start shopping alone."


    "Alright, fair enough¡ªsince I only suggested this idea right now," Shu Xian agreed, the two of them already having a good breakfast as they prepare for their lessons in the university.

 Chapter 58 - Suddenly Develop An Unexpected Crush

    Shu Xian arrived in the ssroom earlier than her best friend, Shi Lian.


    After having breakfast, Pan An already went ahead to get his time in and to prepare for sses, Shu Xian alwaysing out of their houseter than usual because she didn''t need to go in the university earlier.


    As Shu Xian prepared her things on the table, she got her notebook again, the one that Pan An confiscated the other day when she was scribbling about their possibilities.


    Upon remembering this memory, Shu Xian couldn''t help but roll her eyes, remembering how Pan An was a different person when he talked to her during the first day of sses.


    That''s the first time she met his strict personality¡ªthat''s when they also had an agreement about their fake rtionship.


    With her digital watch around her left wrist, Shu Xian noticed that there were two days before the weekend, making her remember that she is to see Pan An''s mother, Ma''am Cai Li, for dinner.


    This meet up with his mother is actually making her worry¡ªremembering what Pan An had said about his mother when ites to treating the women who usually set themselves with the professor.


    Shaking herself from her own thoughts, she sighed, already thinking about the present to give Pan An. She is already set in giving him a necktie that he is going to use, listening to Mr. Chang and Shi Lian''s suggestion.


    With her also knowing his favorite color, Shu Xian had took that in mind, already writing "color blue" on her notebook when the note above wasbeled: "Gift for Pan An."


    "Boo!"


    At the same time, Shu Xian''s heart jumped in her chest the moment she abruptly closed her notebook instinctively, thinking that maybe it was another person who was sneaking up on her.


    But when she turned her head and saw Shi Lian, Shu Xian rolled her eyes at her and sighed, slightly annoyed.


    "Do you have to surprise me early in the morning?" sheined, Shi Lian,ughing as she sat beside her best friend.


    "You were so focused! From the moment I entered the ssroom, I could already see you from the door¡­"


    Shi Lian then furrowed her brows together and pointed at her face, imitating Shu Xian''s facial expression.


    "Like this!"


    Shu Xian rolled her eyes again at her. However, what happened next was more surprising, making the two of them widen their eyes in surprise.


    "Oh, Shu Xian, Shi Lian!"


    The familiar guy greeted them as he immediately went to their row, sitting beside Shi Lian as he put his bag on the desk in front of them.


    "You guys didn''t tell me that you two were Teacher Education students! What a coincidence!"


    Shu Xian and Shi Lian looked at each other in surprise, then back at the man who just sat with them. His ck hair was shaggy, the guy already putting up a happy face this early morning as he prepared his notebook and pen on the table.


    Zhang Ren¡­ turns out that he is a Teacher Education, too!


    "Ah¡­ you might be wondering why I''m here," Zhang Ren asked, scratching the back of his head. "I did ate enrollment of this ss since I only have a few units enrolled. Miss Wang Fang told me to add more units and so, she talked to the professor of this ss and added me!"


    "Oh, I see!" Shu Xian reacted, nodding her head as she smiled at him. "Well then, nice to have you as our ssmate! Good morning, Zhang Ren! Sorry for thete greeting!"


    Zhang Ren did a salute. He grinned at the two girls, greeting them as well.


    "Good morning, lovelydies! I''m guessing I can copy the first two days of notes, yeah?"


    Noticing that Shi Lian has been quiet since his arrival, Shu Xian elbowed her, furrowing her brows in worry as Shi Lian is not usually this quiet.


    "Hey, what''s wrong?"


    Shi Lian snapped and slightly jolted from her seat, making her turn her head at Shu Xian to answer her.


    "Huh? What? Nothing''s wrong."


    However, Zhang Ren took this as an opportunity to tease Shi Lian. He leaned on their desk to look at her better and propped a hand under his cheek, his eyes staring directly at Shi Lian''s as he greeted her.


    "Yo, Shi Lian. Cat caught your tongue? Still couldn''t get over the fact that I want to borrow you for seven days?"


    Zhang Ren even gave Shi Lian a wink after he said his statement, making Shi Lian immediately scoff as she yfully rolled her eyes at him, giving him a smile as well.


    "No. I was just taken aback by your reply. No one has dared to return my pickup lines¡ªyou are the first," she replied, Zhang Ren, nodding as he reached out to Shi Lian''s face and pinched her cheek slightly, what he said making the girl''s heart beat fast in her chest with the small gesture that he did.


    "Alright. Then, I''ll keep being the one who would reply to your pickup lines!"


    "Wh-wha¡ª"


    Before Shi Lian could even reply, the bell had already rung.


    "Oh! ss is starting. Who''s our professor this morning, hmm? I heard it''s a former College of Arts and Sciences professor," Zhang Ren mumbled to himself as he opened his notebook, Shi Lian''s face turning red as she didn''t understand what she was feeling.


    Furrowing her brows, Shu Xian looked at her best friend. She scooted in closer to her, whispering beside her ear as she started to worry for her.


    "What''s wrong? Is something the matter?" she asked, Shi Lian, slowly turning her head to look at her.


    Shu Xian widened her eyes slightly when she saw Shi Lian''s face turn red. She was biting her bottom lip, obviously unsure of what to say as both of them looked at each other, Shu Xian, expectantly waiting for her best friend to speak.


    "Well?"


    "Shu Xian¡­"


    Shi Lian got Shu Xian''s hand and had led it to her chest, making Shu Xian feel the pace of her heartbeat.


    It was quite fast indeed!


    "Would it be stupid¡­"


    Shi Lian started, making sure that Zhang Ren wouldn''t hear as she softened her voice further.


    "If I suddenly develop an unexpected crush on this mboyant guy beside me?"

 Chapter 59 - Awkward And Sort Of Rude

    The girls set aside what they were talking about for a while. With the three of them listening to the professor, Shi Lian did her best to listen to the professor even though she''s quite conflicted with the feeling she was having towards the guy sitting beside her, Zhang Ren.


    Actually, Shi Lian is frustrated with herself!


    How can she develop a crush on the guy when they just met recently? Shi Lian never grew interested in a guy even though some have courted her before when they were back in high school.


    It''s because Shi Lian preferred her freedom to herself¡ªthinking that dating is something early to do.


    Other than that, she sees herself as a girl who rarely likes¡ªor even has a crush on anyone, making her think right now, what does Zhang Ren have that is different that is making her feel this way?


    "Nnngh¡­"


    Hearing her expression, it had actually caught Zhang Ren''s attention, making him look at Shi Lian subtly from the corner of his eye and has poked her with the end of his pen.


    "Pssst! What''s wrong?" he asked, whispering as soft as he could. "Are you bored with the sses since this is our first ss in the morning?" he added, Shi Lian, not actually answering his question verbally as she just nodded, trying her best to mask her difort.


    "Me, too! To be honest, I didn''t like the suggestion Miss Wang Fang said about having this ss in the morning. I wanted more time to myself and go to university at ater time. But, ahh¡­ I should listen to our boss."


    Good thing, there was one thing that Shi Lian noticed.


    The guy beside him ispletely dense¡ªhim not noticing that Shi Lian is ufortable sitting beside him now that she has started to think that she may have developed interest in him!


    Even without Shi Lian giving a reply to what he said, Zhang Ren didn''t give much attention to it, still shifting his focus on Professor Pan An who is discussing in front of the ss.


    He was also trying his best to diligently copy notes, Shu Xian, observing the two people who are seated beside her.


    ''Damn¡­ tomorrow, I''m going to make sure that I''m the one in the middle,'' she thought to herself, the professor already giving them their next activity.


    "Alright..."


    Pan An started, already leaning on his desk as both of his hands supported his weight.


    "What I want you to do now, is to brainstorm with your fellow seatmates about how assessment is done by teachers. Afterwards, I will call on some duos or trios to share their ideas to the ss. I''ll give you guys ten minutes."


    Even with the given instruction, Zhang Ren grinned at thedies, already suggesting something different that is not rted to the ss.


    "Do you wanna grab some grubter at lunch? I mean¡­ we still have two more sses before lunch, but wanna meet up at the cafeteriater?"


    Shu Xian raised a brow at him, wanting him to focus on their activity.


    "Hey, Zhang Ren! Focus! We are only given ten minutes to discuss!"


    Zhang Ren yfully rolled his eyes as he yed with his pen.


    "Oh, Shu Xian! You''re so uptight! But, hey! I wanna know what you guys think before we can focus, yeah? So we meet and eat in the cafeteria before Shu Xian and I go to our duty hours? Or?"


    This time, Zhang Ren looked at Shi Lian for her answer. With their eyes meeting, Shi Lian felt her heart racing again as she was unusually quiet, even Zhang Ren who doesn''t know her well found it weird for her to be quiet.


    "Hmm¡­ I''m guessing your quietness has nothing to do with your spunkiness," hemented, his eyes not leaving Shi Lian''s. "I mean¡­ with you throwing a pickup line yesterday, how is it that you''re so quiet now? Are you okay?"


    With this said, Shu Xian gave a subtle kick on Shi Lian''s shoe. When she did the gesture, Shi Lian looked at her, both of them talking as if they could understand each other with the use of only their eyes.


    ''What the heck are you doing, Shi Lian?''


    ''What am I supposed to say? I know I could easily answer his question, but I find myself tongue-tied!''


    ''Don''t you know that this is going to be more suspicious for him if you''re so quiet?''


    ''I know¡­''


    ''Being quiet is not in your vocabry! Now be noisy since we''re given the chance to chat for ten minutes even though it''s brainstorming!''


    With that, Shi Lian sighed, turning her head to look at Zhang Ren and spoke to him.


    "I''m sorry," she said, Zhang Ren, now listening to her. "Shu Xian and I are going somewhere to the mall. We''re going to buy a necktie for someone. I''m helping her choose," she added, Shu Xian, widening her eyes as she pinched Shi Lian''s leg, not expecting that she will tell him their n.


    "What was that for?" Shu Xian whispered, only enough for Shi Lian to hear. "What do you think will happen if hees with us and¡ª"


    "A necktie? Sure! I suppose this is for your brother, father? Or perhaps¡­ someone you like outside of university?" he said and asked with a wink, Shu Xian, rolling her eyes at him.


    "It''s none of your business, Zhang Ren. Anyway, sorry, we can''te with you to the cafeteria. We''re¡ª"


    "Then going to the mall it is!"


    He interrupted, Shu Xian''s eyes widening in surprise when Zhang Ren interrupted her, already inviting himself in their errands.


    "Since it''s a necktie for a guy, then I would definitelye and give my opinion, yeah? Tell me more about himter."


    Shu Xian red at Shi Lian. If Shi Lian didn''t tell him honestly what they are going to doter on, then this would not have happened!


    Now that Zhang Ren is insisting to let himselfe, then he would find it suspicious if ever he saw the bought necktie worn by Professor Pan An!


    Of course, Shi Lian and Shu Xian couldn''t say no to him directly, too! They found it awkward and sort of rude to decline Zhang Ren when he was so excited with being with the girls.


    Now, Shu Xian is thinking of what to tell Zhang Renter once they go out shopping for a necktie¡­

 Chapter 60 - None Of Your Business

    The moment their morning sses have ended, all of them agreed to wait for each other at the university gate.


    Since Shi Lian and Shu Xian are ssmates in all of their sses and are only ssmates with Zhang Ren in the first period, both of them talked as they walked towards the gate, waiting for Zhang Ren to arrive.


    "I can''t believe that he''sing with us," Shi Lian said, Shu Xian, rolling her eyes at her.


    "Whose fault do you think it is? You were the one who put us in this situation!"


    When Shu Xian pointed this out, Shi Lian couldn''t help but let out a small groan of frustration as she clung on to Shu Xian''s arm, shaking her at the same time.


    "Hey, I''m sorry, alright? I didn''t mean to¡­ okay? I just didn''t know what to say¡ªI thought telling him that would make him stop because men hate shopping."


    "I know they hate shopping," Shu Xian replied, now looking at Shi Lian with her eyes narrowed. "But with you saying that it''s a necktie, then how is he not going to say no? It''s for men''s shopping! Now he''s going to be curious about this!"


    Shi Lian nodded, sighing as she apologized to her best friend.


    "I know, I know! I''m sorry, Shu Xian¡­"


    Shi Lian then pouted. The moment they arrived in front of the gate, thankfully, Zhang Ren''s still not here as it gave them more time to talk¡ªjust between the two of them.


    "I''m going to make it up, alright?"


    Seeing as Shi Lian is really guilty, this time, Shu Xian yfully rolled her eyes at her and then pinched her cheek, already forgiving her best friend.


    "It''s alright," she said, letting out a small sigh afterward. "It''s just that I wonder how we are going to tell this to Zhang Renter when we start shopping for neckties. Imagine¡­ if he suddenly sees Pan An wearing the necktie when we''re studying in the same degree¡­"


    Without even finishing the sentence and with Shu Xian shuddering, Shi Lian could already get what she was worrying about.


    Nodding as her lips turned into a tight line, Shi Lian contemted for a while as she thought what the best course of action would be good for Zhang Ren.


    "Hmm¡­ we only have two choices," Shi Lian said, looking straight at Shu Xian in the eyes. "We either be honest of what''s this for, or we either be rude and tell him he can''te."


    Shi Lian sighed once more, crossing her arms in front of her chest as she didn''t like what Shi Lian suggested.


    "I don''t like both of these suggestions!"


    "I know¡­ but¡ª"


    "Heyo,dies!"


    With Zhang Ren greeting them all of a sudden, it got their attention, making them look at him with a slightly surprised expression on their faces.


    "Aren''t we going to the mall? Are you sure we''re not going to eat? This will make me and Shu Xian hungry once we have our duty in the library!"


    With him already walking towards them, Shi Lianmented on what he said, suggesting him something as well.


    "If you''re worried about being hungryter, why not go on ahead and have lunch? Shu Xian and I are doing shopping so it might bore you."


    "Ah¡­"


    Zhang Ren waved his hand, a gesture of debunking Shi Lian''s suggested.


    "Don''t worry about me. It would be more boring if I''m alone! Even though it''s shopping, it''s for a necktie, anyway. You can count on me for some opinions!"


    With that, Shu Xian and Shi Lian looked at each other. Their eyesmunicated to say that there is nothing they could do about Zhang Rening with them, making Shu Xian sigh as she turned to face Zhang Ren, now talking to him honestly.


    "If youe with us, would you please, please, PLEASE¡­ not say anything about what you know when ites to what you''re about to know."


    Hearing this from Shu Xian, Zhang Ren couldn''t help but furrow his brows in wonder as he cocked his head to the side, not expecting to hear this from her since he thought it''s only shopping.


    "Why do you guys seem so secretive about this? It''s only shopping for a necktie for a guy you probably like or for a friend or for family member, no?"


    "No, nothing of the sort," Shi Lian answered, looking at Shu Xian as if asking permission if it''s okay telling him on her behalf. With Shu Xian''s nod, she then further told Zhang Ren, making him understand. "It''s for Professor Pan An."


    Zhang Ren widened his eyes in disbelief, not expecting that it''s for Professor Pan An.


    "Professor Pan An, as in¡­ the Professor Pan An who gave us our first lecture in the morning?" he rified, Shu Xian and Shi Lian confirming with a nod. "Wow! I didn''t expect that you guys fancy the professor! Well, he is handsome."


    "No, you dimwit!"


    Shi Lian immediately retorted, hitting the back of his head at the same time.


    "No one fancies the professor! Shu Xian is only giving him a necktie as thanks because he helped Shu Xian get the library student assistant schrship!"


    "Oh!"


    Zhang Ren widened his eyes, now understanding why he was hit by Shi Lian. He then scratched the back of his head, narrowing his eyes at her as he looked at her in the corner of his eye.


    "You didn''t have to hit the back of my head, sheesh¡­ now aren''t you sofortable in doing the gesture when we just met yesterday."


    Shi Lian rolled her eyes at him, not saying a word as she stuck out a tongue at him before she mumbled to herself, enough for Shu Xian and Zhang Ren to hear.


    "How could I like the professor? He''s not my type."


    "Oh?"


    Zhang Ren''s attention is now on Shi Lian, making her heart race in her chest with the question he threw at her.


    "And what''s exactly your type?"


    Blinking her eyes a few times as Shu Xian looked at Shi Lian teasingly, Shi Lian just rolled her eyes at both of them and walked away, stating her answer loud enough for them to hear.


    "None of your business. Are we going to shop for a necktie, or are we going to continue wasting our time?"

 Chapter 61 - Qing Yuan

    Wang Lei already arrived at work earlier than usual. With the encounter that he had with Yu Yan--his secretaryst night, he had to admit that he couldn''t sleep at night as he pondered about her life.


    He doesn''t remember the fact that Yu Yan, an employee that has been working with him for more than three years, actually has a son!


    Remembering that the age of the child is around three to four years old, he then put the pieces together, making Yu Yan''s first appearance in thepany as the year Yu Yan had just given birth to Li Jie.


    With that thought in mind,st night, he had asked their family secretary to do a background research about Yu Yan, telling him that if he was able to find out anything about her, he would have to contact him immediately.


    Since Wang Lei has arrived work an hour earlier than his usual time in, he started to take his morning coffee as he stared outside his office window, overlooking the whole city as he watched the carse and go below.


    Soon after, a knock was heard on his office door. Making him turn his back to look at it and gave a signal for entry.


    "Enter."


    The office door opened to reveal their family secretary, Mr. Ying. He then gave a small bow to Wang Lei, the CEO, acknowledging his presence as he gave him a small nod.


    "Have you found out anything, Mr. Ying?" Wang Lei asked, Mr. Ying, closing the door behind him as he gave Wang Lei another nod to say yes.


    "Yes, Mr. Wang Lei. Here is the research I have found about Miss Yu Yan."


    Mr. Ying gave the folder to Wang Lei. As Wang Lei got the folder from him and opened it, his eyes immediately lit up in interest with the facts that were already written on the paper, Mr. Ying further exining for him as Wang Lei silently read the paper.


    "From what I saw, Yu Yan has not hid the fact that she has a child. Since you are unaware, I remember correctly that you asked the HR to just get you a secretary that is able to meet your expectations and they have gotten her."


    "Hmm¡­"


    Now Wang Lei understood why he doesn''t recall Yu Yan''s background of having a child.


    It is because he usually sees the background of secretary applicants, but then, he remembered that three years ago, he was busy in an opening of a new business overseas, making him remember that he did make such order.


    "Alright¡­ but if I recall, I also didn''t specify if it''s okay having an employee that is with a child?"


    "Yes," Mr. Ying confirmed, nodding once at the same time. "You see, Mr. Wang, Miss Yu Yan has told the interviewees that even though she is with a child, it won''t bother her work in thepany. She stated that her mother is living with her to take care of the child."


    "Yes, I could see that," Wang Lei said, a smile appearing on his face. "Since she started working for me, there has not been a single problem. She kept her word well."


    "Indeed," Mr. Ying agreed, "However, the background of the child is what you should now, Mr. Wang Lei," he added, Wang Lei''s eyes nownding back on the file before him, making him furrow his brows when he saw a familiar name.


    "Qing Yuan?"


    Wang Lei looked at Mr. Ying with furrowed brows.


    "The child is the son of Qing Yuan?"


    "Unfortunately, yes, Mr. Wang Lei," the secretary confirmed, "ording to my sources, Qing Yuan is desperate to have a sessor. Since his wife cannot bear a child, he went to a bar and has drugged his target''s drink. Yu Yan was his target and then has¡ª"


    "Enough," Wang Lei interrupted, not already liking what he was hearing. "I could already know this much without you exining to me," he added, Mr. Ying, nodding as his lips were now sealed shut until Wang Lei has instructed him to speak again.


    Immediately, Wang Lei was pulled into his thoughts. With his lips turning into a tight line as his eyes red at the name "Qing Yuan" on the folder, he couldn''t help but feel angry at what he did to Yu Yan.


    He is already married, but he still dares to cheat on his wife? If his wife couldn''t bear a child, then why not remarry another woman?


    But Wang Lei has already the answer to this question. It is because his wife has a biggerpany than her husband¡ªQing Yuan is desperately clinging on to the connection that he has with his wife, taking advantage of their marriage!


    "If Qing Yuan is desperate to have a sessor, didn''t he think that having a woman he drugged in a bar would be a scandal that his wife wouldn''t want?"


    "That''s what I thought, too," Mr. Ying now spoke, "That''s why, Mr. Wang Lei, Mr. Qing has already given up on the thought of having a sessor and wanted to keep his connections with the help of his marriage to his wife. Instead, since he learned that he has gotten Yu Yan pregnant, he threatened her to have an abortion."


    Wang Lei''s eyebrow twitched. Knowing that Qing Yuan has also a notorious image in the business industry that his wife only blocks with the help of her connections, Wang Lei couldn''t help but feel disgusted towards the man they are talking about.


    "Obviously, Yu Yan didn''t want to abort her son," he mumbled, enough for Mr. Ying to hear.


    "However, this angered Mr. Qing. Since he didn''t get what he wanted, he further threatened Miss Yu Yan that she won''t be able to file awsuit against him for not supporting the child and has told the business industry under his connection¡ªnot his wife¡ªto not give her work so she would die with the child."


    "That bastard!"


    Wang Lei gritted his teeth, throwing the folder to the side as he didn''t bother to mask his anger towards the man.


    "And so she was lucky tond a work in ourpany?"


    "Yes," Mr. Ying nodded, "It is because ourpany is not connected to theirs that made it possible for Miss Yu Yan to earn for her child by working for you. Until now, Mr. Qing is in search for her, but since we specifically ordered no possible entry for others to further search ourpany, it was not possible for him to know where she works."


    "Good." Wang Lei said, his eyebrows still furrowed. "But I''m guessing, it doesn''t stop here."


    "Yes, Mr. Wang." Mr. Ying agreed, further telling him what he knows that made Wang Lei''s eyes widen in surprise. "He has learned Miss Yu Yan''s address only a week ago, and is nning to have an unexpected visit to kidnap the child."


    "Tsk!"


    Wang Lei clicked his tongue as he loosened his necktie, feeling suffocated due to the anger he has been having.


    "Secure me a private meeting with Qing Yuan. Tell him the agenda is business. Call me immediately once it''s done."


    "Yes, Mr. Wang Lei."


    After they talked, Mr. Ying already left the office, a murderous auraing from Wang Lei as he nkly stared at the door, his anger having no intentions to leave his body.


    ''Escaping one''s responsibility as a father and harming them for the sake of his reputation is not something I can tolerate!''

 Chapter 62 - Partners In Crime

    Shu Xian, Shi Lian and Zhang Ren, already went to the mall to look for Pan An''s blue necktie. The moment they set inside the mall, they were already looking left and right to look for a ce where to buy his necktie.


    However, Zhang Ren still remembered his astonishment when he knew about Shi Lian''s background. With Mr. Chang who drove them to the mall, it was a quiet drive as he was a little bit embarrassed with asking Shi Lian about her background with Mr. Chang around.


    "You didn''t tell me that you grew up in an affluent family!" Zhang Ren eximed, Shi Lian, rolling her eyes at her as she crossed her arms in front of her chest while they walked.


    "Are you stupid?" shemented, scoffing at the same time. "I''m not the type of person who is like that, you know¡ªproudly saying ''Oh, you don''t know who I am?'' , , ¡­ I''m not that kind of snobby girl."


    "Wow¡­"


    Zhang Ren eximed once more, this time, nodding his head approvingly as he liked what Shi Lian said, grinning about it at the same time.


    "It''s good that you''re like this, then! Something that I didn''t expect from you! It''s good that you beg to differ! Makes you an awesome, unique girl!"


    This time, Shi Lian couldn''t help but let out a chuckle. Shu Xian also agreed, nodding her head at the same time as she recalled what happened yesterday in the elevator.


    "Yes, I''m proud of my friend being that way, however¡­ yesterday, was something that you wouldn''t expect."


    "Oh?" Zhang Ren furrowed his brows, curious. "Tell me about it."


    Shi Lian and Shu Xianughed as they remembered the event that happened in the elevator. With Shu Xian starting the story, Zhang Ren listened intently to the girls, already interested in the topic.


    "You see, Shi Lian is already known to some people who are familiar with the business industry and what they are doing for the city. When she heard people talk bad about me, she was a little annoyed that she didn''t allow other people to enter the elevator."


    "What?" Zhang Ren chuckled, "How? You own the university?"


    "No!"


    Shi Lian yfully rolled her eyes at him.


    "We see potential in the university. If we see potential in those who seek for help, our family bes one of the fund raisers for them. One of our contributions in the university are the elevators. So since people were judging Shu Xian, I didn''t let them use it."


    "Oh, so you''re snobby if you only find it justifiable," Zhang Ren nodded, narrowing his eyes at her at the same time. "Fair."


    The three of themughed. With Shi Lian suddenly stopping in her tracks, the other two stopped as well, already listening to her suggestion.


    "Hey, since you''re looking for a necktie, why not shop in the department that is under us here in the mall? You can get a discount."


    "Hmm¡­"


    Shu Xian thought for a while, this gesture already understood by Shi Lian as she groaned, understanding what she''s thinking of.


    "Oh, geez! You don''t have to think that just because you got a discount, doesn''t mean it''s not a good gift or it''s a cheap gift! The quality is still the same and with the allowance that you have now, you still worked hard on it!"


    Zhang Ren arched a brow at Shi Lian.


    "That''s what she''s been worrying about?" he asked, Shi Lian, nodding to answer his question. "Oh, Shu Xian¡­ you are a goody-two-shoes¡­ you don''t need to think that way. It''s still a gift¡ªthe thought that counts."


    "Yeah, right!"


    Not minding what they are saying, Shu Xian turned her body to look at them, asking them a question instead.


    "How much is a necktie, usually?"


    "Well¡­"


    Zhang Ren cocked his head to the side and told them what he knew.


    "Cheap ones can be $5 but it won''tst long. Good ones are usually $40-$50, but it''s okay since the quality is good and it canst for a very long time."


    "True," Shi Lian chimed in, crossing her arms in front of her chest once more as they waited for Shu Xian''s decision. "You can get a discount from our department since I know the manager well. Anyway, how much do you have with you right now?"


    Shu Xian bit her lip as she held the wallet tightly in her hand. With her knowing how much she has inside, Zhang Ren and Shi Lian sighed, wanting Shu Xian to ept the suggestion already.


    "I have roughly $30 in my hand¡­"


    "Haiya¡­"


    Zhang Ren also shook his head, giving Shu Xian a smile as he told her to follow Shi Lian''s suggestion.


    "I say you take the discount. With only $30 and with you having no lunch yet, I''d say you let her help you."


    "Geez¡­" Shu Xian furrowed her brows, "I didn''t expect neckties to be this much when ites to good quality."


    "Well, duh! You''re a girl and it''s your first time shopping for neckties. Come on, then."


    With Shi Lian linking her arm with Shu Xian''s, the three of them walked to the store for them to buy Pan An''s necktie.


    "Do you know his color preference?" Zhang Ren asked, Shu Xian, nodding as she answered.


    "Yeah. Blue."


    "Alright!" Zhang Ren approved, winking as well. "He''ll look good in blue¡ªhe''ll use it to work!"


    "Yeah! And if he uses it during sses, I will not say a word¡ªjust teasingly look at you as we know he will look good on it and thedies will just gawk at him without them knowing that what he''s wearing came from you."


    Hearing the both of them talk made Shu Xian blush. Seeing as the two of them are already getting along even though they just met each other recently, it made Shu Xian think that if they are going to be together¡­


    Shi Lian and Zhang Ren would already be partners in crime¡ªa future headache for Shu Xian.

 Chapter 63 - Success

    After shopping for a necktie, Shu Xian smiled at it and grinned ear to ear, remembering that this necktie was in Pan An''s favorite color, blue.


    Seeing the happy face of Shu Xian as Mr. Chang is driving them back to the university, Shi Lian and Zhang Ren looked at each other, wanting to tease Shu Xian at the same time.


    "If you see him wearing that during his work, would you grin ear to ear like that as well?"


    When Zhang Ren asked this, Shu Xian immediately kept the necktie in her bag, making her blush at the same time as she didn''t expect Zhang Ren to make such ament.


    "You dare tease me like that when even my best friend Shi Lian couldn''t have the courage to do that," Shu Xianmented, making Zhang Ren and Shi Lianugh.


    "Maybe it''s good that Zhang Ren is going to be with us and is our friend now. If I can''t tease you this much because I am afraid of you, then Zhang Ren would be the one to do it for me!"


    With a smug smile on both of their faces, Shu Xian couldn''t help but let out a chuckle, shaking her head at the same time as she saw that both of them are getting close quicker as well.


    "You two are like partners in crime already," Shu Xian said, "We just met, but all of us are getting along already," she added, both of them nodding in agreement.


    "Yes! Actually, what I noticed with Zhang Ren is that he is good at talking to people regardless if they''re strangers or not," Shi Lian replied, Zhang Ren, now feeling a bit weird that he is getting this much attention.


    "I, uh¡­ am not used to this much focus on me," he said, the two girls rolling their eyes at him.


    "Yeah, whatever," Shi Lian said, now thinking why Zhang Ren is in Teacher Education. "Which reminds me¡­ why did you take up Teacher Education as a degree? What''s your major, too?"


    "Hmm¡­"


    Zhang Ren contemted for a while. With suddenly thrown the question as to why he is taking up Teacher Education, he actually didn''t know how to answer Shi Lian''s question if ever she is in need of a specific answer.


    Instead, Zhang Ren shrugged his shoulders and exined himself the best way he thought.


    "To be honest, I''m not so sure why I took up Teacher Education," he started, the two girls'' attention on him. "I don''t know what I want to be, actually. Since I thought maybe I''d do something about my strengths, then I focus on that! And so, I majored in Math."


    "Oh! So, it''s same with me," Shu Xianmented, rting to what Zhang Ren said. "To be honest, I am not so sure about what I want to be, too! Shi Lian actually suggested me to choose which one I do best and that is the Englishnguage."


    "I see! So, you are majoring in English?"


    "Yup," Shu Xian nodded, this time, Zhang Ren, looking at Shi Lian.


    "Now you are a rare case! Tell me why you are taking Teacher Education when you can take business rted courses so you can help in your familypany."


    "Ha! Easy!"


    Shi Lian eximed proudly, what she said making both Shu Xian and Zhang Renugh.


    "I have an older brother getting the responsibility as it is part of his dreams! I can do whatever I want and enjoy the benefits!"


    "Lucky! Not all people are like that when ites to business and upholding the family name and reputation," Zhang Renmented, "Usually, people who grew from a family like that would be forced to do what the parents want¡ªfurther giving them thepany in the future for them to handle!"


    "Yes, that''s true," Shu Xian agreed, arching a brow now at Zhang Ren as a sudden thought passed through her mind. "You seem to be familiar in this kind of background," she added, this time, Zhang Ren suddenly turning silent, making him blink his eyes a few times as he looked at the girls.


    "Hmm?"


    The two girls looked at each other, then back at Zhang Ren. With him suddenly turning silent as he only said an interjection "hmm," Zhang Ren then awkwardly scratched the back of his head, not understanding why the girls are acting this way.


    "Err¡­ what? What''s wrong?"


    "Zhang Ren¡­"


    Shi Lian started, already narrowing her eyes at him as she grinned at him teasingly.


    "Tell us more about yourself."


    With Shi Lian now telling this to him, Shu Xian nodded in agreement, Zhang Ren already feeling that he is in a pickle. With aughing out from him, the girls furrowed their brows, not understanding why the guy isughing.


    "You guys are crazy. Just because I know what usually happens in a famous, rich family, doesn''t mean that Ie from one. I mean¡­ look at me! I''m a student assistant! Don''t people need an ie statement from parents for a person to be epted at work?"


    Hearing this from him, Zhang Ren does indeed have a point. The two girls then sighed, Shu Xian, talking as she apologized to Zhang Ren on their behalf.


    "Sorry¡­ we just assumed that¡ª"


    "Bah! Don''t worry about it!"


    Zhang Ren interrupted, not actually minding their judgment.


    "It''s alright! Seeing Shu Xian at first, I actually thought that her prettiness is from a rich family. Turns out she may be financially unstable like me."


    Hearing that, the two girlsughed, Shi Lian, nodding in agreement.


    "I agree with you. Shu Xian is indeed pretty like she had parents who are artists!"


    Before they even knew it, they already arrived in front of the university gate. With them already getting out from the car, Shi Lian is now bound to have her next sses, whilst Shu Xian and Zhang Ren will have their afternoon duties.


    Shu Xian and Zhang Ren looked at Shi Lian. With her already bidding farewell, she walked towards the Teacher Education building to have her afternoon sses.


    Zhang Ren then looked at Shu Xian. With a grin on his face, he slung his bag over his shoulder, already telling Shu Xian that they need to have their time in.


    "Let''s go! Or else, we''ll bete and it will be deducted from our monthly allowance."


    "Alright."


    With that, both of them then walked towards the library, their mission in looking for a blue necktie sessful.

 Chapter 64 - Yan Yan And Zhong Li

    The moment Shu Xian and Zhang Ren arrived in the library to have their time in, the other student assistants who were also doing their time in beside the Office of the Chief Librarian as they waited for their turn, looked at Shu Xian, knowing that she is a new student assistant in the department.


    With a small nod, Shu Xian smiled at everyone and greeted them, the other student assistants smiling at her, the others, not smiling at her.


    "Good afternoon," Shu Xian said sweetly and warmly, "My name''s Shu Xian. Nice to meet you."


    "Nice to meet you, Shu Xian," the others said, Shu Xian, not understanding why the other student assistants seem cold towards her.


    With that, she just didn''t pay attention to it as she leaned in closer to Zhang Ren, asking him a question.


    "Why are some people giving me the cold stares," she asked, Zhang Ren, letting out a small chuckle as he shook his head then answered her question.


    "I''ll tell youter."


    After the others did their time in and only Zhang Ren and Shu Xian are left as the others went to their respective library stations, Zhang Ren did his time in first, teaching Shu Xian how to do this.


    "Time in is pretty simple," he started, showing her the log book. "Since ourputer station for the time in is being updated by the ICT department, we have to manually do it by writing our name, writing our specific time in¡ªthere''s a wall clock above us, and then, putting our signature beside it."


    "Alright."


    Shu Xian then wrote her name below Zhang Ren''s, looking at the time and saw that it was 12:55 PM and put it on the log book, then signed beside it afterwards.


    "Good! Now let''s go to our section!"


    The moment Shu Xian and Zhang Ren entered the help desk, there were two student assistants inside, stretching as they both gave Shu Xian and Zhang Ren a smile.


    There was one boy and one girl, Shu Xian already understanding that they are the morning shifters of their library station.


    "Finally," the girl eximed, stretching at the same time. "We''re about to have our time out in five minutes!" she added, Zhang Ren, raising a brow at her.


    "Yan Yan, don''t tell me you have already finished a lot of tasks in the morning. The desk seems clean," Zhang Renmented, this time, the male student assistant, letting out a soft chuckle since they are inside the library.


    "Sorry¡­ Yan Yan and I already fixed the index cards for the card catalogue. Nothing is left," he said, Zhang Ren''s eyes widening in surprise as he saw the four small drawers of the card catalogue on their desk, obviously fixed.


    "Zhong Li¡­ you and Yan Yan already did this for six hours!?"


    Zhong Li and Yan Yan both shrugged their shoulders, making Zhang Ren narrow his eyes at them.


    "You guys didn''t really leave anything for us."


    Yan Yan giggled, "That''s not true!"


    Yan Yan then opened theputer and then opened a folder, showing him an unfinished document and beside theputer units were color green bound books, making Yan Yan p the hard cover once as she gave him the instructions.


    "These are the new theses from thest semester to be forwarded to the Thesis and Dissertation libraryter this week. You know the drill¡ªtype in the abstract of each thesis and make sure you check what you''ve already finished in the list on top of that pile."


    "Yes, encoding duties!" Zhang Ren said excitedly, his eyes twinkling in stars as Zhong Li yfully rolled his eyes at him.


    "We''re not heartless duty members. We know you like encoding so we gave you something to do in the afternoon," he added, this time, Shu Xian, clearing her throat to get their attention.


    "Sorry, the name''s Shu Xian," she introduced herself, their eyes on her now as she spoke. "What am I going to do if Zhang Ren has something to do right now?"


    With that, Yan Yan smiled at her, getting something from the desk as she extended her hand to give something to Shu Xian. When Shu Xian saw what it was, she widened her eyes, slightly surprise, not expecting to have a nametag on the first day of her duty.


    "Here! Your nametag! I did it a while ago, too! Wee to our section! The name''s Yan Yan," she weed her with a wink, Shu Xian, smiling at her as she nodded, remembering who she was.


    "Yes. You were the one who introduced me to Miss Wang Fang yesterday morning when I visited. Nice to meet you formally!"


    "Hmph¡­"


    With Zhong Li suddenly harrumphing, Shu Xian''s eyesnded on him, the guy already crossing his arms in front of his chest as he looked at her, a little bit condescending¡ªthe atmosphere around them a little chilly.


    "There is a tradition to test new student assistants," he started, already standing up from his chair the moment he saw that it was already 1 PM, time for their time out. "New student assistants are to do cleaning duties first¡ªto see if he or she is capable and can do it since most people are picky when ites to tasks."


    Zhong Li then couldn''t help but look at Shu Xian up and down, letting out a small scoff as he rolled his eyes at her as well.


    "I could see that you are the kind of student assistant who is not used to chores¡ªlooking at how pretty you are."


    Hearing this, Shu Xian honestly felt offended. With her not wanting to be seen this way, she arched a brow at him and crossed her arms in front of her chest as well, surprising Zhong Li with how courageous she is as no one dared to speak back to him when he is this way.


    "Don''t judge a book by its cover¡ªyou should know that saying well. Anyway, I''ll take it as apliment."


    Shu Xian started, giving him a wink as well as this made Zhong Li feel a little bit ufortable, no woman winking at him and this is the first time.


    "Thanks for seeing me as a pretty woman, Zhong Li. Nice to meet you."


    With that, Shu Xian met her other fellow student assistants in their library section, Yan Yan and Zhong Li, unsure if she is going to be close to them or not.

 Chapter 65 - Well Eat Dinner Out

    Without Shu Xian even realizing it, duty had already finished.


    What she did this afternoon was doing what Zhong Li had said¡ªthe test to see the student assistant''s capabilities by doing the heavy load either by washing the cloths that were used to clean their stations, or by mopping the floors once there are no longer people in their library section.


    Zhang Ren told Shu Xian that she is going to wash the cloths instead, since mopping is done at the end of the week, the task already for tomorrow since it''s Friday.


    "Nngh!"


    Shu Xian stretched, no more patrons inside their library station as her yawn came out rather loud, making Zhang Renugh a bit.


    "How are you enjoying your first day of duty so far?" he asked, Shu Xian, smiling at him as she gave an approving smile.


    "It''s actually pretty good," she said, narrowing her eyes at the same time. "Are we going to have this routine every day?"


    "Oh, I wish!"


    Zhang Ren answered as he rolled his eyes.


    "As you can see, I was desperate to have something to do in the afternoon. Good thing Yan Yan and Zhong Li gave us something to do," he added, Shu Xian, now curious about them as she saw that there are ten more minutes before their time out, the two of them already done cleaning their areas and shutting down all of theputers.


    "Yan Yan and Zhong Li¡­ what degrees are they studying?" Shu Xian asked, Zhang Ren, answering her question.


    "Well, Yan Yan is under business administration and then Zhong Li is under civil engineering."


    "Wow¡­" Shu Xian blinked her eyes in astonishment, not expecting Zhong Li to be studying civil engineering. "I thought he is studying humanities or psychology," shemented, making Zhang Ren let out a smallugh.


    "What makes you think that he is studying that?" he asked, Shu Xian, shrugging her shoulders as she let out augh as well.


    "I dunno¡­ just my first impression of him."


    With Wang Fang suddenlying out of her office, it got Shu Xian and Zhang Ren''s attention, making both of them stand up from their seat to greet her.


    "Good evening, Miss Wang Fang," both of the student assistants greeted, making Wang Fang smile at them as she acknowledged their greeting.


    "Good evening, you two," she greeted as well, already walking up to their work station to lean on the help desk. "Are you enjoying your first day of duty so far?" she asked Shu Xian as she looked at her, Shu Xian, nodding to answer her question.


    "Yes, I am. Zhang Ren is also a good guy to have helped me. He''s a very approachable guy¡ªI''m lucky," she added, Wang Fang, giving Shu Xian an appreciative smile.


    "Good."


    With that, she already got her shoulder bag and wore it, already waving her hand to say goodbye to the two as she fixed her eyesses as well with her index finger.


    "Now, I must go. I should have had my time out an hour ago, but I don''t want papers stocking up my desk for tomorrow. I did overtime and did most of them so I won''t have a stressful morning," she said, already walking down the stairs as Zhang Ren and Shu Xian waved at her retreating figure.


    The moment she was already gone, Zhang Ren faced Shu Xian, asking her what her ns are forter.


    "So, what are you gonna doter? Are you going to eat dinner or go straight home?"


    With that asked, Shu Xian remembered that she is going to go grocery shopping with Pan An tonight, making her shake her head to answer Zhang Ren''s question.


    "No, I''ll be doing some grocery shopping."


    "Oh!" Zhang Ren widened his eyes, suggesting Shu Xian something. "Want me toe and help? I can if you¡ª"


    "No, no!" Shu Xian violently declined as she shook her head profusely. "I want to do grocery shopping alone!"


    "Oh?" Zhang Ren arched a brow at her as he cocked his head to the side. "Why are you so defensive? Are you okay?"


    "Yes¡­ I¡ª"


    "Zhang Ren!"


    With Shi Lian suddenly visiting their library section, the girl leaned on the table as well, getting Zhang Ren''s attention as Shi Lian noticed that Shu Xian is in a pickle.


    "Want to eat with me tonight in Molto Affamato?"


    "Molto Affamato?" Zhang Ren blinked his eyes a few times. "Isn''t that the new Italian restaurant near the university?"


    "Yup!"


    Shi Lian grinned, narrowing her eyes at Shu Xian as she understood that she needed the rescue without her friend even telling her.


    "Shu Xian seems busy¡­ she doesn''t want people toe with her sometimes when ites to errands. She wanted this ''alone time,'' so leave her be! Come with me instead!"


    Zhang Ren chuckled, already nodding as Shi Lian seemed adamant on himing with her.


    "Alright. Let me go grab my things and I''ll apany you," he said, Shu Xian, sighing in relief as she looked at Shi Lian.


    "Thank you," she mouthed, Shi Lian, yfully rolling her eyes at her as she mouthed back as well.


    "You''re wee."


    With that, they already had their time out, Shu Xian, feeling her phone buzz against her skin as she fished her phone from her pocket, already seeing a text from Pan An, making her heart beat fast in her chest, not expecting that she will receive a message from him.


    More over¡­ when did he get her number?


    Pan An:


    I''ll wait for you in the garage. I''m already home. We will shop in the mall''s grocery far from the university¡ªwe''ll eat dinner out as well since it''ste.


    ''Oh? Eat dinner out?''


    Shu Xian cocked her head to the side and furrowed her brows, wondering where they could be eating to make her feel slightly excited.


    Being a foodie sure does have its perks! With the thought of them eating after doing some grocery shopping, Shu Xian couldn''t help but grin, feeling happy as well that she had read the professor''s message ever so suddenly.

 Chapter 66 - Passenger Seat

    Shu Xian immediately came after she was finished with her duty. The moment she came home, Wan Wan greeted her, making Shu Xian immediately kneel on the floor to give her a pat and a kiss on the head.


    "Oh, Wan Wan! I''m home~!"


    Wan Wan barked, giving Shu Xian a lick on the face as Shu Xian giggled, liking the way Wan Wan is so affectionate towards her.


    Sooner orter, Pan An came out of his room, already wearing ordinary clothes as he leaned on the doorframe, looking at Shu Xian from where he is as he yed with his keys on his hands.


    "Ready to go grocery shopping?"


    With the question thrown at her, Shu Xian stood up, nodding as she put her bag down and got her wallet.


    "Sure! Where are we going, anyway? From your text message, it seemed quite far away?"


    She asked, also furrowing her brows at him.


    "Also, how did you ever get my number? I don''t recall giving you my number," she added, Pan An, letting out a small chuckle before he answered her question.


    "While you were cooking, I took the chance. Anyway, your phone didn''t have a lock on it so I took the liberty to get your number."


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times, "A-aren''t you prying into my privacy?"


    Pan An nodded, grinning as well as he sees no problem with it.


    "I only got your number¡ªnot looking at anything else. Don''t worry."


    Shu Xian narrowed her eyes at the professor, still not liking what he did.


    "You know, I could have given you my number if you just asked for it¡ªnot you getting it in this way," she retorted, Pan An, just ignoring what she said as he stood up straight, already telling her what he did.


    "Anyway, to save up time, I already fed Wan Wan tonight and then walked her outside the house."


    "Oh?"


    Shu Xian didn''t expect Pan An to help her with taking care of Wan Wan. Seeing Wan Wan''s happy face as she looked at her with her tongue out hanging, Shu Xian couldn''t help but smile, already thanking Pan An.


    "Thank you for taking care of her, Pan An. I really appreciate it."


    "You''re wee," Pan An said, now cocking his head to the side. "Are you ready? Trip going to the mall I know will take around 20 minutes with my car."


    Shu Xian widened her eyes in amusement, not expecting to have a car ride that seemed that long.


    "Why is it so far away!? Is it like in the outskirts of this city?"


    Pan An nodded, chuckling at the same time as he gave her an answer.


    "Yup! Come on, I''m also itching to have a drive with the car. Let''s go!"


    With Pan An already going to the garage, Shu Xian rolled her eyes, already securing the main door as she smiled as well, not expecting that Pan An seemed to be this excited when they''re just going to drive for a grocery shopping.


    After Shu Xian was finished in securing the house, she said her goodbyes to Wan Wan, telling her to guard the house then she went to the garage.


    The moment she arrived in the garage, Pan An had already opened the door of the front seat for Shu Xian, gesturing her toe inside with a smile on his face.


    "In you go, Shu Xian."


    Shu Xian raised a brow at him andughed, already entering the car as shemented on how Pan An is tonight.


    "You really seem excited! Have you not been having a drivetely to make you feel like this?"


    "Ugh, yes!"


    At the same time, Pan An already sat on the driver''s seat, igniting the car to life as they already drove out of the garage and into the streets so they could already travel to the grocery store.


    "I always wanted to have a drive¡­ with the university just starting recently, it has been so busy and this time, I only have a small sweet time for driving¡ªI''m taking it as an opportunity."


    Shu Xian then buckled her seatbelt as Pan An drove, Shu Xian, furrowing her brows together as she saw that Pan An forgot to buckle his seatbelt.


    "Hey! How could you be so irresponsible?" shemented, Shu Xian already reaching out as this slightly surprised Pan An, feeling the skin of her arm graze on his as she got the seatbelt from his side and buckled him instead. "Has being this excited made you forget such basic stuff?"


    With Shu Xian scolding him, Pan An had not actually left the back of their house yet, making both of them stare into each other''s eyes as Shu Xian realized that what she did made her go closer towards the man who was driving.


    Both of them didn''t say a word. With them still staring each other straight in the eyes, Shu Xian then felt conscious, already averting her gaze as she immediately and awkwardly settled herself back in her own seat, already looking out the window.


    "I-I''m sorry," Shu Xian mumbled, only enough for Pan An to hear. "I was only worried since you didn''t put your seatbelt on," she added, Pan An''s lips in a tight line as he still remembered how beautiful Shu Xian''s eyes were as they stared straight into each other''s eyes.


    "I-it''s alright," Pan An said, stammering on his words at the same time. "I''ll be more careful next time."


    With Pan An putting his phone on the phone holder in between them and opened his music and clicked shuffle, what yed in the background made it more awkward for them, the lyrics distracting them.


    ***


    I look at her and have to smile


    As we go driving for a while


    Her hair blowing in the open window of my car


    And as we go, the traffic lights


    I watch them glimmer in her eyes


    In the darkness of the evening


    ***


    With the first stanza heard, Pan An immediately clicked next, now a more upbeat song ying as he continued driving.


    Both of their hearts were racing with the song of Stephen Speaks entitled Passenger Seat, still ying in their minds, an old song that is both familiar to them, the lyrics known.

 Chapter 67 - Indeed A Mystery

    As the song was now ying an upbeat song entitled "Don''t You Worry Child" by Swedish House Mafia, Shu Xian couldn''t help butment on Pan An''s musical taste, not expecting him to like these kinds of music.


    "I didn''t know you would like these kinds of songs," Shu Xian said, already bobbing her head to the beat as the atmosphere between them was no longer awkward like it was a while ago. "I actually like this song," she added, Pan An, nodding in agreement.


    "Yes, I like this song, too," he said, both of them singing to the lyrics of the first stanza together after the long intro that they had.


    ***


    There was a time


    I used to look into my father''s eyes


    In a happy home


    I was a king, I had a golden throne


    Those days are gone


    Now the memory''s on the wall


    I hear the songs


    From the ces where I was born


    ***


    The drive to their grocery shopping was actually fun¡ªboth of them admiring how the city lights were so attractive and at the same time, distracting in their eyes. The traffic light showed red, Pan An stopping as he and Shu Xian continued singing the song aloud.


    ***


    Upon a hill across a blueke


    That''s where I had my first heartbreak


    I still remember how it all changed


    My father said


    ***


    Both of their voices were now loud in the car, both of them singing the song as if they were in a karaoke.


    ***


    "Don''t you worry, don''t you worry, child


    See heaven''s got a n for you


    Don''t you worry, don''t you worry now"


    Yeah!


    ***


    With both of them looking at each other as they sang and danced in the car as if they were in a rave party, Pan An and Shu Xianughed out loud, not expecting that both of them would sing together after feeling so awkward a moment ago.


    "Goodness, Pan An," Shu Xianmented, shaking her head at the same time. "I didn''t know that you know the lyrics of the song well," she added, Pan An,ughing as well.


    "Hearing the song you like on repeat, how could you not?"


    With that, the traffic light already signaled green, indicating the vehicles to move forward. Pan An then focused his eyes on the road, Shu Xian, looking out the window as the song still yed in the background.


    "You know, Pan An," Shu Xian started, already turning her head to look at him to tell him something. "I haven''t had this much fun since I ran away from home. Thank you."


    With that heard, Pan An couldn''t help but feel bad for Shu Xian. With him giving her a small smile, he then started a conversation with her about it, making Shu Xian blink her eyes a few times, not expecting Pan An to ask her a question.


    "If it''s okay to ask, how was it like¡­ back at your home? You don''t have to go into detail," he asked and said, Shu Xian, contemting for a while as she stared out the window once more, remembering the time when she was with He Shen.


    During her stay with her uncle, she rarely saw him. However, whenever He Shen woulde across her in the house, he wouldn''t hesitate to insult her and abuse her physically from time to time, making her lips turn into a tight line as her hands on her knees flinched, the memories of the past, haunting.


    Seeing how her hands on her knees tightened, Pan An regretted asking her, making him take back his words.


    "Anyway, like I said, you don''t have to tell me anything. I¡ª"


    "My uncle¡­ He Shen¡­ whenever he saw me in his house, he won''t hesitate to hurt me with his words, his physical abuses as well when he''s drunk," she mumbled, interrupting Pan An in the middle of his statement.


    "He provided me what I needed for my education, however¡­ in high school, I could no longer stand it. I ran away, then sought help to Shi Lian''s family. With their help, they were able to block my papers but I couldn''t stay longer with them¡ªI wouldn''t want to burden Shi Lian''s family."


    "So¡­" Pan An trailed off, making a blind curve first before continuing his statement. "This prompted you to live alone in an apartment with Wan Wan?"


    "Yes," Shu Xian said with a nod. "As for Wan Wan, well, she was like my savior. When I ran away, I met her, too, in the streets, as an abandoned puppy. Then I raised her. She''s like my partner forever," she added, now turning to Pan An as she recalled the night when he rescued her.


    "They hurt my dog that night, you know? That''s why I challenged them. To people, dogs are just animals¡ªbut to me, my Wan Wan is my family."


    With now tears pooling in her eyes, a genuine smile of gratitude appeared on Shu Xian''s face as some tears escaped her eyes, already thanking Pan An even though she has already thanked him before.


    "So, thank you for saving me that night¡­ thank you for taking Wan Wan and me¡­ thank you for taking care of her with me. You''re nice, Pan An. You really are."


    With Shu Xian now turning her head to look outside the window as she shyly wiped her tears away with the back of her hands, Pan An couldn''t help but pity Shu Xian, the man feeling frustrated and angry by the fact that her uncle was this ruthless towards her.


    "Shu Xian," Pan An called out to her, his grip on the steering wheel tightening as he tried his best to control his anger. "This He Shen¡­ do you know his surname?"


    "Gu," Shu Xian answered, already wiping her nose with tissue that she brought with her in her small pouch. "I tried to ask Shi Lian''s family to search, but they said there were a lot of Gus and it seems that his information is blocked, so no luck. I don''t know who my real parents are."


    With that, Pan An didn''t say a word. With the surname "Gu," given to him, Pan An thought if he would talk to the trusted secretary of their family but knowing that their mother might have already done it and has not said a word with what she found out, then maybe there was nothing she saw as well.


    Shu Xian''s identity is indeed a mystery¡ªher identity being a secret the one that is suspicious.

 Chapter 68 - Love?

    Pan An already parked his car in the parking lot of the big mall where they are going to have their grocery.


    The moment both of them already walked out of the car, Shu Xian widened her eyes to see one guard approach them and get Pan An''s keys, making her turn her head to look at the man beside him.


    "Pan An¡­" she trailed off, narrowing her eyes at him as she made an assumption. "Don''t tell me that this mall is actually your family''s?" she added and asked, Pan An, nodding to answer her question with a smile.


    "Yes, this is ours. This is why I chose this ce because I have no problems with our image beingpromised here if ever we are seen together. Other than that, no one ever goes here¡ªstudents at that, since it''s very far away and you would also need ess to this mall."


    "ess to this mall?" Shu Xian''s eyes were wide still. "What do you mean ess to this mall? Like, membership and the like?"


    Pan An couldn''t help but chuckle. With him nodding, however, it gave Shu Xian the answer that she needed, both of them stopping in front of the elevator. The moment it opened, the employee immediately recognized him, giving both of them a small bow before they entered.


    "Membership¡­ hmm¡­ something like that," Pan An said, the doors of the elevator already closing. "I only go grocery shopping here. I don''t like the attention of many people," he said, already talking to the employee who is in charge of the elevator. "The floor where the grocery is, please."


    "Yes, Mr. Pan An," she immediately answered, already clicking the fourth floor, Shu Xian, now shy that they are not alone as she doesn''t know how to speak to Pan An already.


    With her being this shy, Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times, looking down on their feet as she fidgeted. Seeing this, Pan An already knew that she was feeling uneasy, making him sigh as he surprised her when he put his hand over his shoulder.


    "Don''t be this quiet, Love," he said, Shu Xian, immediately snapping her head to look at Pan An. "We''re just going grocery shopping. But I understand why you''re shy, Love. It''s the first time you visited our family''s mall."


    With being called "love" twice in a sentence, Shu Xian really blushed so hard¡ªshe was beet red! Pan An then gave her a wink, now Shu Xian remembering that this is an act because it is their mall and that the employees might inform Cai Li, further strengthening their alibi.


    "I''m sorry, Love," Shu Xian shook herself from her thoughts, still blushing as she tried her best to act along with Pan An. "I will get used to this soon, I hope."


    With that, the elevator doors opened. With the employee also smiling at them as she also has a small blush on her face with how Pan An was acting with Shu Xian, she gave another bow to say goodbye, the elevator doors now closing.


    The moment Shu Xian realized that they were no longer in their presence, she sighed, looking at Pan An with furrowed brows.


    "You didn''t even tell me in the car about what we''re supposed to do! I was so surprised!"


    Pan An chuckled, shaking his head as he felt slightly guilty of not informing Shu Xian. Further surprising her, he then held her hand, his fingers locked with hers, making the youngdy''s heart beat erratically in her chest.


    "I''m sorry," he apologized, kissing the back of her hand as he raised it with his hand that held hers. "Shall we go, Love?"


    Shu Xian could not answer immediately. With her unable to avoid his gaze, Shu Xian couldn''t help but feel that Pan An''s acting is something so natural¡ªlike they are in a rtionship, really!


    He was so natural¡ªit actually made Shu Xian feel that both of them are in a rtionship even though she knows fully well that this is just an act to keep his mother at bay.


    "Love?"


    "Hmm?"


    Pan An cocked his head to the side, furrowing his brows in wonder as Shu Xian was in a daze.


    "Are you alright?"


    With this question asked, Shu Xian couldn''t help but narrow her eyes at him and answered his question without hesitations at all!


    "No. I''m surprised by this shenanigan!"


    Laughing at her whispered answer, Pan An bit his bottom lip to stifle hisughter, already walking towards the grocery for their shopping.


    "I''m sorry. With the talk that we had a while ago in the car, I didn''t know what to say¡ªhow to insert this," he said, Shu Xian''s focus on their front, noticing that there are not a lot of people around the mall.


    With this in thought, Shu Xian ignored what Pan An had said, already looking up at him and asked him a question.


    "Not a lot of people are in your grocery? At this time?"


    "Oh!"


    With Shu Xian noticing this, Pan An further discussed where most of their patrons are at this moment.


    "Most of them are either in the furniture stores, or maybe having their meals in the rare but known restaurants that we have in the mall."


    "Oh, I see!"


    "Yup," Pan An nodded, "Only a few rich families do grocery shopping. Since you know, they''re rich, most of them ask their helpers to do it for them. But us, we beg to differ. Both of us will shop for ourselves, further letting my mother believe that she doesn''t need to match me with other gals, no?"


    With Pan An saying this with a wink as well, Shu Xian yfully rolled her eyes at him, nodding as she now understood why he wanted to do this at their mall.


    "Alright. I''m just here to help, Pan An. Whatever you say."


    Both of them then entered the grocery of the mall. With Pan An getting arge push cart, Shu Xian linked her arm with his, both of them browsing the things they need for the kitchen and of course, for the house.


    People''s attentions were on them as they see them not only as a simple couple¡­ but like a newlywed couple.

 Chapter 69 - A Kiss On His Cheek

    Pan An and Shu Xian shopped for a month''s worth of supplies. As they went around the grocery, employees noticed him immediately, making them want to help the two but Pan An kept declining, saying that they can do it.


    Most of the employees kept a watchful eye on the two, Pan An already enjoying the attention as he knew that this is going to reach his mother.


    However, for Shu Xian, she kept rolling her eyes at Pan An, the professorughing at her but the others saw this as one of their ways to flirt each other.


    Shu Xian had to be honest, however, that as they were doing grocery shopping, she saw things that she never saw in the usual groceries that she visited.


    With a month''s worth of supplies, she knows that she is going to enjoy herself at home¡ªactually enjoying her moment in the kitchen.


    Pan An had learned a lot about Shu Xian as well. He noticed that as they were shopping, she was not actually bored doing this¡ªdiscussing the stuff with Pan An as well before they add the item to the cart.


    Shu Xian is the type of girl who enjoys household chores such as cooking and cleaning, one that contradicts her beautiful appearance.


    "Since living in the apartment alone, you have loved to do these tedious things at home?"


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but let out a smallugh at hisment. However, she nodded, further stating her answer for the professor to understand.


    "Yes. It is indeed tedious, but I have learned to love doing those stuffs. It''s true when they said that once you taste the feeling of being alone, you get to love your ownpany¡ªyou fall in love with the idea of standing up your own feet."


    "Wow!" Pan An eximed, smiling at her as he arched a brow as well. "An independent woman! This is a plus point, Shu Xian! Well done!"


    With them having a light conversation, the others watching them found it cute that both of them were having this moment. Shu Xian also found herself enjoying Pan An''spany, both of them already in front of the cashier before they knew it.


    The moment they were in front, the employees quickly started their job, the nosy cashier, however,menting on their rtionship as she punched the prices of the groceries with the barcode scanner.


    "Mr. Pan An, I must say that your smile with the young miss is indeed something I haven''t seen for quite some time," shemented, Pan An, only nodding at her without even bothering to say a word.


    Shu Xian''s ears started to redden, making her tuck some tendrils of her hair behind her ear as the cashier noticed that the young miss is indeed shy, making a shamelessment on her as well.


    "She''s so beautiful and innocent~! Now, I could see why you''re so smitten with herpared to your previousdy, Mr. Pan An!"


    With that statement given, the employees, except the cashier before them, felt the murderous aurae from Pan An.


    With Shu Xian also noticing this, she watched Pan An from the corner of her eye, the professor''s lips already in a tight line as his fists at the side balled into tight fists.


    "What did you say?" Pan An threatened, but the cashier was so oblivious, she dared answer his question!


    "Oh, I mean, the previous miss, Mr. Pan An! You were not smiling this much with her but with the new young miss¡ª"


    "Ehem¡­"


    With the bagger clearing his throat as he continued to put the items in the box, the cashier now realized that she indeed said something wrong, making her put her hand on her mouth as her eyes widened the moment she noticed that she said something so insensitive.


    In front of their employer, too!


    "M-Mr. Pan An¡­"


    The cashier stopped for a moment, knitting her brows in worry as she made a bow in front of him, apologizing.


    "I-I''m sorry! I didn''t mean to say it this way! I¡ª"


    "Do you want to keep your job by chattering? Or do you want me to end your misery by firing you from your job right here and then?"


    Without raising her body and with the other employees feeling bad for the cashier, the woman had not raised her body from her bow, still apologizing to Pan An.


    All of them knew that he brought the previous miss here years ago and since they broke up, it was taboo talking about her.


    But this cashier, because of being a chatter-box, shepletely forgot that fact, making her feel nervous if she was to stay with her job or lose it tonight!


    "I''m so sorry, Mr. Pan An! I¡ª"


    "Enough." Pan An interrupted, his voice snappy. "From now on, you¡ª"


    "Love¡­"


    Surprising everyone near them as they watched Shu Xian on what she did to Pan An, she tiptoed and pulled his arm down, making him bend as she put a kiss on his cheek.


    Pan An immediately widened his eyes, the way how Shu Xian calmly addressed to him as "Love," ringing in his ears with the soft sensation of her kiss felt on his cheek. His heart then started beating as well, something that he didn''t expect to feel from Shu Xian.


    Or was it because it was unexpected that made him feel this way.


    With Shu Xian letting him go, she gave him a smile as she looked at the professor straight in the eyes, standing up for the cashier as well by doing her best to calm Pan An down.


    "Don''t ruin our night. Bepassionate. They did say they''re sorry¡ªand hearing what they said made me realize how much I make you happy. Are they wrong that''s why you''re angry? Hmm?"


    With that said, Pan An blinked his eyes and immediately shook his head.


    "N-no¡­ it''s just that I don''t want them to talk about¡ª"


    "Hush!" Shu Xian put her index finger on Pan An''s mouth, shushing him. "Now, let''s have dinner and then tell me more about how much you love me, alright?"


    Without Pan An saying a word, she shamelessly got Pan An''s wallet from his pocket and gave the cashier his card, asking a favor from the bagger as well.


    "Can you bring the groceries in the garage and put it in the car, please? Coordinate with the guard, I need to calm this man by my side. Thank you!"


    With them being addressed by the young miss, the bagger immediately bowed and did as he was told, the cashier teary-eyed as she looked at Shu Xian.


    "Young miss¡­ thank you so much for your kindness."


    "Oh!"


    Shu Xian waved her hand, giving her a smile as she grabbed Pan An by the arm after getting his card from her.


    "You''re wee! Just talk about me in front of him next time and it will calm him down, yeah? Bye! This man needs to feed his girl."

 Chapter 70 - A Happy Couple

    "Young miss¡­ thank you so much for your kindness."


    "Oh!"


    Shu Xian waved her hand, giving her a smile as she grabbed Pan An by the arm after getting his card from her.


    "You''re wee! Just talk about me in front of him next time and it will calm him down, yeah? Bye! This man needs to feed his girl."


    With that, Shu Xian grabbed Pan An by the arm, already away from the grocery. As she left their groceries in the care of the bagger, Shu Xian sighed then released the professor, now turning her body to look at him.


    "Are you alright?" she asked, furrowing her brows. "You almost lost your cool there," she added, Pan An, still blinking his eyes at Shu Xian.


    "Pan An?" Shu Xian now arched a brow at him. "What''s wrong?"


    However, Pan An didn''t say a word. He then slowly reached out to his cheek that Shu Xian kissed, a smug smile on his face as hemented about that instead.


    "I didn''t know you could be this cheeky, Shu Xian," he blurted out, making Shu Xian blush in an instant as she immediately hit him on his chest, making Pan Anugh.


    "Don''tment about that! Don''t you know you were scaring your employee? Look at how she was shaking. She obviously didn''t want to lose her job!"


    Hearing this, Pan An then slowly ceased hisughter. He then rolled his eyes at her, crossing his arms in front of his chest as he didn''t like Shu Xian scolding her.


    "But I made it specifically clear not to talk about my former¡­ you know what I mean."


    "I know, I could deduce this much," Shu Xianmented, a sad expression on her face. "But your employee was excited to see you since you rarelye here. With a new face, they might''ve not expected this and were happy for you. Look at how shemented on your smile!"


    Pan An arched a brow at her.


    "My smile?"


    "Yes!" Shu Xian nodded, "Your smile! She said you never smiled like that, only when you were with me!"


    With that said, now it was Pan An''s turn to feel uneasy. With him like this, it made Shu Xian think that this is aeback for him teasing her with the kiss a while ago.


    "Aha! Gotcha this time, Pan An?"


    "Oh, stop," he mumbled, Shu Xian, letting out a smallugh before she returned to the topic at hand.


    "Anyway, she didn''t mean to incite your anger," Shu Xian started again, "Look at how she was feeling guilty a moment ago. I could see that look on her face¡ªthe fear of losing one''s job because I felt that, too, before."


    Hearing this, Pan An''s lips turned into a tight line. With Shu Xian now smiling at him, sheforted him, too, telling him what she thinks is best.


    "I''m not invalidating your feelings. I know there is a deeper reason why you acted angry. But the employee is shook, too. You don''t have to tell her why, you can apologize to her in a simple way."


    "Nnngh¡­"


    With Pan An groaning a little, Shu Xian cocked her head to the side, already learning something about the professor.


    "Don''t tell me you''re slightly prideful?"


    "¡­Yes¡­ saying sorry is sometimes difficult for me especially if it did make me angry."


    When Pan An gave her this answer, Shu Xian couldn''t help butugh out loud, understanding him already and now wouldn''t want to force him.


    "Alright, alright," Shu Xian said, "You don''t have to apologize to her¡ªas long as you know you were guilty about it and that you won''t do it again, it''s good."


    As Shu Xian was about to walk away, Pan An caught her by the wrist, slightly surprising thedy as she blinked her eyes a few times at him.


    "Wh-what''s wrong?"


    "Fine¡­ since everyone was looking, then¡­ I can''t help but want to do something about it," he mumbled, already walking to the cashier with Shu Xian beside him.


    When Pan An cleared his throat the moment they were near the cashier, the woman was surprised and gave another bow, greeting him.


    "Mr. Pan An! I''m sorry about my insensitivity a while ago. I¡ª"


    "No," Pan An interrupted, giving her a small smile. "I was too angry to think straight. I''m sorry. You were only happy for me and the new miss. I apologize if you were scared for a moment."


    With that, even the other employees were surprised, the cashier, not knowing what to say as she blinked her eyes a few times.


    "Oh! It''s alright, Mr. Pan An! I will not be insensitive again about specific rules. I promise!"


    "En. Keep up the good work."


    With that, Pan An turned his body and walked away, his hold on Shu Xian''s hand tightening as this gesture made Shu Xianugh, making her understand that Pan An is indeed feeling awkward that he did something out of hisfort zone.


    "Good job, Pan An!" Shu Xianplimented, grinning ear to ear. "You did it for your employee!"


    Pan An looked at Shu Xian, giving her a small smile as well.


    "It was difficult¡­ but with you pointing it out, I just couldn''t help it."


    With that, Pan An walked up the stairs, making Shu Xian cock her head to the side as she wondered why they were walking up the stairs, not using either the elevators or esctors.


    "Why do you want to walk?" she asked, "Are we avoiding someone?"


    "No," Pan An answered with a chuckle. "I just preferred to walk since we are making a good image to my mother, no? This makes it seem more romantic between us. It means taking our time, it means more time for us to talk and be a bit¡­ intimate."


    Shu Xian couldn''t help butugh and to yfully roll her eyes at the professor. With both of them walking up the stairs as they did engage in an interesting conversation, everyone''s eyes were on them, the people who knew them, seeing them as a happy couple.

 Chapter 71 - Thank You

    Pan An and Shu Xian arrived at the beautiful restaurant on the mall''s veranda that overlooked the city lights.


    As they waited for their order, their table is actually farther away from the other customers, Shu Xian marveling the scene before her, leaning on the railings in front of her as the night breeze blew.


    "The night is beautiful," she mumbled, Pan An, smiling as she watched Shu Xian beside him.


    She has a beautiful smile on her face, continuing to marvel even the sky above them. She had a small blush on her face, the joy in her eyes evident as it reflected the happiness she has on her lips.


    As the wind blew, Shu Xian shivered a bit, making Pan An take off his coat and wrapped it around Shu Xian''s shoulders, making her look up at him.


    "Wear this," Pan An said, "I don''t need it."


    "Thank you," Shu Xian replied, snuggling herself in Pan An''s coat that made her look like a burrito with the size big on her. "I feel better now."


    As Pan An looked at the city lights before them as well, Shu Xian then remembered what she wanted to give Pan An. With her heart racing in her chest, she remembered the small gift bag in her pouch, making her bite her lip as she felt nervous on how to give it to him.


    ''Should I just get the gift and shove it to him? No¡­ that would seem bad and awkward.''


    ''What should I say? Should I tell him I have extra money and just bought it for him?''


    ''Stupid, Shu Xian¡­ don''t do that! That would make you sound snobby. He already has money to buy himself what he needs.''


    ''Then acting normal is the best way¡­''


    Shu Xian was talking at herself in her own thoughts. With Shu Xian now furrowing her brows as she was nkly staring at the skyscrapers in front of them, Pan An couldn''t help butugh and tease her, seeing how serious the expression on her face is.


    "Hey¡­"


    "Hmm?"


    The moment Shu Xian turned to look at Pan An when he called her attention, the professor immediately pinched both of her cheeks, making Shu Xian narrow her eyes at him as she didn''t expect Pan An to do this.


    "What''s wrong? You seem so focused. Are you worrying about school work?"


    "No!"


    Pan Anughed as Shu Xian brushed both of his hands away from her face, already getting something from her pouch.


    "Then what are you so worried about? You can talk to me about anything. Our location is far away from the others. We can act normal and talk about anything you want to," he insisted, Shu Xian, not saying a single word as she continued getting something from her bag.


    Seeing as to how silent she is, Pan An cocked his head at the side, curious.


    "Shu Xian?"


    "Wait," she now spoke, already sessfully getting the gift from her pouch. "Here."


    Shu Xian then extended her hand to Pan An. With the small, blue gift bag being handed over to him, Pan An didn''t get it yet as he blinked his eyes a few times at her, not knowing why Shu Xian is giving him a present.


    "What''s this?"


    "J-just open it," Shu Xian stammered on her words, a soft blush appearing on her face. "But read the note first¡­"


    With the given instruction, Pan An did as he was told. The moment he opened the note, there was a short message written in English and in cursive, a smile appearing on Pan An''s face as he read it.


    The note red:


    Thank you so much for helping mend on the student assistantship schrship. Thank you also for saving me that day and for helping me and Wan Wan. I hope this is something that you''d use¡ªa reminder of my gratitude.


    Pan An''s heart felt warm. With him opening the small gift bag, it revealed a blue necktie, making Shu Xian bite her bottom lip, shyly looking at the professor.


    "You told me your favorite color is blue¡­ so I got this during my free time earlier. I hope you like it."


    "Oh, Shu Xian¡­"


    Pan An then smiled, showing his perfect teeth to Shu Xian as he spoke to her, actually liking what she gave him.


    "Is this why you asked me during dinner what my favorite color was?"


    With his good memory, Shu Xian nodded as sheughed, answering his question.


    "Yes. This is exactly why."


    "Shu Xian¡­"


    Pan An was at a loss for words, admiring the necktie that Shu Xian gave her then he put it back in the gift bag to secure it.


    "Thank you so much. You didn''t have to, since you threatened me back then in the morning, anyway."


    With an inside joke, both of themughed out loud, the night enjoyable as they continued talking to each other.


    "I''m d you like it," Shu Xian said, "It''s just a simple gift, but I''m d to see you this happy," she added, Pan An, tucking some tendrils of her hair behind her ear.


    "Shu Xian¡­ you already know this, but it''s the thought that counts. And you know what made me love the gift more?"


    Shu Xian smiled, shyly staring straight into Pan An''s eyes as her heart continued to race in her chest.


    "What?"


    Pan An then stayed silent for a while. With the gift bag with the necktie inside at hand, he raised it and answered Shu Xian''s question, further making her heart thump hard in her chest.


    "Is that you took my preference in mind. People may buy expensive gifts¡­ but the thought of you putting into consideration about my interest is what made me love it."


    With that said, what Pan An did next was something that Shu Xian didn''t expect. With a kiss nted on top of her head, Shu Xian widened her eyes, her hand instinctively holding chest as if desperate to calm her heart down.


    "Thank you. I''ll cherish the gift and wear it frequently."

 Chapter 72 - I Would

    Sooner orter, Pan An and Shu Xian were called by their private waiter to inform them that their dinner is ready. With Shu Xian alreadyposing herself, she walked alongside the professor, both of them excited as to what they are going to eat.


    The moment they arrived on their seats, the waiter gestured the table, a big smile on his face as he revealed to them what they are going to have for dinner.


    "You will be having a medium rare Wagyu beef served for tonight, Mr. Pan An, Miss Shu Xian. Also, one of the restaurant''s most expensive wine is to be given, and afterward, the most in-demand dessert will be served, chocte souffl¨¦, with vani ice cream ced on top."


    "Oooh~!"


    Shu Xian now looked at the waiter with a wide grin on her face, surprising him with how beautiful she is without even having the need to have makeup on.


    "Thank you so much for serving us food! I''m excited to try your restaurant''s cuisine!"


    "Y-yes¡­" the waiter stammered, clearing his throat at the same time as he was taken aback by Shu Xian''s kindness and beauty. "P-please enjoy, Miss."


    With Pan An now looking at the waiter who was serving them, he arched a brow at him and gave him a warning smile, what he said making Shu Xian blush along with the shocked reaction of the waiter before them.


    "I know that my girl is beautiful. But if you could please leave us in peace to enjoy our food, I''d really appreciate it as I want my Shu Xian to be mine alone tonight."


    ''My girl! My Shu Xian!'' The youngdy thought as she shyly looked at her steak, a blush already creeping her face. ''He just called me his girl and his Shu Xian!''


    "Y-yes!" The waiter immediately bowed and apologized. "I''m sorry. I shall take my leave, then."


    With that, the waiter already left, Pan An, letting out a chuckle as he was now assured that both of them are alone on their table tonight.


    "Shu Xian?" he called out, grinning ear to ear. "Are we not going to eat?"


    "Oh! Y-yes¡­" Shu Xian stammered, already getting her knife and fork. "I''ll eat now."


    Before Shu Xian could even put her fork and knife on her beef, however, Pan An smoothly got her te and started slicing for her, Shu Xian, biting her bottom lip as she admired the professor before him.


    She wondered how a handsome professor could be single until now if he is this smooth in taking care of his girl even though this is just an act. It made her think whatever could be the reason why that he was unable to look for another girl.


    Does he really love Ruo Xi that much?


    With Pan An suddenly meeting Shu Xian''s eyes, he furrowed his brows slightly as he continued slicing her beef, asking her a question at the same time.


    "What''s wrong? Is this acting too much for you?" he asked, snapping Shu Xian out of her thoughts as she blinked her eyes a few times, now answering his queries.


    "Oh! To be honest, kinda," she mumbled, feeling shy as Pan An now gave her her tter of steak.


    "It''s only basic for a man to treat his woman this lovingly," he replied, letting out a small chuckle as he now sliced his own Wagyu Beef. "Don''t tell me that you haven''t experienced liking someone, falling in love, or dating anyone?"


    With this question thrown at her, Shu Xian felt slightly pressured. With her now stabbing her fork in one of the sliced beef, she put it in her mouth and chewed, answering the professor''s question after she took a sip of her champagne.


    "What if I told you that I never experienced any of them even though someone has courted me back in high school¡ªboys visiting the all-girls school I attended? Would you believe me?"


    Pan An arched a brow at her, actually not believing what she said.


    "Wait¡­ so you honestly haven''t experienced dating anyone, or even liking anyone?"


    Shu Xian shrugged, taking another bite of her sliced Wagyu beef.


    "Yeah¡­ never. With how I was at home and with how desperate I am with getting good grades in my sses, how could I? Dating is not in my vocabry¡ªand no one has gotten my fancy."


    Hearing this, Pan An couldn''t help but scoff. With this gesture, Shu Xian furrowed her brows, not understanding why Pan An was acting this way.


    "Wh-what?" she asked, "Is there something wrong with what I said?"


    "No," Pan An said,ughing once more. "But you''re so pretty¡ªyou can have a man wrapped around your finger!"


    Shu Xian blushed, not expecting apliment like thating from the professor.


    "Umm¡­ can I be honest?" she asked, the professor nodding. "This conversation is making it awkward for me."


    As Shu Xian continued to eat, Pan An couldn''t help but let out anotherugh, putting down his knife and fork for a while as he made ament that made Shu Xian widen her eyes.


    "This is going to be a trouble, then. For a woman who hasn''t fallen in love yet, usually in dramas when they act as a couple, the woman falls in love with the man he''s having shenanigans with."


    "Wha¡ª"


    Shu Xian immediately blushed, her eyes opened wide as she looked at Pan An.


    "Are you saying that I have a high possibility of falling in love with you?"


    Pan An grinned, taking a sip of his champagne and nodded, answering Shu Xian''s question rather proudly.


    "Yes. How could you not? A mysterious professor who is born from an affluent family and rescued you from the beginning? How could you have a difficulty on falling in love with me? I''m so nice!"


    Shu Xian balled a tissue and threw it at him, not believing what she has heard.


    "You''re so shameless, Pan An! You know, I would, if you''re not this smug!"


    With thatment made, both of themughed as they continued eating dinner, already appreciating each other''spany as they continued having their conversation while they were eating their delicious dinner.

 Chapter 73 - Pan An Must Not Know

    After eating dinner, Pan An and Shu Xian continued to have their conversation as they were walking back to the parking lot.


    However, soon after, Shu Xian felt her phone vibrating against her, making her get it from her pocket to see who was calling her at around 8:30 in the evening.


    "Oh!" Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times, looking at Pan An. "It''s your mother!"


    "Oh?" Pan An grinned, actually excited that he predicted that his mother would call her. "Answer her call, then."


    Shu Xian shook her head as she understood why Pan An was smiling. It meant that his ns were a sess, making her ept the call and then put her phone on loudspeaker so Pan An could hear.


    "Hello, Ma''am Cai Li?" Shu Xian greeted, her cheery voice already sounding on her phone.


    "Oh, Shu Xian! I heard from the manager of the mall that you were doing grocery shopping with Pan An and that you ate dinner with him! I couldn''t help but call, I''m sorry! It''s just that it has been this long since he was having fun with a girl, and I''m happy that he''s feeling great!"


    Hearing this, Pan An couldn''t help but roll his eyes, Shu Xian, arching a brow at Pan An with a smile on her face.


    "I''m happy to know that you''re d for Pan An, Ma''am Cai Li. I''ll continue to watch over him."


    "Oh, please do, sweetheart! Also, don''t forget about the dinner that you''re going to have with me, alright? Our driver will pick you up!"


    "Of course," Shu Xian said, nodding at the same time even though Cai Li won''t see her. "I won''t forget it."


    "Good!" Cai Li eximed, "Now, I know you''re with my son. Can I speak to him over the phone, please?"


    "Sure."


    With that, Shu Xian gave him the phone, Pan An, letting out a small sigh as his lips were in a tight line for a moment before he spoke.


    "Mother."


    "Dearest!"


    Cai Li was obviously happy, letting out a chuckle at the same time.


    "You should go out more often with dear Shu Xian! It would help you rx since you''re stressed with work in the university!"


    "Yes, mother," Pan An said, a small smile on his face. "I''ll take that as a good suggestion. Shu Xian and I will go grocery shopping twice a month, also having dinner after."


    "Good! I don''t understand why you must do these things," she said andmented, "I mean, we have people we could order around to do those things for you so you could go out of the country with Shu Xian and let her see the world, and then¡ª"


    "Mother," Pan An interrupted, Shu Xian blushing with the suggestions she was hearing from Cai Li. "Being a professor doesn''t give me the luxury of time to go traveling. I''d rather stay here with her and do simple things. It''s thepany that counts. Shu Xian''s pretty goodpany."


    Hearing thetter part, however, made Shu Xian blush more, her heart racing in her chest! With Cai Li giggling as if she was a teenager for her son, she then spoke, snapping Shu Xian out of her thoughts.


    "Oh, alright¡­ but do know that I''m going to borrow her from time to time, yeah?"


    Pan An yfully rolled his eyes, letting out a small chuckle at the same time.


    "Of course. Rest well, mother. Good night."


    "Good night, dearie! Bless me with grandchildren¡ª"


    "Good night, mother!" Pan An immediately interrupted, making Shu Xianugh at how yful both of them are. "We need to go, too."


    "Oh, alright," Cai Li gave up, "Bye, Shu Xian! See you tomorrow!"


    "Bye, Ma''am Cai Li! Rest well!"


    With that, the call ended, making Pan An sigh as he handed Shu Xian''s phone over back at her, making ament as well.


    "I just can''t believe it that she''s this way," he mumbled, making Shu Xian furrow her brows as she kept her phone in her pocket.


    "Hmm? What do you mean?"


    "I don''t know if being nice is something that she is doing on purpose before she shows you her real colors, or maybe I''m overthinking¡ªmy mom actually genuine."


    Shu Xian cocked her head to the side, "You think your mother is faking her kindness towards me?"


    "As what she usually does with those women who met me¡ªespecially to the only one whom I dated before¡ª"


    Suddenly, Pan An stopped mid-sentence the moment he saw a UV pass by, a red-haired girlughing on the passenger seat seen as if it were in slow motion, making Pan An''s heart beat fast.


    Those crescent-moon eyes, those thin lips, that mole on top of her upper lip and that familiar red-dyed hair that is curly¡­


    Could it be?


    ''Ruo Xi?''


    However, the UV already passed by them, making Shu Xian snap Pan An away from his thoughts as she shook him, getting his attention.


    "Pan An? What''s wrong?"


    Pan An didn''t say a word. With his eyebrows furrowed as his hands at the side balled into tight fists, he got his phone, already dialing their family secretary.


    "Check out the patrons that came in the mall today and inform me of the names. I need the files ASAP."


    Without him even bothering to get a reply the moment the call connected, he ended it, Shu Xian starting to worry as she saw Pan An serious and angry at the same time.


    "Pan An?" Shu Xian held his hand, now the professor looking at her. "Are you alright?"


    "Yes," Pan An nkly answered, his heart in his chest, racing and aching at the same time. "I''m alright¡­"


    ***


    "Ma''am Cai Li."


    Their private secretary bowed before the Madame who was having her night wine at the garden, informing her of what had just happened.


    "Mr. Pan An called me and requested for the list of patrons at the mall."


    "Tsk!"


    Cai Li''s eyebrow twitched, clicking her tongue at the same time as she elegantly stood up from her lounge, putting her wine down as she crossed her arms in front of her chest to look at their secretary.


    "He has seen her sooner than I thought and wanted to confirm it immediately. How she even came to our mall is a question," she mumbled, enough for the secretary to hear as he raised his body to face the Madame.


    "What should I do, Ma''am Cai Li?"


    Cai Li waved her hand as if wanting to end their conversation quickly before her anger gets the best of her.


    "Give him what he wants. But filter Ruo Xi''s name. Don''t make it obvious that we''re on to something."


    "Right away, Ma''am Cai Li."


    With the secretary now walking away from the garden, Cai Li turned her body to look at the maze of their house, biting her bottom lip as her fingers dug in her own flesh, frustrated.


    ''Pan An must not know that she''s here¡­ he must never know that that woman is here¡­''

 Chapter 74 - Our Little Secret, Yeah?

    Zhang Ren and Shi Lian already arrived in Molto Affamato, the driver taking them there for a faster and quick ess. The moment both of them got off from the car, Zhang Ren sighed in relief, making Shi Lian look at him as she arched a brow at him.


    "What''s wrong? It''s as if you''ve been holding your breath for a very long time," she said, Zhang Ren, letting out a chuckle as he scratched the back of his head, a bit embarrassed.


    "Oh, you see, I just couldn''t help but think that your driver is somehow¡­ scary."


    With that heard as they entered the restaurant, Shi Lian couldn''t help butugh out loud, Zhang Ren,ughing along with her as well.


    "Oh, you''re so funny! Why do you think that Mr. Chang is scary?"


    "I don''t know¡­" Zhang Ren shrugged, "Maybe because of the atmosphere that he has been emitting?"


    "Geez, Zhang Ren." Shi Lian shook her head, the manager already approaching her as she said herstment. "You''re funny at times."


    With the manager already approaching them, she gave them a smile and greeted them in Italian first, before speaking back in their nativenguage.


    "Buona sera! Wee back, Miss Shi Lian."


    "Ciao! We would like to have the best seat, please," Shi Lian greeted and requested, the manager nodding as she gestured for them to follow.


    "Of course! Right this way."


    With that, Shi Lian and Zhang Ren followed the manager, the woman leading them to a table near the restaurant window, overlooking the city.


    "Wow¡­ this ce is majestic," Zhang Renmented aloud, the manager, letting out a soft chuckle as she liked thepliment that she heard.


    "Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy your stay here in Molto Affamato! Please call for any of the waiters'' attention if you are now nning to tell them your order."


    With that, the manager left them, Shi Lian and Zhang Ren already sitting down as they looked at the menu that was already prepared on the table.


    "Hmm¡­ since I already tried their Bolognese, maybe I should try something new," she mumbled to herself, Zhang Ren, watching her as he used the menu to hide his face.


    Shi Lian had an eager, excited smile on her face. With her straight, jade ck hair in a ponytail, he saw that she had a widow''s peak, the cute mark making her face all the more attractive.


    It made Zhang Ren smile as he continued to watch her secretly behind the menu that he was holding.


    Noticing that she felt that someone was watching her, Shi Lian slowly looked up from her menu and met Zhang Ren''s eyes, a soft flush of pink now creeping on her face as Zhang Ren didn''t bother avoiding her gaze, now showing his smile as well.


    "Wh-what''s wrong?" Shi Lian asked, putting the menu down for a while as she got herpact mirror from her pocket since she was feeling conscious. "Is there chocte on my teeth? I just ate chocte, so¡­"


    "No," Zhang Ren answered immediately, answering her question that made Shi Lian''s heart beat faster. "You''re beautiful, Shi Lian. You''re exactly my type."


    Shi Lian couldn''t believe what she just heard! With her now blinking her eyes a lot of times in disbelief as what Zhang Ren said echoed in her mind¡­


    "You''re beautiful, Shi Lian. You''re exactly my type."


    "You''re beautiful, Shi Lian. You''re exactly my type."


    "You''re beautiful, Shi Lian. You''re exactly my type."


    She couldn''t help but to just be silent and to just stare straight into his eyes, not knowing what to say as her heart kept beating like the drum¡ªa drummer doing a solo from a metallic rock music!


    "Y-you¡­"


    Wanting to snap out of her thoughts immediately, Shi Lian forced herself to speak, but instead, she only said one word and even stammered, making Zhang Ren tease her as he reached for her cheek and pinched it.


    "Don''t be like this around other men. They would be so smug around you once they know that their effect on you is like this," hemented, Shi Lian, now brushing his hand off away from her face as she nowposed herself.


    "Don''t be ridiculous!" Shi Lian retorted, rolling her eyes at him at the same time. "No one would dare to be like this around me. If anyone would, you''re the first."


    Hearing this, Zhang Ren couldn''t help but chuckle. He grinned at Shi Lian, revealing his beautiful teeth as what he said made her heart further beat in her chest, thedy now avoiding his gaze.


    "Then I''m d. I really meant what I said, Shi Lian. You''re beautiful and my type."


    Shi Lian furrowed her brows, her cheeks obviously red as she mumbled to herself, enough for Zhang Ren to hear.


    "Okay, I get it¡­ now please stop it¡­ I don''t like what I''m hearing. It''s as if you''re doing this on purpose."


    With that heard, Zhang Renughed out loud, already getting the attention of the waiter as one immediately approached them, Zhang Ren, pushing their topic aside.


    "Yes? What are your orders for tonight''s dinner?"


    Zhang Ren lifted his menu and then pointed what he wanted, Shi Lian''s eyes widening to hear how those Italian words came out of his mouth perfectly¡ªas if he studied thenguage for a long time.


    "I would like to have ravioli, please. And for drinks, I want a mhiato. Also, for Shi Lian, she would probably like a chocte shake. For her pasta, you can give her creamy mushroom tagliatelle."


    "Noted," the waiter nodded, memorizing their order. "Is there more that you want?"


    "Oh!" Zhang Ren smiled at the waiter and said, "And then four pairs of Panini, please. Basil. If none, tuna. Thank you."


    With that, Shi Lian then snapped out of her thoughts, furrowing her brows as Zhang Ren ordered way more than when she ate with Shu Xian and her driver,menting on what Zhang Ren had done.


    "Why did you order so much? I only have less money on me and¡ª"


    "You don''t have to worry," Zhang Ren interrupted, already revealing a ck card from his pocket as his expression turned smug, giving Shi Lian a wink at the same time. "I can treat you myself. Our little secret, yeah?"


    ***


    ANNOUNCEMENT:


    Hello, guys! The announcement will be put here since it''s going to be a bit long and it won''t fit in the author''s notes.


    Anyway, I would just like to say that tomorrow, I would be only updating one chapter BUT don''t worry--since on the 27th, I will be uploading one at 8AM GMT+8, and then 2 at 6PM GMT+8. ^^


    Also, on the 27th, the chapters will already be locked from chapters 76 onwards, so I do hope that you would not drop the book and would continue to show support since writing is one of the ways that''s helping me during this pandemic~! ^^


    Furthermore, on dates May 28 to 29, I will only be updating one chapter, too, since we will be having a 5 CHAPTERS MASS RELEASE on the 30th and I''m currently preparing my stockpile~! Yay! ^^


    Now, I want you to answer this question: what time do you want me to release the 5 chapters on the 30th? Do you want it on midnight, or the usual 6PM GMT+8? You can leave suggestions on thements sections and then I''ll take into consideration the most voted opinion. :D


    Also, on May 31, I will only publish 1 chapter. ^^ Don''t worry, on June, I may go back to the usual 2 chapters updates! :D Give me time to rest since I have prepared the 5 chapters mass release... and I also have other stories that are having mass releases, so... yeah, you get the picture. I may go crazy! XD


    Adding to that, remember the reward system that is going to happen June onwards! Also, we will be having a PRIV REWARD SYSTEM that will be posted on June 1, 12AM. So stay tuned if you want me to have more updates. ;)


    Anyway, this is it for the announcement! Thanks so much for the support! I''m blessed to have such supportive readers~! :3

 Chapter 75 - Get Straight To The Point

    With that, Shi Lian then snapped out of her thoughts, furrowing her brows as Zhang Ren ordered way more than when she ate with Shu Xian and her driver,menting on what Zhang Ren had done.


    "Why did you order so much? I only have less money on me and¡ª"


    "You don''t have to worry," Zhang Ren interrupted, already revealing a ck card from his pocket as his expression turned smug, giving Shi Lian a wink at the same time. "I can treat you myself. Our little secret, yeah?"


    With that said, Shi Lian really couldn''t help but widen her eyes at him, pointing at the ck card that he was holding.


    "Th-that legendary card."


    "What legendary card?" Zhang Ren feigned ignorance, already keeping his ck card back in ce. "I don''t know what you''re talking about."


    "B-b-but¡­ people rarely have ck cards! My older brother has, but you¡­ you¡­."


    Shi Lian couldn''t help but point at Zhang Ren as if she was using him of something. With himughing as he shook his head, Shi Lian remembered how one could have a ck card.


    There are three ways to get qualified, specifically, having an invitation, based on the credit score, and then the annual spending.


    With thedy suddenly remembering the talk that they had earlier in the car, it made Shi Lian narrow her eyes at him, crossing her arms in front of her chest as she spoke softly, only enough for them to hear.


    "So you¡­ turned out to be hiding something after all."


    "Hmm¡­ you could say that," Zhang Ren nodded, "I just couldn''t tell you guys since I don''t want people to be, you know¡­ so judging of what I have."


    Shi Lian arched a brow at him, "How do you have it, anyway? And¡­" Shi Lian narrowed her eyes at him again. "How were you able to be a student assistant if you have this ck card?"


    Zhang Ren grinned, shaking his head as he crossed his arms in front of his chest. Soon after, he whispered, enough for Shi Lian to hear that made her lean on the table so she could hear what he said.


    "It is a secret~!"


    "Oooh!"


    Shi Lian groaned, already slumping on her seat as she pouted, ever-the-more curious.


    "Why must it be a secret?"


    "We just met each other recently," Zhang Ren answered, smiling at Shi Lian. "But don''t worry, I will tell you guys eventually. Once you get my trust."


    Shi Lian raised her index finger, acting cute as she tucked her hair behind her ear with her other free hand.


    "Just a tip, please?" she asked, "You said I''m pretty, anyway~!"


    Zhang Ren couldn''t help butugh. With what Shi Lian had said, he couldn''t help but bite his bottom lip, stifling hisughter as he made ament.


    "You can be shameless at times, no? This is why you''re my type. Like you, no one has dared to act this way towards me," he said, making Shi Lian blush.


    "O-oh¡­ I didn''t expect that," she mumbled, the food already being served in front of them.


    As the food was being set in front of them, both of them went silent for a while. The moment the waiter left, Zhang Ren looked at Shi Lian straight in the eyes, giving her a smug grin as well.


    "If you have managed to take my heart away, I''m willing to tell you everything about me."


    "Wha¡ª"


    "For now," Zhang Ren interrupted Shi Lian, "Let''s eat. And then keep this ck card a secret, yeah?"


    With that, Zhang Ren got his cutlery then started eating, Shi Lian, frozen on her seat as she stared at the man before him, what he said of making him fall for her still ringing in her ear.


    ***


    Before everyone knew it, it was already the following day. It was the weekend so Shu Xian did her chores, and then had done her assignments.


    Since she was done with her assignments, she had taken Wan Wan out for a short walk and the moment she returned back inside, she saw Pan An in the living room, sitting on the floor as he was starting to check the papers Shu Xian helped him carry.


    Wan Wanid beside Pan An. The moment she did, Pan An patted her as he scanned on the paper, his eyebrows furrowed.


    "Do you need any help?" Shu Xian asked as she sat on the couch behind him, Pan An, nodding as he requested something from her.


    "Maybe a massage on the shoulders would do?"


    Shu Xian yfully rolled her eyes then gave him a massage. However, before Shu Xian could further continue, her phone suddenly rang on the table, already seeing who the caller is.


    It was Cai Li, Pan An''s mother.


    "Hmm¡­ pick it up¡­ she might being to pick you up earlier," hemented, Shu Xian standing up from the couch as she got the phone and then answered the call, already going to the kitchen.


    "Hello, Ma''am Cai Li. Is something the matter?"


    "Hello, my dearie~! I just want to tell you that I will be picking you up earlier¡ªI am already outside the house with the driver."


    Hearing this, Shu Xian''s eyes widened in surprise. With that said, she immediately ran to her room, the door closing surprising Wan Wan as Pan An scoffed, already guessing right.


    "Oh, mother," he mumbled to himself, "Always doing your best to startle those poordies."


    The moment Shu Xian was already in her room, she put the phone on loud speaker as she immediately got an appropriate dress from her wardrobe, quickly undressing herself.


    "M-Ma''am Cai Li, I''m sorry, can you wait for five minutes? I was surprised that you came earlier¡ªI thought it would be at ater time."


    "Oh, it''s alright dear," Cai Li said, letting out a sigh. "I just¡­ thought that I need more time to talk to you since an issue has arisen."


    With that heard, it had actually caught Shu Xian''s attention. The moment she put her dress on, she sat down on the bed, her phone beside her as shebed her hair, asking her a question.


    "Oh, what is it? I will do my best to help," Shu Xian asked and said, what Cai Li gave her as an answer making her stop what she was doing, surprised.


    "I''ll get straight to the point. You see, Ruo Xi is back¡­ and I don''t want Pan An to know that she is back."

 Chapter 76 - Whatever It Is

    "I''ll get straight to the point. You see, Ruo Xi is back¡­ and I don''t want Pan An to know that she is back."


    When Shu Xian heard that, she couldn''t help but feel her heart race in her chest.


    She doesn''t know why, but upon hearing what Cai Li had said, she started to feel nervous for Pan An, not knowing where this worry ising from when she doesn''t even know who this Ruo Xi is and what her background is!


    Furrowing her brows, she then quickly wore her doll shoes at the side and half-tied her hair, quickly and urately putting on lip tint on her lips as she continued talking to Pan An''s mother.


    "About her¡­ if it''s okay to ask, Ma''am Cai Li," she started, already standing up from the bed and quickly getting her pouch that was on the vanity mirror. "What is this about this woman that is making Pan An so sad, and that is also making you worry this much?"


    Shu Xian heard a deep sigh from the other end of the line. With her answer then said, Shu Xian left the room, quickly waving her hand to Pan An and Wan Wan as the call already ended when Cai Li told Shu Xian the answer that she needed.


    "It is something that you and I should only know¡ªso please, I''m asking you¡­ don''t ever tell Pan An no matter what the cost."


    The moment Shu Xian came outside, she already saw Cai Li who was standing outside, leaning on the car with a smile on her face the moment she saw her son''s girlfriend.


    Rather¡­ acting girlfriend¡ªsince she doesn''t know¡­


    "Shu Xian," Cai Li greeted her, pulling her in an embrace as Shu Xian smiled at her as well, greeting her and apologizing at the same time.


    "Good day, Ma''am Cai Li. I''m sorry you had to wait. I was unprepared, honestly."


    "It''s alright, dearest," Cai Li said, tucking some tendrils of her wavy hair behind her ear, Shu Xian, looking pretty with this simple get up. "Shall we go?"


    "Ehem¡­"


    With both of them suddenly hearing Pan An clearing his throat, both of thedies turned their body to face him, Pan An, arching a brow at both of them, making ament.


    "Wouldn''t even bother saying hello to your son?"


    Cai Li yfully rolled her eyes at Pan An, doing a flying kiss instead as she greeted him.


    "Hello, my sunshine~! I''m sorry to havee unannounced; I''m just excited to visit my future daughter-inw so we can have so much to talk about! Eat and drink, too!"


    Without bothering to even reply, Pan An faced Shu Xian, his lips curling into a smirk as he crossed his arms in front of his chest, shaking his head in disapproval as he made ament about her suddenly leaving home.


    "You won''t even bother giving me a hug or a kiss? Just a wave of your hand?"


    "Oh, geez¡­"


    Shu Xian mumbled to herself, already blushing. Cai Li giggled, liking what she is hearing. However, little did she know that both of them are only doing this to keep Cai Li at bay, Shu Xian, already walking towards Pan An.


    The moment Shu Xian arrived in front of the man, she red at him, making sure that Cai Li won''t notice a thing as she whispered as soft as she could, only for Pan An to hear.


    "You don''t have to make this so difficult!"


    With Pan An grinning ear to ear, he pulled Shu Xian by the waist, nted a kiss on her forehead, thedy''s heart racing in her chest as if it was in a marathon.


    "Where''s my kiss, Love?" Pan An asked, enough for Cai Li to hear. "Don''t tell me you''re so shy around mother when you kissed my cheek in front of a lot of peoplest night at the mall."


    "Oooh¡­ Pan An¡­" Shu Xianined under gritted teeth. "You are so gonna regret thister."


    Not saying another word, Shu Xian tiptoed, nting a kiss on Pan An''s cheek as he bent for her to reach his face. With her already giving him a peck on the cheek, Shu Xian immediately left, shyly looking down on her feet as Cai Li let out a smallugh, patting the girl''s shoulder.


    "Oh, you don''t have to be shy around me, Shu Xian! You are in a rtionship with my son. So you can do freely what you want in front of me!"


    With a wink given by Cai Li, Shu Xian found it awkward, thedy only giving her a small smile as the driver opened the backseat door for both of them to enter.


    The moment both of them were already inside, the driver gave Pan An a small bow to say goodbye, the three of them already going away.


    As Pan An waved his hand to say goodbye, his smile slowly turned into a frown, already remembering the folder that he acquired from his secretary a while ago before Shu Xian woke up and thought that it was his papers that he is doing early in the morning.


    Pan An entered the house again, Wan Wan sleeping in the living room. With him sitting back down on the floor as he scanned the papers, he looked at the names one by one, not caring that this is 30 pages.


    The moment the listnded on the R, Pan An carefully skimmed on the paper, and noticing that there is no Ruo Xi in the list and with him confirming it in the security of the mall along with the manager, he thought that maybe it was just his eyes ying tricks on him¡­


    Or maybe, his mother might have done something about it and told the others not to let him know about Ruo Xi''s whereabouts, and her suddenlying here to pick up Shu Xian might have something to do about it.


    Whatever it is, Pan An wanted to make sure if his eyes were indeed ying tricks on him, or not.

 Chapter 77 - Im Desperate

    Shu Xian was sitting beside Cai Li inside her BMW car that their personal family driver was driving.


    With the silence kind of suffocating her, Shu Xian couldn''t help but have her lips in a tight line as she stared outside the window, wanting to break the silence as they drive away from their home to who knows where.


    "Shu Xian," Cai Li said her name all of a sudden, making thedy turn her head to look at her, stammering on her words.


    "Y-yes?"


    Cai Li smiled at her, holding her hand to calm her down.


    "You don''t have to be so nervous around me. I think by now, you have heard what I am like from Pan An since he wanted to look after you."


    With what she said, Shu Xian already remembered what she meant to say. She meant that Pan An told her how kind Cai Li is, to suddenly show her ruthless side and disapproval when ites to meeting his son.


    She was also told that Cai Li was so mean even to Ruo Xi, that it prompted their breakup.


    Pan An need not say much to Shu Xian, but to her, it was already enough for her to know that something is indeed behind Cai Li''s action that had made it this way.


    Maybe Cai Li has a reason¡ªand she''s just looking out for her son.


    But why? If there is indeed a reason why, why shouldn''t Pan An know?


    "Anyway, I''ll get to the point," Cai Li spoke, sighing at the same time. "I wanted to talk to you about this because after all those years, Pan An suddenly has a girl with him and I would have to rely on her now that the time arises. And it''s you."


    Shu Xian slowly nodded, not yet talking as she listened to Cai Li. When she turned her head to look at her, Cai Li gave her a small smile and asked her a question that made Shu Xian feel like a bucket has been thrown on her, the cold water spilling over.


    "Tell me, Shu Xian¡­ is the rtionship you have with my son real? Or is it something done for you two to keep me at bay with the matchmaking that is going on?"


    With that said, Shu Xian didn''t know how to answer. With her suddenly looking down on Cai Li''s hand that was holding hers, she wouldn''t even dare look straight into her eyes, already apologizing to Pan An''s mother, answering her question with only two words.


    "I''m sorry."


    That alone and her reaction was enough for Cai Li to know the answer. With the woman nodding once, she still hadn''t gotten her hand from Shu Xian, letting out a small sigh as her tone suddenly became serious.


    "I could deduce this much, Shu Xian," she started, "It''s alright, you don''t have to be this way."


    With her suddenly getting her hand from her, Shu Xian felt her heart beating nervously. With her eyebrows knitting as she suddenly became nervous and with her remembering what Pan An had told her, she started to blurt out words from her mouth, Cai Li, blinking her eyes a few times at her.


    "I''m sorry, but do know that I am not taking advantage of your son. I mean¡­ it may seem that way because I''m homeless, but do know that I''m not doing anything for free. I am willing to take care of the house, I am willing to help him and he asked me to¡ªwhich is why I agreed and¡ª"


    "Calm down, dearie," Cai Li interrupted her, letting out a smallugh at the same time. "Calm down! This is not going to leave a bad impression on you nor on my son! It''s alright!"


    With that heard, Shu Xian knitted her brows together in confusion, her lips in a tight line as she listened to Pan An''s mother.


    "You see, dearie¡­ I''m desperate¡ªdesperate to be a good mother to my child and protecting him from that wretched woman is one thing that I want since shepletely wrapped him around her finger!"


    Cai Li then spoke, her voice snappy as she now looked straight, watching the road before them even though she was not driving.


    It''s as if it is an attempt for her not to lose her cool, trying her best to calm down so as to not scare thedy beside her.


    "I''d rather have you for my son regardless of your background. Since for starters¡­"


    Cai Li then looked at Shu Xian, holding her hand again as she smiled at her, what Pan An''s mother had said further surprising the youngdy.


    "I hate liars. I could see pretty well if ady could lie¡ªand if she is good at lying. You for one, are not. You immediately told me before the first time we met about your mysterious background and I am sorry, I have asked someone to investigate you."


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times, her eyes also wide as she did not expect thising from Pan An''s mother.


    "I-it''s alright," Shu Xian stammered, "You were only worried about your son and there was nothing to find out¡­ my information is blocked," she added, Cai Li, sighing as she continued what she was saying.


    "You also were honest the moment I threw you the question a moment ago. It is the reason why I wanted to eat with you alone. With my son around, I know you would be doing what he wants."


    Even though Cai Li said these, Shu Xian still felt confused. With her eyebrows still furrowed, Shu Xian now couldn''t help but ask her a question, in hopes that Cai Li would satisfy her curiosity.


    "Then, if that''s the case, you''re not angry that I am with your son?"


    "No," Cai Li immediately answered, "Like I told you, I''m desperate¡ªand I need your help to hide this information that I told you¡ªthat Ruo Xi is back."


    Cai Li then tightened her grasp around Shu Xian''s hand, what she said making Shu Xian''s soul almost leave her body with how shocking it sounded to her ears!


    "I want you to make my son fall for you. I want that bastard woman out of his life and with hering back, she wants to make her way back to him just for her to use my son."

 Chapter 78 - Shes Already Taken~!

    "I want you to make my son fall for you. I want that bastard woman out of his life and with hering back, she wants to make her way back to him just for her to use my son."


    With that said, Shu Xian couldn''t help but widen her eyes in surprise. She put her mouth on her hand, shocked, as Cai Li sighed, understanding her shock.


    "To be honest, I never thought that woman to be like that towards my son. I was nice to her at first but¡­ turns out she was plotting something all along."


    "Plotting something?" Shu Xian asked, putting her hand down from her mouth. "What is she plotting about and why?"


    Cai Li didn''t answer for a while. With her now looking at their driver, she then put the question aside for a moment and asked the man a question.


    "How long until we reach the hotel?"


    "In five minutes, Ma''am Cai Li."


    "Good," she replied, heaving another sigh. "We''ll talk about thister. For now, let us visit our family''s hotel and then eat there and stay in a private ce that I own there for privacy."


    With that, Shu Xian nodded, not understanding why she was feeling nervous. With her hand instinctively on her chest as she took a few small breaths, Cai Li looked at her, worried.


    "What''s wrong? Are you not feeling well?" she asked, Shu Xian, shaking her head as she gave Cai Li a smile.


    "No, Ma''am Cai Li. It''s just that, I don''t understand why that I am feeling worried for Pan An. A kind man such as him who has helped me with no hesitations at all when I''m just a stranger, I can''t believe that I''m hearing this now¡ªthat he is being taken advantage of."


    Hearing this, Pan An''s mother held Shu Xian''s hand. With Shu Xian now looking at her, Cai Li had obvious gratefulness on her face, actually sensing Shu Xian''s sincerity.


    "I have no doubts in asking help from you," she started, "With your words and with your actions, I know that you are a good person despite the atmosphere that you were in when you were in the care of your uncle. I apud your courage and how you shaped yourself, Shu Xian. You are a brave woman."


    "Ma''am Cai Li¡­"


    Shu Xian felt shy, not expecting to beplimented by a great woman such as Pan An''s mother.


    "This is just me. Like you said, lying is something difficult for me, and I''m sorry I did so¡ªit''s just to help your son."


    "I know, dearest," Cai Li nodded, understanding what she meant. "But you don''t tell him what we have talked about today. Alright? I wouldn''t want him to misunderstand¡ªhe already sees me as a viin despite the connection we have."


    Hearing this, Shu Xian couldn''t help but furrow her brows, not understanding why Pan An could see his mother as a viin when she is just doing this for her son''s own good.


    "Why? Why are you seen as a viin? You''re a great mother, Ma''am Cai Li!"


    Cai Li didn''t answer for a while. With tears now forming in her eyes as the car stopped, she knew that she would have to control her emotions for there are people watching them outside the hotel, the expression on her face probably giving them possibilities for rumors.


    "Later. I will tell you what you need to know," she said while sheposed herself, wiping her tear that escaped her eye with a tissue. "For now, we need to show all smiles. People may be watching, but don''t worry, information about you would be blocked with our connections."


    With a wink, Cai Li then now signaled his driver, ready for them toe out.


    "We''re ready."


    The moment she said this, the driver already got out of the car. The moment he opened the backseat door and Cai Li came out, the manager of the hotel already greeted her, Shu Xian, following soon after. Cai Li then held her hand, introducing her to the manager.


    "This is my soon-to-be daughter-inw," she said, turning her head to Shu Xian. "Her name''s Shu Xian."


    The manager smiled at Shu Xian and gave her a small bow.


    "Nice to meet you, Shu Xian," he greeted, "I shall be leading you and the Madame to the private room for your lunch and rxation. It will overlook the city¡ªa really breathtaking view even at night."


    "Thank you for the wee," Shu Xian replied to the manager graciously with a smile. "I''m excited to see the beautiful view."


    The manager didn''t expect Shu Xian to be this simple and elegant! To be honest, when he saw her only wear a simple dress from afar before he approached them, he looked down on her taste but upon close inspection, he found that Shu Xian is a simple beauty!


    If she is wearing unbranded clothes, it made him think what she would look like in branded clothes! Goodness! She would look like an artist!


    "Mr. Ling?"


    "Ah! Y-yes?"


    With Cai Li suddenly calling his attention, she cocked her head to the side, wondering why the manager was even stammering on his words.


    "What''s wrong? Are you taken aback by Shu Xian''s beauty? Oh, I''m sorry¡­ she''s already taken~!"


    With Cai Li teasing him, Mr. Ling cleared his throat, giving them an awkward smile as that is not what he meant.


    "N-no, Ma''am Cai Li! I''d never!"


    With Shu Xian smiling at him once more, the manager then felt his heart flutter, immediately turning his body so he won''t face them, already walking up the stairs to the hotel.


    "Th-this way, please follow."


    With them already following as the driver stayed in the lounge, Cai Li had urged Shu Xian to link her arm with hers, making the youngdy do so.


    "Oh, I''m actually excited talking to you," Cai Li said, Shu Xian, slightly letting out augh as she found Cai Li''s enthusiasm cute.


    "Me, too, Ma''am Cai Li."


    The three of them then rode the elevator, going to the second to the highest floor that is kept for family purposes if they want to visit the hotel to themselves.

 Chapter 79 - Being So Kind

    The moment they arrived in the second to the highest floor, it was so quiet, Shu Xian, blinking her eyes in astonishment to see such a beautiful ce before them, already prepared beforehand.


    The moment the manager opened the door, both of them came inside, already weed by the house helpers.


    "Wee, Ma''am Cai Li, Miss Shu Xian," two of them greeted in unison, bowing to them at the same time.


    "Mm."


    With Cai Li''s nod of acknowledgement, they then left them alone in the living room, Shu Xian, blinking her eyes at what she''s seeing.


    This ce seemed like it was taken right from a magazine or from a movie!


    She knew that the ce would already look this way, but she didn''t expect that she would get to visit their ce in the flesh like this¡ªthe view breathtaking as what the manager said when she saw what was before their window!


    "Wow¡­" Shu Xian couldn''t help but exim. "The view here at night must be spectacr!"


    "Yes, it is," Cai Li said, already sitting down on the couch as the house chef arrived in the room, Shu Xian and Cai Li looking at him as he greeted them.


    "Good day, Ma''am Cai Li, Miss Shu Xian," he said with a small bow, "I will be preparing lunch and while waiting, a wine to drink, perhaps?"


    "Oh, yes please!" Cai Li said excitedly, bouncing on the couch slightly. "I''m in the mood for wine!"


    "Right away, Ma''am."


    With that, the chef already went to the kitchen to prepare them wine and some snacks, Shu Xian, hesitantly sitting down on the single couch beside her, conscious that she would be sitting on something so expensive!


    "Oh, you don''t have to be so careful, dear," Cai Li said, already putting both of her legs up and rested her head on the back rest. "We will be having dinner even here. We will be having a long day ahead. I hope it''s alright with you."


    "Oh!" Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times, smiling at Cai Li as she gave her an answer. "It''s alright. Thank you for having me today."


    At the same time, the chef arrived with the wine sses and wine. He then poured them red wine and then left to prepare lunch, Cai Li, taking her first small sip as the alcohol hit her throat, the sweet taste lingering her tongue for a moment.


    "Aaah! I''ve been wanting to be out of the house, honestly," she said while she rolled her eyes, Shu Xian, taking a small sip of her wine as well.


    "I''m d you''re having fun, Ma''am Cai Li."


    "Oh, please¡­" Cai Li waved her hand at Shu Xian, "You''re so formal¡­ you can call me by my name, or better yet, call me Ma."


    With that said along with a wink, Shu Xian felt shy as she tucked some of her hair behind her ear, not expecting Pan An''s mother to befortable with her this way.


    "That''s nice, but¡­ wouldn''t calling you ''ma'' be weird if I don''t even feel something towards your son and that nothing is happening between us?"


    Cai Li blinked her eyes a few times at Shu Xian, not expecting what she heard.


    "Are you saying that you don''t have eyes for my son?"


    "What?"


    Shu Xian immediately blushed, her face turning red by the second making Cai Li giggle as she felt like teasing her further.


    "I-I didn''t mean to say that I don''t have eyes for Pan An but¡­ you were only telling me to make him fall for me, no? I mean¡­ I don''t even know if that is possible¡ªI''m just¡­ this!"


    Shu Xian gestured her body to Cai Li, from her head, then to her toe. Seeing this, Cai Li shook her head disapprovingly, waving her index finger at her as she scolded her for the confidence that she has.


    "You are a beautiful woman, Shu Xian," she said, already standing up as she sat on the arm rest of the single couch that Shu Xian is sitting on. "And with great confidence, you can rock who you are despite of how you look! I''m telling you, once you carry your looks with pride, oh you are so pretty, you''d get any man you want."


    Shu Xian felt her ears getting red! With the continuouspliments that she was getting from Ma''am Cai Li, she couldn''t help but look at herself, Cai Li, pinching her cheek to get her attention.


    "Before you go home, we will make it happen¡ªI will mor you and we will surprise my dear Pan An. I assure you, he would be speechless the moment he sees you, his jaw will immediately drop on the floor!"


    Shu Xian coughed, making Cai Liugh as she shook her head, finding the youngdy cute.


    "M-Ma''am Cai Li¡­ I think this is too much?"


    "No!" Cai Li shook her head, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "It is not too much."


    With that, she stood up from the couch, pulling Shu Xian with her as well as she now started walking up the stairs.


    "M-Ma''am Cai Li?" Shu Xian called out as she was being pulled, blinking her eyes a few times as well. "Where are we going?"


    "To mor you in the clothes that I have here!"


    With her answer said, Cai Li immediately opened her room found in this penthouse, Shu Xian, furrowing her brows as they entered the room.


    Cai Li then went to the wardrobe and opened her closet to reveal some elegant dresses that Shu Xian could wear today.


    "I will be dressing you up, then will be fixing your hair. Then you would wear simple but elegant jewelry, and I will tell you how pretty you look!"


    With Cai Li now turning to Shu Xian as she was feeling nervous and awkward, she then smiled and approached her, holding her hand.


    "You know, this may be too much, indeed¡­ but I want you to feel how it is like to have a mother."


    With that said, Shu Xian couldn''t help but feel her emotions welling up in her chest. With her lips trembling as she felt her eyes pooling tears, she looked down on her hands to avoid looking at Cai Li, the woman understanding why she is this way.


    "Oh, Shu Xian¡­" Cai Li held her hands, "I''m sorry¡­ if this is indeed too much, then¡ª"


    "No¡­" Shu Xian raised her head, shylyughing at herself as some tears escaped her eyes. "Thank you¡­ for being so kind to me when I''m just a stranger you just met."

 Chapter 80 - Cai Lis Message Read:

    Pan An took a sip of his coffee. With Wan Wan sleeping beside him, showing her belly, Pan An would asionally look at her and rub her belly as the dog slept, the dog liking the sensation.


    Also, in a way, it is one of his stress relievers right now. It had made Pan An think why did he never get a dog when they could give you such goodpany even during a busy day and would not want to demand for anything else but yourpany?


    Well, maybe it had never crossed Pan An''s mind because he is working as a professor and that taking care of one would be a hassle. But since Wan Wan is a good girl, taking care of her is actually easy!


    Finding the sensation of Wan Wan''s fur irresistible, Pan An put down his pen for a while and stopped checking the papers of his students.


    He thenid his head on Wan Wan''s stomach, the dog slightly surprised, but not moving, as she did not expect Pan An to be this affectionate.


    "Aaaah¡­ Wan Wan," Pan An eximed in a mumble, letting out a soft chuckle as his head was still on her belly, his hand ruffling her hair at her sides. "You''re so fluffy, I''m gonna die!"


    He imitated the character in the movie, Despicable Me, who was hugging her unicorn as if there was no tomorrow. With Wan Wan now turning to her side, Pan An had no choice but to lift his head from her, pouting slightly at her.


    "Oh¡­ you don''t want me doing that? Am I disturbing your sleep?"


    Wan Wan ignored him. She just sighed as sheid back down on the floor, her head thudding slightly against the wooden floor.


    Pan An chuckled as he shook his head, finding it funny for a dog to sigh when all it could contribute is theirpany, security, and cuteness, while the humans spoil them.


    Not that he isining, though. He fell in love with Wan Wan quickly even on the first day. It made his living in this house better than it was before.


    With that in thought, he was suddenly snapped from his mind when he heard his phone ping, seeing a WeChat message from his mother, making him roll his eyes at the prompt saying that she is having a photo shoot in their hotel with Shu Xian.


    "How could they even photo shoot?" Pan An mumbled to himself as he got his phone to unlock it. "Shu Xian wore simply, so it couldn''t possibly be¡ª"


    ''!!!''


    ''!!!''


    ''!!!''


    The moment Pan An opened his phone to check his mother''s messages, he was immediately taken aback when he saw how Shu Xian looked right now, making him stare at the photo for a very long time!


    Shu Xian was wearing a ck women ruffle short sleeve chiffon midi dress. Her hair was cascading over her shoulders, her natural brown waves giving more volume to her hair.


    She had simple white pearl earrings on her that matched her simple pearl ne, her makeup simple as she only put a red tint.


    Her posing on her first picture made Pan An''s heart race in his chest, the dress actually entuating Shu Xian''s body figure! With her heels that gave her more height as well, he wondered how this could give her a little bit of sophistication and maturity!


    Her pose on the first picture was simple, but it was enough to captivate any men!


    She had her left hand on her waist, her other hand clutching on to her pouch that she brought. With her smiling at the camera as her eyes seemed shy as well, people would see her as a sweet, but mysterious person.


    Someone who is actually captivating¡­


    In the next photo, it looked like it was a stolen shot. Shu Xian was sitting on the couch with her left leg crossed over the other, thedy smiling at the wine ss that she was holding, showing her perfect white teeth.


    Pan An furrowed his brows as it has been a long time since he had felt this way towards a picture¡ªcaptivated by a woman''s beauty when only one woman was capable of doing this to his heart.


    Ruo Xi.


    With her suddenly crossing his mind, Pan An actually felt guilty to be thinking of her when her mother has been showing him pictures of Shu Xian who looked breathtakingly beautiful!


    But thankfully, his naughty mother had been sending him more photos that were enough to make his heart burst in his chest with Shu Xian''s beauty and elegance!


    The next photo was not stolen, but it was something that Pan An likedpared to the other photos.


    It focused on Shu Xian''s face, thedy only staring straight into the camera with her lips slightly parted. She had her hand propped under her chin, making her look seductively impatient in the photo.


    ''This is dangerous¡­'' Pan An thought to himself, further scrolling down the photos his mother was sending him in his WeChat. ''Mother is doing this on purpose and it''s dangerous¡­ because it''s working!''


    Even though Pan An knew that this was intentionally being done and that he isining in his mind, he couldn''t help but to look at Shu Xian''s photo that kept flooding their chat, not minding it actually!


    But there was one particr picture that had caught Pan An''s attention. It was a picture of Shu Xian smiling sweetly at the phone, the smile that she usually shows when both of them are having a light conversation.


    The smile that she showed went straight to his heart like an arrow fired by Cupid!


    With her smile captivating Pan An''s attention, before he knew it, his thumb instinctively clicked "save," the professor, blinking his eyes a few times the moment he realized what he did after he had done it.


    ''Did I just¡­ click save?''


    Soon after, what his mother had chatted snapped him out of his thoughts, making him throw his phone on the couch behind him, surprising Wan Wan with the sudden action.


    He suddenly felt irritated after he read his mother''s message, finding it frustrating that he was blushing with what she sent, not liking what he''s feeling.


    Cai Li''s message read:


    We will be having a bikini pictorial once we go to our private resort someday~! Wannae with us when the timees? Because I won''t send you anymore photos. Teehee~! ;)

 Chapter 81 - How Is It Not Possible?

    Shu Xian was honestly having fun with Cai Li. With her being dressed up by her, she actually felt warm in her heart, making her admire herself in the mirror before her, not believing that the reflection shown is her.


    With Shu Xian looking at her reflection, Cai Li smiled and called her attention, slightly surprising her.


    "I told you¡­ you''re beautiful," shemented, Shu Xian, shyly smiling at her as she approached her, holding both of her hands to thank Pan An''s mother.


    "Thank you so much for boosting my confidence, Ma''am Cai Li. You''re indeed right. I feel happy to have experienced this. It''s as if that I am indeed having fun with my mother," she said, Cai Li, holding her face with her right hand as she caressed her cheek with her thumb.


    "I told you¡­ you may call me ''ma.'' It''s not an issue, dearie."


    "Ma," Shu Xian shyly said, the term slightly foreign on her tongue. "Thank you."


    Cai Li smiled at her. With her already holding Shu Xian''s hand as they walk down the stairs, she then told her something that further surprised Shu Xian, making her feel warm in her heart as well.


    "Keep the dress, dear. It''s yours."


    "Thank you."


    With that, the chef also arrived in the living room at the same time. With him giving them a smile, he then updated the two that lunch is ready, making the two feel excited as they do feel hungry right at this moment.


    "Lunch is already served in the dining room, Ma''am Cai Li, Miss Shu Xian. I have served it on the table and is already ready for devouring."


    With a small joke, both of the womenughed, already excited to eat.


    "Thank you for preparing our meal," Cai Li thanked, already walking to the dining room with Shu Xian.


    When they arrived in the dining room, they immediately smelled and saw the food that was served on the table.


    Both of them saw that they were having herb chicken and buttered asparagus. Beside them were two sticks of garlic bread, making Shu Xian and Cai Li sit beside each other, marveling at the food before them.


    "Will there be dessert after this?" Cai Li asked, the chef, nodding to answer her question.


    "Yes. I will be serving banana splitter, Ma''am Cai Li."


    "Oooh~!"


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but exim her excitement. She then turned to the chef and gave him a smile, the middle-aged man feeling warm in his heart as he had never seen such a bright smile before.


    "Thank you so much for preparing for us! I''m excited to taste what you have prepared!"


    The chef smiled at them. Afterward, he then nodded at both of them, leaving them alone in the dining room for privacy.


    "My! I only realized now how hungry I was," Cai Limented, already eating the sliced chicken for their convenience. "This food is delicious!"


    Shu Xian agreed, already taking a piece of chicken in her mouth. With her swooning as she tasted the herbs that were put in the chicken, she loved the taste of it, making her nod in agreement and said her opinions.


    "I agree! The chef that your family has is indeed wonderful and experienced! I''m excited to know what our dinner is for already."


    With both of them alreadyughing that they are excited for dinner when they are just eating lunch as of the moment, the atmosphere between them became lighter, making it easier for them to engage in any conversation.


    However, Cai Li knew that she invited Shu Xian over for a reason, remembering that they would have to talk about something before she goes home to Pan An.


    "Anyway, let''s not forget our main agenda¡ªthe reason why we are here," she said, Shu Xian, nodding as she took a small sip of her sparkling water.


    "Yes. We can start on it right now as we take our meal," she suggested, Cai Li, sighing after she took a piece of her asparagus.


    "You see, Shu Xian, Ruo Xi is back in the city when I specifically threatened her not toe back."


    Hearing this, Shu Xian couldn''t help but furrow her brows. She then cocked her head to the side as she looked at Cai Li beside her, wondering why.


    "If it is alright to ask¡­ why? Is her scheme too much to make you do it?"


    "Yes," Cai Li immediately answered, not hesitating. "It was too much for my Pan An and as a mother, I was only doing my best to protect him, but I was seen as the viin instead. No matter¡­ as long as Pan An is alright, I don''t care about my image to him."


    With this said, now Shu Xian couldn''t help but be curious of what she was hearing. With her taking another piece of her chicken as she chewed carefully then swallowed, Cai Li then spoke, getting her attention.


    "I kept matchmaking him, however, in hopes that it would make him forget that woman. But it seems that it was impossible. So when I knew that he suddenly has a girlfriend after all that I''ve done, I was wondering why¡­ after all this time."


    Cai Li then held Shu Xian''s hand, further reiterating her concern for her son.


    "That''s why, I told myself that I need to meet you and somehow coordinate with you to protect my son. If after all those times that he had been pushing aside my matchmaking, then with you, I know you would be someone different that has caught my son''s fancy."


    "But¡­ I''m just the woman he saved," Shu Xian replied, "We know that Pan An is just kind and is helping a homeless and hopeless person like me, and¡ª"


    "I know, but you stand a chance against that woman, Shu Xian," Cai Li interrupted, her hold on Shu Xian''s hand tightening. "You can make him forget that woman, Shu Xian. I can feel it. Both of you are living together, how is it not possible?"

 Chapter 82 - Ill Definitely Go

    "I know, but you stand a chance against that woman, Shu Xian," Cai Li interrupted, her hold on Shu Xian''s hand tightening. "You can make him forget that woman, Shu Xian. I can feel it. Both of you are living together, how is it not possible?"


    When Shu Xian heard that, she couldn''t help but honestly feel that she is uneasy about Cai Li saying this. With that in mind, she sighed then said her thoughts aloud, honestly telling Cai Li her opinion.


    "We just met now, Ma. I don''t know if this n is going to be a sess, but I will try my best to help. With how much he loves Ruo Xi, I don''t know if I could really make this happen," she said, Cai Li, sighing as she looked at Shu Xian.


    "You think that my son loves that woman so much?" she asked, Shu Xian, nodding to give her answer.


    "I think so¡­ I have to be honest," she started, a soft flush of pink appearing on her face. "When Pan An and I had a heated moment when he was drunk and was sorta¡­ getting touchy¡­"


    When she was starting the story and Cai Li was hearing this, Pan An''s mother couldn''t help but smile with what she was hearing!


    "Yes, go on!"


    Cai Li nodded enthusiastically, Shu Xian''s voice getting smaller by the second as she narrated what happened next.


    "You see¡­ it was my first time. So, I felt slightly vited, but I couldn''t stop him¡­"


    "Oooh~! So you were liking the moment with my son?"


    Shu Xian did not answer her question. It was so awkward talking about this with Pan An''s mother, but she had to tell her some details of it and how Ruo Xi came about in the conversation.


    Before giving her answer, Shu Xian embarrassingly covered her face with both of her hands, her voice muffled but coherent enough for Cai Li to hear.


    "I was sorta liking it¡­ but then he called me by another name¡ªhe called me Ruo Xi and then lost consciousness."


    "Oh, dear¡­" Cai Li reacted, her eyebrows furrowing. "This is something that I did not expect."


    Shu Xian still hadn''t removed both of her hands on her face and continued to talk.


    "My pride got hurt! He was drunk and then he thought of her when I felt this for the first time, so¡­ afterward, I threatened your son that for me to tell him what we talked about and for me not to tell him what happened that night, he should help mend on a student assistantship schrship¡­"


    Hearing this, Cai Li couldn''t help butugh out loud. With her jovialughter surrounding them in the dining room, Shu Xian now slowly removed both of her hands from her face, looking at Cai Li as she wasughing at the story she just told her.


    "Oh, Shu Xian! To be honest, I like how you are controlling my son right now!"


    Shaking her head as she wiped a happy tear from the corner of her eye, she looked at Shu Xian with a happy grin on her face.


    "You are capable of controlling my son like this! Oh, and why are you saying that you are not a good candidate, hmm?"


    Shu Xian furrowed her brows and spoke, not believing what she heard from Cai Li.


    "But, Ma¡­ he called out to Ruo Xi that night and thought that I was her. How could that not tell you that he loves her that much?"


    With that said, Cai Li nodded slowly and stayed quiet for a while. With a small smile still on her face, she took a small sip of her wine then talked to Shu Xian afterward.


    "You know, the possibility of him liking you can happen," she started, Shu Xian, shaking her head to disagree.


    "I don''t think so¡­ the night when we were in the mall, he was in a daze when he somewhat saw a familiar figure to him. I know he didn''t tell me anything, but his reaction alone and calling your family secretary was enough to give it away," she said, Cai Li, sighing.


    "I know, Shu Xian¡­ as a mother, I am also rmed. Ruo Xi was in our mall, and I asked our secretary to hide the information from Pan An even though he has the information that my son needed."


    Hearing this, Shu Xian widened her eyes.


    "So it was really her that he sawst night," she mumbled, Cai Li, nodding to confirm her curiosity.


    "Yes, and going back, I know that you have potential in making my son like you," she said, letting out a small giggle as well.


    "Hmm? How so? I bet Ruo Xi is so pretty¡­ how could I match her?"


    Without saying a word, Cai Li opened the chat with her son. With the flood of Shu Xian''s pictures present, Cai Li grinned ear to ear and handed Shu Xian her phone, making her look.


    "Look at all the photos I sent him, then look at his reply at the end."


    When she said this, the moment Shu Xian saw what was on their conversation, the youngdy couldn''t help but widen her eyes, her face reddening with the number of photos she has sent him!


    "M-Ma¡­" Shu Xian stammered, "You sent him all?"


    "Of course!" Cai Li scoffed, "He has to see how beautiful you are, sweetheart!"


    Remembering that Cai Li had said something about Pan An''s message about her photos, Shu Xian quickly scrolled down and saw the message that Cai Li said about them going to the private resort and that she would wear a bikini.


    Shu Xian''s face further reddened when she saw Cai Li''s message, saying she won''t take anymore pictures and to just let Pan Ane if he wants to see her in a swimsuit!


    ''Aaah! This is embarrassing!''


    With that however, Cai Li smiled when Shu Xian''s lips turned into a tight line upon seeing Pan An''s reply that came 10 minutes after she sent all of the photos to him.


    The message from Pan An read:


    I''ll definitely go. I can''t let the other men gawk over her. Inform me immediately when the n has set. I''ll clear my schedule in the university no matter what.

 Chapter 83 - I Was About To

    After eating lunch, both of them went back to the living room to hang out.


    With a ssical music ying in the background as they had their banana split in the living room instead, both of them then started going down to business, Cai Li deciding to tell Shu Xian about Ruo Xi.


    "Now, I want to tell you about that woman," she started, Shu Xian, listening intently at her as she nodded and noticed something about Cai Li.


    Every time that they talk about Ruo Xi, she would always refer to her as "that woman." It was obvious that she didn''t like her at all, making Shu Xian all the more curious as to why she hates her.


    "Here, this is her."


    Shu Xian handed her a recent photo of Ruo Xi, Shu Xian''s eyes widening to see how she looks like.


    Damn, it is only a photo¡ªbut Shu Xian had to be honest¡ªshe is indeed beautiful and had a strong woman aura to her!


    The woman had red-dyed hair. Her crescent-moon eyes were so pretty, making her brown eyes look so natural. Furthermore, her curly hair gave her a little bit of sophistication, along with her tall and slender built that made her look like a model.


    She''s voluptuous¡ªno doubt! Why is Cai Li expecting Shu Xian to make her son fall for her whenpared to Ruo Xi, she feels inferior!


    "You see, it was not always that I was mean to her. Truth be told, I was nice to her as how I was nice to you," she started, Shu Xian, snapping herself out of her thoughts then nodded her head slowly as she took a small bite of the banana from her banana split.


    "That woman was kind¡ªshe was so doting on my son. We spent time with each other, too. Heck, I even bought her limited edition clothes that she looked so good on," she added, rolling her eyes at the same time.


    "That woman knew my son so well¡ªfrom his likes to dislikes, and would always show interest in everything that he does and is so kind to our family. You see, she too, has a business, and they have connections with us, too."


    "I see. From what I heard from you, she seems to be a good girl," Shu Xianmented, Cai Li, shaking her head as she nkly stared at her ice cream that was slowly melting on the banana.


    "I thought so, too¡­ until the eve of their engagement came, I saw and heard something that I didn''t expect."


    "Hmm? Engagement? So you learned about her agenda on the night when Pan An proposed to her?"


    "Yes," Cai Li answered immediately, putting her banana split down on the coffee table in front of them as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "It broke my heart that night. I was so happy for my son, I was happy for them! Turns out that woman was a good actress."


    "What happened?"


    Shu Xian asked, feeling slightly impatient as she wanted to know what happened.


    She also wanted to know why Cai Li was so desperate for her to help her son, and knowing what happened before might help.


    "Pan An was entertaining the guests during the family dinner both of our families were having. Pan An already nned it with us, so we were on in it with the surprise since we invited that woman''s family as well."


    Cai Li''s hands then started to tighten on herp, making her look at Shu Xian as she continued telling the story.


    "So, after the proposal and that woman said yes, the party continued after saying some messages. That woman excused herself, saying that she needs to have an alone time to take in fresh air as she was still ecstatic with the engagement of my son."


    Soon after, Cai Li stopped, a sarcastic smile on her face appearing as a scoff then followed.


    "But turns out when I was going to my bedroom to do a little retouch, I saw that wretched woman being touchy with Pan An''s other close friend."


    Hearing this, Shu Xian immediately widened her eyes, not believing what was happening.


    "Y-you saw Ruo Xi making out with Wang Lei?"


    "No!" Cai Li immediately answered, "No, it was not Wang Lei whom she was frolicking with, no! Wang Lei is a sweetheart! He is one of the few people like you who knew Ruo Xi''s true colors and is hiding this information from my son because I begged him to!"


    "Oh?" Shu Xian furrowed her brows, confused. "So they had another friend?"


    "Yes. I daren''t say his name, I hate him like that woman. Wang Lei and my Pan An trusted him so much and helped him and his family in the business world. Just to fool him in the end?"


    Cai Li shook her head, her teeth gritting as she said the next parts of the story.


    "So, to cut the long story short, I heard Ruo Xi saying that once she marries my son and has names under ourpany, she would find people to kill him afterwards, then wait for a few years before she marries the damned man."


    "What!?"


    Shu Xian now was so surprised, now understanding her hate towards the woman.


    "Ruo Xi was nning to k-kill Pan An after marrying him once she has names under yourpanies?"


    "Yes," Cai Li confirmed, sighing at the same time. "Before, Pan An was helping with the business. But since their engagement fell out and was blocked from the media, he decided to be a full-fledged professor, escaping our family."


    "Now I understand Pan An''s sarcasm sometimes when you meet him," Shu Xian mumbled, enough for Cai Li to hear. "But have you told him about it?"


    "I was about to¡­ but he didn''t want to listen to me. Because that night in the party, when I was talking to that woman as I found out her ns, he only heard me threatening that woman."

 Chapter 84 - One Question

    "Ruo Xi."


    Pan An knelt on one knee and then got Ruo Xi''s hand in his. He then got a box that contained a simple, but beautiful and expensive diamond ring that made the guests of the house gasp, Ruo Xi''s eyes widening in astonishment.


    "Pan An¡­ baby¡­ what''s this?"


    Not answering her, Pan An felt his heart racing in his chest due to nervousness and anxiety. He was obviously proposing to Ruo Xi but everyone''s eyes were on them and he wanted this to be special for both of them¡ªespecially to her.


    "Thank you foring into my life, Ruo Xi. For knowing who I am, for helping me ovee my fears one by one. Thank you for epting me for who I am and for continuing to be with me despite the challenges that we had."


    With that, the guests swooned and there were tears pooling in Ruo Xi''s eyes¡ªthe woman trying her best to keep her tears at bay as she stared straight into Pan An''s eyes.


    "With that, I leave you one question," he said, smiling sweetly at Ruo Xi, his question heard by both of his family, and Ruo Xi''s. "Will you marry me?"


    With the crowd saying "aaaw" in unison, it made the loving couple let out a shyugh, noticing that they weren''t alone in the room since this is indeed their party¡ªa party for both of their families that are soon to be joined together if Ruo Xi is going to say yes.


    With a nod and with a tear escaping from Ruo Xi''s eye, she said her answer that made Pan An help her wear the ring on her left hand''s ring finger.


    "Yes, Pan An¡­ yes!"


    With the ring finally worn, Pan An stood up and pulled Ruo Xi in an embrace, not hesitating to give her a peck on the lips seen by everyone.


    With this sweet gesture, everyone in the family congratted them and pped for them, the families excited to be joined together since Ruo Xi has great reputation as well.


    "No, let''s continue the party," Pan An said awkwardly with a smile, Ruo Xi beside him, letting out a smallugh as she saw him feeling shy. "The night is still young¡ªthank you for congratting me and my now fianc¨¦e."


    As the party continued, the people drank their wine and ate their food, Cai Li, approaching Pan An and Ruo Xi to give them both a hug.


    "Oh, you two~! Congrattions!"


    "Mother."


    Pan An nted a kiss on his mother''s cheek and then Ruo Xi gave Cai Li a brief embrace. With Cai Li now holding both of Ruo Xi''s hands as she stared at her lovingly, Ruo Xi looked straight into Cai Li''s eyes, smiling at her sweetly.


    "Oh, Ruo Xi¡­ thank you so much for being with my Pan An and for taking care of him."


    "Oh, I always wanted to, Ma''am Cai Li. I love your son so much¡ªI could give him the world!"


    With that said, Pan An couldn''t help but let out a smallugh, kissing Ruo Xi on the cheek as his hand was still around her waist.


    "We will talk about the wedding soon this week, yeah? For now, let''s enjoy the party with our family and friends."


    "Of course," Ruo Xi said, her parents already approaching them as well.


    The moment Ruo Xi''s mother and father came in front of them, they both greeted Ruo Xi briefly, then spoke to their future son-inw.


    "Pan An¡­ I''m excited that you are going to be part of our family," Ruo Xi''s father said, her mother, nodding in agreement.


    "Me, too. With both of you together, I know that your reputations in the business world will soon be booming? Will you two bless me and Cai Li with grandchildren soon, hmm?"


    With that said, Pan An and Ruo Xi bothughed, shaking their heads to say no as they both state their opinions.


    "Oh! I think having a child is too early," Ruo Xi said, looking at Pan An as she tucked some tendril of her red hair behind her ear. "Maybe a year after, we could?"


    "Yes. This soon is too early," Pan An chimed in, Cai Li, yfully rolling her eyes at the two with what she heard.


    "Oh,e on¡­ nothing is too early! Both of you are stable! We can have grandchildren as soon as possible! Don''t you agree, Mr. and Mrs. Wong?"


    With Cai Li facing Mr. and Mrs. Wong, Ruo Xi''s father and mother, both of them chuckled and nodded, agreeing to Ma''am Cai Li.


    "Yes! There will be no problems!"


    Pan An shook his head as he smiled at his future inws and his mother, stating his opinions politely to say no.


    "I would like to have Ruo Xi to myself for the moment. Maybe when we''re ready, we will bless you with many grandchildren as much as you want," he said, the three of them already giving up as they have seen that their children are already set up on not having children yet.


    "Oh, alright¡­" Cai Li said as she let out a small sigh. "Just don''t let us wait for a very long time, alright?"


    "En."


    With that, Ruo Xi turned her body to face Pan An. With her hand touching his arm, Pan An''s attention is now on her, Ruo Xi giving him a sweet smile.


    "I''ll just go and have a walk to take a breather, yeah? This¡­ I''m excited for us to be together and I want to take it all in alone for a while."


    "Sure." Pan An kissed the top of Ruo Xi''s head. "I''ll be staying here with the guests. Don''t leave me for too long, yeah?"


    "Of course," Ruo Xi said, tiptoeing to give Pan An a kiss on the cheek. "I''m sorry your father and sister couldn''t make it tonight."


    "It''s alright," Pan An immediately replied, "They''re swamped with documents."


    "Mm¡­" Ruo Xi nodded, already excusing herself to have some time alone. "Excuse me¡­ I''ll also do some retouch while I''m at it."


    "En."


    With that, Ruo Xi already walked away from Pan An, taking a few deep breaths. The moment she turned her body, it was as if she made sure that no one would see her as she made way to the garden of the Liu''s, Pan An''s family.


    However, Pan An paid no attention to it as he always knew that Ruo Xi is a person who always loved her privacy.

 Chapter 85 - Lies!

    Pan An excused himself from the crowd. He felt so ecstatic to know that he is now engaged to his girlfriend, Ruo Xi, making him grin ear to ear as he got another ss of wine and drank it in one down.


    He was happy that he asked help from his family. They were nning this for a month already, and this was already the most awaited day.


    Well, mostly, he had been nning with his mother. His older sister was helping from time to time, and for his father being so busy, what he only did was pay for the finances.


    Pan An is not actually close with his father so much. He is close with his sister, yes, but ever since she married and is managing both the family''s and her husband''spany, she had been so busy that they would only catch up through video calls.


    With Pan An now deciding to take a breather from the crowd as well as he also wanted to have some alone time with Ruo Xi, he decided that he would go and have a walk around their residence in search for her.


    He went up the stairs. Ruo Xi knows her way in their home since she has been visiting frequently and Cai Li has allowed her to go around the house as if it was her home since she likes her.


    Usually, when Ruo Xi visits, she would prefer to go on the second floor veranda and enjoy the view of their garden maze, or sometimes, she would just look up in the sky and see the countless stars above.


    As Pan An was smiling while looking for Ruo Xi, he then started to walk towards the veranda. As he was about to push the curtain to the side and open the ss sliding door, Pan An was surprised to hear what he has heard through the gaps, making him open his eyes wide in disbelief.


    "If you don''t leave my son alone, you will not only lose the connections you have with us, but your whole family will lose the connections of other people who are in the business world."


    He knew that voice well. Oh, he really knew that voice well.


    It was his mother''s, Cai Li''s, and with her saying to leave her son alone, of course it meant Pan An, and of course, he could deduce this much that Cai Li is talking to Ruo Xi.


    "M-mother, I¡ª"


    "Don''t ''mother'' me," Cai Li said with a scoff, "I never would have thought that¡ª"


    "No! What you heard was wrong! I really love your son and¡ª"


    "Oh? And this is just an act?"


    Both of them kept interrupting each other, Pan An, not understanding why he has mixed feelings.


    Like he was starting to feel bad that Ruo Xi is being this way, and at the same time, he was being curious as to why his mother was acting this way.


    Ever since they started dating, Cai Li has been kind to Ruo Xi. With this happening now and the kind of conversation that they are having, why does it seem that Cai Li doesn''t want Ruo Xi to be his fianc¨¦e anymore?


    With Ruo Xi not saying a word, Cai Li spoke again after she let out a sigh.


    "I want you to cancel off the engagement¡ªor else, I''m really meaning what I said. The only affiliations you can get is the businesses outside of the country if you''re not going to push through with what I said. Moreover, if you continue to do what you''re doing, even the businesses outside will be useless to you."


    "But¡ª"


    "Enough! I''m serious here! Leave my son alone!"


    No longer liking what he was hearing, Pan An pulled the sliding door open, surprising both Cai Li and Ruo Xi. With their eyes now on Pan An, Pan An both looked at them in wonder, not understanding why they are both acting this way.


    "What''s wrong? Why are you talking to Ruo Xi like this?"


    Cai Li suddenly furrowed her brows together, the tone of Pan An''s voice usatory on the actions and words that she has been doing when it''s only for his sake.


    "Pan An," Cai Li started, "I''m just looking out for you¡ª"


    "Oh, Pan An!"


    Ruo Xi then burst into tears, crashing her body on Pan An as she embraced him and wailed on his chest.


    "I¡ªI didn''t expect that Ma''am Cai Li would be this cruel towards me! I¡­ she wants me out of everyone''s connections! She is threatening me to call our engagement off!"


    Even though Pan An eavesdropped on them and knew this already, still, hearing this from Ruo Xi made his blood boil, making him look at his mother with angry eyes.


    "Mother¡­ why? Why are you doing this to Ruo Xi?"


    "Son¡­"


    Cai Li closed her eyes for a moment and calmed herself for three seconds before talking to her son again.


    "That woman is not what you think she is. I heard that she was nning something against you. She''s been nning to marry you from the start for something else."


    "What?"


    Ruo Xi looked up at Pan An. With tears then streaming down her face, her lips trembled and then she spoke in her softest voice, still enough for Pan An and Cai Li to hear.


    "I¡­ I was only nning ahead of time of how your family can help with our familypanies. I was not conniving something o-or anything."


    "Lies!"


    Cai Li immediately burst in anger, pulling Ruo Xi from Pan An. She then gave her a hard p on the face as she already lost her cool and of course, her patience.


    "How dare you lie to my son and to me!? I mean what I said! You have pushed me this far and¡ª"


    "Mother!"


    Pan An interrupted, his eyes pooling tears as he shook his head in disbelief, not believing that Cai Li hadnded her hand hard on his fianc¨¦e''s face.


    "How could you do this to Ruo Xi!? How could you¡ª"


    "Enough!"


    Cai Li interrupted even her son.


    "You are to cancel this engagement. I don''t care if I will look like a viin¡ªI no longer want that woman for you! If you force this, oh, Pan An¡­ that woman will not even dare step a foot inside this country!"

 Chapter 86 - Move On

    Pan An slowly opened his eyes. The moment he did, he was already looking at the ceiling of his home, realizing until now that he just had an unexpected nap on the couch that he was lying on.


    Sighing, he put his forearm on his eyes. He felt his heart ache still that he remembered even in a dream, how Ruo Xi called off their engagement because she was being threatened to live outside the country if she doesn''t.


    He didn''t even expect the sudden change of his mother''s attitude. When he demanded for an exnation, Cai Li told him that Ruo Xi is fooling him and that she is using him for this sole purpose of getting more connections and benefits.


    But still, knowing how loving Ruo Xi is towards him, Pan An just couldn''t believe it.


    The professor slowly sat up from his position. With Wan Wan then barking and whimpering to him as if she wanted to go out, Pan An gave the dog a small smile as he patted the top of her head.


    "Let''s go out for a walk," he mumbled, enough for the dog to hear but the word "walk," was already a prompt for the dog to feel excited.


    As Pan An stood up to get Wan Wan''s leash, the dog followed him. Pan An made sure that as he put the leash on the dog, it was secure so she won''t get to escape or run off while they are doing their walk.


    With a yawn, Pan An stood up in his ce for a while as he did a small series of stretches since he had just woken up. After checking the papers of his students, he decided to doze off for half an hour, but turns out that he slept more than that¡ªmore or less, around two hours.


    Shaking himself from his sleepy state, Pan An now left his house and decided to walk Wan Wan in the park where he saw Shu Xian.


    As he was doing a short walk, the dream was still lingering in his thoughts for quite some time.


    They said that the moment you wake up, you get to forget your dreams immediately because your brain would shift to its defensive state.


    Pan An believed that¡ªsince every time he dreamed, it would always be like that, Pan An always forgetting what he was dreaming about that night.


    However, when he woke up now, he still remembered in detail what he was dreaming about.


    Maybe that is the case because it is an event that had really happened before and until now, it still bothers him.


    As they walked, Pan An''s hold on the leash tightened. With his lips turning into a tight line that he''s remembering the engagement he had with Ruo Xi, he couldn''t believe that it didn''t evenst for a day¡ªRuo Xi agreeing to Cai Li''s demands.


    What made Pan An wonder is why Ruo Xi found it so easy to call it off¡ªshe was the one that called the wedding off herself right after she was threatened and pped by his mother, Cai Li.


    Pan An stopped in his tracks. With Wan Wan sniffing the bushes, he nkly stared at her as a thought passed his mind.


    ''We could of fought this issue together. We could have faced this together¡­ but why was it easy for her to call off the engagement? Why did she leave without even saying goodbye?''


    With his eyebrows slowly knitting together, he also remembered how he did his best to look for Ruo Xi''s info¡ªwhere she is living now and how to contact her.


    He thought that his mother might be up to something because she usually does things to block things between them since then.


    But then, he also found out that Ruo Xi was doing things on her end, too, blocking everything in her end.


    It made Pan An wonder why Ruo Xi was doing such lengths¡ªas if she is hiding something from everyone.


    However, Pan An thought that he may be overthinking things. He may think that Ruo Xi was doing this because she was embarrassed and that she needed to have time for her own until she recovers from it¡ªknowing that Ruo Xi is a person who values her reputation.


    As the professor was drowning in his thoughts, Wan Wan suddenly barked. When it did, it got the attention of Pan An, making him smile at the dog as he bent down to give her a pat and talked to her.


    "Do you want to walk more?"


    When Wan Wan barked as it stuck its tongue out, Pan An found her cute that he gave her another pat, then they continued having their walk in the park.


    With his hand in his pocket, his thoughts then slowly drifted again to Ruo Xi¡ªespecially on the time that he saw a familiar figure when they were in the mall''s parking lot.


    Pan An''s lips started to turn into a tight line again. With him asking for their secretary to do an investigation, he told them that Ruo Xi was not there¡ªbut Pan An knew that it was her that he saw on that passing vehicle.


    He knew that it was her¡ªthe mole on her face was one thing that distinguished her.


    Heck, it is a part of her face that he loves!


    Realizing that he is drowning in his thoughts, Pan An groaned aloud, making Wan Wan cock her head to the side as the dog watched and heard the professor''s reaction.


    With him nkly staring at the sky above them, he then had a sudden thought passing in his mind, making him want to stop thinking of Ruo Xi here and then.


    "Three years had already passed, Pan An," he mumbled to himself, desperation and frustration still felt in his chest. "Why can''t you forget her when she is doing things on her end to make herself unreachable? Move on¡­"


    With that, Pan An heaved another sigh. As he continued walking, Wan Wan then followed and walked side by side with the professor, Pan An, liking how the dog is trained since she is not dragging the person who is giving her walks.


    ***


    UPDATE: Do update your AllNovelFull application with the new update for the adjusted win-win event! :3 It will be released on June 1~! ^^

 Chapter 87 - Wished For A Mother Figure

    [This chapter is dedicated to K_Larson_3236, for being the top 10 fan for the month of May! ^^ Thanks so much for the support!]


    ***


    After Cai Li and Shu Xian talked, before they knew it, it was already time for dinner time.


    "Ma''am Cai Li, Miss Shu Xian, dinner is already prepared," the chef announced, Cai Li, standing up first from her seat and did a stretch before Shu Xian followed and did a slight stretch as well.


    They have been sitting in the living room for who knows how many hours since lunch time! With them talking about Ruo Xi and what Cai Li has heard during that night and what happened afterwards, time flew by so fast!


    "Thank you for calling our attention," Cai Li said, turning her body to look at Shu Xian. "Thest snack we ate was the banana split¡ªI''m quite famished," she added, the chef, nodding to give them the answer that they needed.


    "Don''t worry, Ma''am Cai Li. For this evening, you will be having Caesar Sd. Afterward, you will get Salisbury steak, then a Mont nc for dessert. Of course, champagne will also be served.


    With that, the chef led them again to the kitchen and showed them their food, Cai Li and Shu Xian actually excited to eat.


    The moment they sat down beside each other, Shu Xian spoke, asking her a question.


    "If I may ask, Ma," Shu Xian started, slightly getting used to calling her "ma." "Have you gotten any evidences since that event happened?"


    "This is the part that actually frustrated me," Cai Li said, her hold on her knife and fork tightening. "To be honest when I immediately contacted our secretary to investigate and to get possible evidences since she was also using her phone, turns out she blocked everything out already."


    "Wow!" Shu Xian eximed, blinking her eyes a few times. "So she has thought of this sooner than you thought."


    "Yes." Cai Li rolled her eyes, "And afterward, Pan An cried that night because she immediately blocked everything¡ªher info, and then changed her number and we couldn''t get ahold of her new information until now," she added, Shu Xian, nodding slowly.


    "So this Ruo Xi¡­ also has a powerful backer," shemented, Cai Li, nodding her head slowly as well.


    "Yes. To be honest, our family is greater than them in the business industry, but they are at par. However, there is anotherpany that is greater than us as well, though, they are lowkey and mysterious."


    Hearing this, Shu Xian cocked her head to the side.


    "I thought your family is the greatest here in the country?"


    "Well, yes," Cai Li answered, chewing on her steak before she answered. "But, there is a more powerful family in which not a lot of people know because they tend to be quiet. But, for us Lius, we''re happy to be affiliated with them~!"


    "Oh! If I may ask, which family?" Shu Xian asked, chewing on a piece of her steak as well as she expectantly waited for an answer.


    "The Gus," she answered, Shu Xian, furrowing her brows.


    "Gu? Like¡­ Gu He Sheng?"


    "Well, at first I thought it was your uncle when we did an investigation like I said, but when we researched about thepany that he''s holding, we only knew of the name¡ªbut not its affiliations. And I''m guessing, it might not be affiliated with the great Gus."


    Cai Li understood why Shu Xian was curious. He Shen also has the surname Gu, but then again, there are a lot of Gus in the country and that it may be another Gu that they are talking about and that her uncle may not be affiliated with the Gus Shu Xian is talking about.


    "I see. I can figure this much that my uncle may not be affiliated with them," Shu Xianmented, rolling her eyes at the same time. "With his attitude, I doubt it."


    Cai Li only gave her a smile. With them continuing to eat, it was silent for a while. When Pan An''s mother suddenly remembered what she had asked her to do, she then looked at Shu Xian and spoke, redirecting their topic.


    "By the way, with what you heard, you do believe me, right?"


    Hearing this, Shu Xian didn''t answer for a while. With her turning her head to look at Cai Li, the woman had a nervous expression on her face, expectantly waiting for her answer as her eyebrows were slightly knitted together.


    With this, Shu Xian nodded, giving her the answer that she needed. With a smile on her face, she further exined why she believed her, making Cai Li sigh in relief.


    "I believe you, Ma. I mean¡­ it took you a lot of courage to trust me and tell me everything when I''m just a stranger that your son saved! I know you wouldn''t do something like this if you haven''t deduced that I am a trustworthy person despite my mysterious background."


    "Thank you, Shu Xian."


    Cai Li held Shu Xian''s hand, her thumb caressing the back of her palm.


    "I''m d I can trust you. You will not tell my son about this, right? He wouldn''t believe it."


    "Of course," Shu Xian said, now a blush appearing on her face. "As to what you want me to do, I''ll try my best to catch his attention," she added, now a grin appearing on Cai Li''s face.


    "Oh, you don''t have to worry about that!" Cai Li said, yfully rolling her eyes at her. "You''re so beautiful¡ªyou already saw your potential!"


    "Thank you, Ma. I''ll try my best."


    With that, both of them continued eating dinner.


    With them having a light conversation already, Shu Xian enjoyed the food as Cai Li told stories about Pan An''s childhood, making Shu Xianugh as she didn''t expect the professor to be so cute when he was a child¡ªknowing about his yfulness.


    Having this moment with Cai Li, Shu Xian had to admit that it was nice having a person who is acting like her mother. Even though she was asking her for help when ites to her son, Shu Xian didn''t mind it as it is another way to thank her for being kind towards her.


    Because since she was a child, Shu Xian always wished for a mother figure in her life.

 Chapter 88 - Wrestling On Bed!

    [This chapter is dedicated to Maryann_Babyangel, for being the top 9 fan for the month of May! ^^ Thanks so much for the support!]


    ***


    As the night went on, Cai Li and Shu Xian kept drinking their champagne in the living room. They were already able to finish a bottle, the women already taking their second bottle as they continued to converse andugh on the couch they were sitting on.


    Shu Xian had her head tipped up inughter, Cai Li, biting her bottom lip as she was stifling herughter.


    "I caaaaaan''t believe it," Shu Xian slurred, already tipsy from drinking too much tonight. "When Pan An was young, he was thiiiiiiis cute?"


    "Indeeeeed~!"


    When Cai Li slurred on her words as well, they continued giggling over small matters, them talking about Pan An when he was still a young boy.


    Suddenly, a house helper arrived in front of them, making the women look at her with yful eyes.


    "Oh, what''s wrong?" Shu Xian asked, both of her legs folded under her as this slightly made the cloth of her dress go up to show her thighs. "Do we have an unexpected visitor?"


    "Erm, yes," the house helper confirmed, giving them a small bow as she continued to tell them who.


    "It''s actually your son, Ma''am Cai Li."


    "Oooh!"


    Cai Li tipped her head up, tipsy as well with a blush on her face. She then waved her hand, further instructing the house helper what she has to do.


    "Bring him in! It''s alright!"


    With that, the house helper nodded then made way to the door.


    The moment she opened the door for Pan An to enter, he immediately came to the living room, his eyebrows furrowed when he saw his mother and then Shu Xian, seated on the couch, looking rather intoxicated by alcohol.


    "Dearie!"


    It was Cai Li who greeted him first, smiling at him with a big grin on her face.


    "Why did youe here? Shu Xian and I are enjoying!"


    Not answering his mother, his eyes then slowly drifted to Shu Xian. With her head already resting on the couch''s backrest and her legs still folded up and showed her upper thighs, Pan An immediately averted his gaze away from her since he found her tantalizingly attractive!


    He knows that she''s not in her best behavior right now so he would have to respect her now that she''s drunk.


    "I looked at the time and noticed that it is almost 9 PM. I was not getting any texts, so I was worried and came here instead since the people at home don''t even know where you are¡ªyou''re not telling them anything."


    "Oh!" Cai Li furrowed her brows, "It''s already at this tiiiiiiime?"


    Cai Li then sighed, looking at Shu Xian who was now giggling in her ce. When she held the youngdy''s hand, she smiled at her, Shu Xian smiling at her as well.


    "I''m sorry, I kept you for too long! I was having so much fuuuun!"


    "Oh, don''t worry, Ma," Shu Xian replied with a chuckle, "I had fun as well! Tomorrow is still a weekend anyway, Ma! I can reeeeest!"


    As both of them were nowughing at such a small thing, Pan An couldn''t help but arch a brow at Shu Xian, not believing what he just heard.


    ''Did she just¡­ call my mother, ''ma''?''


    With that, Shu Xian put both of her legs down. With her heels not worn, she let her feet feel the warm carpet beneath them as she tried her best to stand up, trying to keep her bnce.


    "Pan An¡­"


    Shu Xian said, crossing her arms in front of her chest and had emphasized her bosom, the professor trying his best to avert his gaze away from her as her hair looked slightly disheveled, oddly making her more attractive than when it was fixed.


    "I''m sorry for worrying you so much, Love! I was having fun!"


    With her now walking towards Pan An and tripping over her own foot, she crashed onto him,nding on his chest as he caught her in his arms for safety.


    Shu Xian then sprawled her hand on his chest, making the professor''s eyes widen with how her fingers trailed to tip his chin down just so he could look at her directly.


    "Do you wanna have fun tonight to make it up for the time I wasn''t home? Hmm? Think that it''s me this time, yeah?"


    With a cough, Pan An cleared his throat as Shu Xianughed in his arms, already resting her head on his chest and wrapped both of her arms around his waist.


    "You''re so huggable! You fit in my arms so snuggly¡ªI wanna cuddle you to sleeeeeep!"


    Hearing this even though she is tipsy, Cai Li shook her head as sheughed, better at controlling herself with alcoholpared to Shu Xian since it''s obvious that she rarely drinks.


    "Go home and take her, dear," Cai Li said, her head already resting on the rest of the couch. "I''ll be staying here. You don''t have to worry¡ªI have my trusted bodyguards with me."


    "En."


    Pan An nodded as he smoothly scooped Shu Xian in his arms, the girl, giggling as she wrapped her arms around his neck.


    "You carrying me bridal style? Are you going to walk home like this? Isn''t it going to be shy?"


    "No, Shu Xian," Pan An replied with gritted teeth, slightly finding her drunk self slightly annoying. "I will drive you home."


    "Oh! Can we catch some fresh air before we go home? Pwease?"


    With her talking like a baby, Pan An couldn''t help but sigh exasperatedly. Shu Xian was even dangling her feet, ying with them by swinging them alternatively.


    Because of this, it had given Pan An the difficulty to carry her, but then again, he didn''t give too much attention since the girl in his arms is indeed drunk.


    "No. We need to go home."


    "Oh¡­"


    Shu Xian pouted, Pan An slightly taken aback with how cute she looked. With her pouting her lower lip out, Pan An had the sudden urge to bite it, but s, he''s holding himself back¡ªnot wanting to take advantage of her.


    "B-because we have to y when we get home."


    "Really!?"


    Shu Xian''s eyes twinkled, Pan An, nodding and asked her a question.


    "What do you wanna y?"


    However, what Shu Xian answered was something that Pan An and Cai Li didn''t expect, the woman on the couchughing out loud as her son couldn''t even manage to give Shu Xian a one-worded reply.


    Obviously, blushing beet red...


    "Wrestling on bed! Let''s go!"

 Chapter 89 - If Im Not Careful

    [This chapter is dedicated to Misswonderful, for being the top 8 fan for the month of May! ^^ Thanks so much for the support!]


    ***


    When Pan An was assured that her mother''s safety in the penthouse is secured, he already left with Shu Xian still yfully swinging her feet as she was being carried towards the car.


    "Loooooove!"


    Shu Xian slurred on her words as she rested her head on Pan An''s shoulder, the girl''s index finger circling on his chest and yed the cloth of his shirt, making it ticklish for the professor.


    "Do you promise me that we are going to y wrestling on bed?"


    Pan An''s eyebrow twitched. With him walking down the stairs with the others watching them, he couldn''t help but feel embarrassed with how loud Shu Xian''s voice is, some of the people of the hotel looking at them.


    "If you''re not quiet," Pan An started, "we won''t be able to y wrestling in bed," he added, making Shu Xian nod and whisper back.


    "Alright, Love! I''ll keep my lips sealed until we''re in the car!"


    He felt that his vein was bulging! With him feeling that it''s about to pop soon, He quickened his pace towards his car, the valet noticing them and opened the door of the passenger seat for Pan An to put Shu Xian inside.


    When she was settled, Shu Xian furrowed her brows when she saw that she was still barefoot. The moment Pan An had already buckled her in her seatbelt, she raised both of her legs up so she could rest her foot on the seat''s leather, the dress'' cloth rising up, showing her skin.


    "Shu Xian! What are you doing!?"


    Pan An scolded her in a harsh whisper, making Shu Xian pout as she felt that she was being scolded.


    "I don''t like my feet touching the cold floor¡­ your car is not carpeted¡­"


    Without saying a word as he wanted to make sure that no one is looking at Shu Xian this way, he immediately closed the door, quickly getting his keys from the valet then entered the driver seat, banging the door close.


    The sound slightly made Shu Xian jump on her seat. With Pan An clicking a button that would roll their windows up, he put his seatbelt on, having a slightly angry expression on his face.


    Seeing this, Shu Xian couldn''t help but look at him with tears pooling in her eyes. With her lips trembling to speak as her eyebrows knitted together, her soft voice in a whisper got the professor''s attention, what she said next and how she looked like right now, taking him aback.


    "Are you angry at Shu Xian?" she started addressing to herself in third person. "I''m sorry¡­ I didn''t mean to anger my love."


    With that said, Pan An couldn''t help but blink his eyes a few times, wondering how much alcohol both her and her mother drank!


    "How much did you drink with mother?"


    "Ma and I drank one and a half bottles of champagne~!"


    When she answered in a sing-song tone, Pan An couldn''t help but sigh as he ran his hand through his hair, shaking his head in disapproval afterward.


    "Apparently, that''s your limit. Anything more, you wouldn''t take it," he said, Shu Xian, cocking her head to the side as she looked at Pan An.


    "Shu Xian is tipsy. Shu Xian is not getting this right now. Can you reschedule your scolding until tomorrow? Shu Xian promises to listen to you like a good girl by then!"


    With that said, Pan An just ignored her. With the car now roaring to life, Shu Xian cheered on her seat, excited even though it''s just a drive home.


    "Yeah! My Pan An is going to drive us home! Yeah, yeah! He loves this shy car! Yeah, yeah!"


    Hearing this, Pan An had to admit that this now made himugh. With him letting out a small chuckle, Shu Xian looked at her with a loving smile, what she said next slightly surprising him as it made his heart race in his chest.


    "You''re handsome, Pan An."


    Pan An blinked his eyes at her for a few times. With him yfully rolling his eyes at her, he replied to what the drunkdy had said.


    "You''re just saying that because you''re drunk. Thank you, though."


    However, what Shu Xian did next was something that the professor didn''t expect. She removed her seatbelt, leaned in closer to him, cupped his face with both of her hands, then initiated a kiss as her lipsnded clumsily on him.


    Shu Xian had her eyes closed. However, Pan An''s, was opened wide, obviously dumbfounded by the girl''s gesture.


    With Shu Xian now breaking away from the kiss as her thumb caressed Pan An''s cheek, she then smiled, her breath fanning over Pan An''s lips as he slightly tasted the sweet champagne on her lips that had crashed unto his.


    "I''m not saying that you''re handsome before because I''m shy. But because of alcohol''s effect giving me courage, I could say that you are indeed handsome, and that you have the potential to sweep any woman off her feet!"


    "Oh?"


    Pan An shook himself from his thoughts. With him now softly pushing Shu Xian back to her seat as he buckled her seatbelt for her again, he let out a chuckle, not expecting Shu Xian to be this cheeky once she is under the influence of alcohol.


    "And that any woman off her feet¡­ do you mean I could sweep you off your feet, too?"


    "Hmm¡­"


    Shu Xian contemted for a while. With Pan An not giving any meaning to anything that she is saying and what she has done because she is drunk, he then started driving.


    When the car started moving, Shu Xian then spoke, what she said making Pan An''s heart race in his chest since he also felt honesty in her words even though she''s drunk.


    "If I''m not careful, yeah¡­ maybe I will fall for you. I have to put my guard up."


    Pan An couldn''t help butugh. With him shaking his head as he continued driving, Shu Xian then clicked his phone open to y some music, the girl already singing aloud in his car.

 Chapter 90 - Cute Side Of Shu Xian

    [This chapter is dedicated to Shelby_Venters, for being the top 7 fan for the month of May! ^^ Thanks so much for the support!]


    ***


    They already arrived home. The moment Pan An parked the car in the garage, Shu Xian was still up and about, dancing on her seat before Pan An opened the door for Shu Xian.


    As Pan An opened the door for her to go outside, Shu Xian slowly turned her head to look at him and stopped dancing. With her furrowed brows, she looked at him and cocked her head to the side, not saying a word.


    Pan An scratched the back of his head. He wasn''t sure why Shu Xian didn''t want to go out of the car, making him ask a question.


    "What''s wrong? Do you want to stay inside the car?" he asked, Shu Xian, shaking her head to disagree.


    "No¡­"


    She put down her feet on the car''s floor, then extended her hand towards Pan An, gesturing for him to carry her.


    "The floor is cold. I''m still barefoot. Carry me, Love¡­"


    The professor felt that his heartstrings were being tugged, making his eyebrow twitch at the same time!


    With Shu Xian acting this cute and with her calling him "love," now he couldn''t help but feel his heart race in chest for a bit.


    "Fine¡­"


    With that, Pan An carried Shu Xian in his arms. The moment that he did, Shu Xian instinctively wrapped her arms around him for safety, Pan An, giving a small smile as she dangled and swayed her legs once more.


    "Stop being so yful," Pan An scolded, Shu Xian, shaking her head to say no.


    "I caaaan''t! I always wanna be carried! Even in piggyback!"


    With that in thought, Shu Xian and Pan An already entered the house. The moment Pan An closed the door to the garage with his foot, Wan Wan sensed them and immediately greeted them with an excited bark.


    "Wan Wan, baby!"


    Pan An put Shu Xian down on the floor. She then knelt on the floor and gave Wan Wan lots of hugs and kisses, the dog doing yful whimpers as she slobbered her owner''s face with a lot of licks.


    "I already fed her and took her to potty," Pan An said, crossing his arms in front of his chest as he leaned on the wall beside him. "You should thank me for taking care of your dog," he added, Shu Xian, now standing up and then turning her body to look at him.


    What she did next, however, was something that Pan An didn''t expect.


    Shu Xian approached him and pulled him by his shirt, their face already inches away from each other.


    "Thank you, Pan An," thedy thanked him, her breath fanning over his lips as her eyes was still locked with his. "Do you want to y wrestling on bed?"


    Pan An''s face immediately turned red! With Shu Xian acting this way and with her saying something so shameless, Pan An didn''t want to take advantage of her drunk self, making him put both of his hands on her shoulders and gently pushed her away.


    "Shu Xian, stop saying this. You''re drunk¡ªif you say this to another man, they would have thought differently."


    Blinking her eyes a few times, Shu Xian cocked her head to the side, and spoke.


    "But¡­ you are a kind and sweet man, Pan An! I know you would never do such a thing to me!"


    Pan An furrowed his brows, "Then why tell me that you want to y wrestling on bed?"


    Without answering his question, Shu Xian smiled cheekily at him. With Shu Xian now cupping his face with both of her hands, what she said next made Pan An feel embarrassed, making him avert his gaze away from her.


    "Oh¡­ so you were expecting to y another kind of wrestling with me when I actually meant I wanna do some wrestling tricks on you in bed just so I could satisfy my yfulness because of this alcohol."


    Pan An cleared his throat. With Shu Xianughing out loud, the professor got away from her, already getting a ss of water in the kitchen, Wan Wan and Shu Xian, following him.


    "Go to sleep, Shu Xian," Pan An scolded, already turning his body to look at her and handed thedy her water. "Drink some water first."


    But Shu Xian didn''t approach him. With her spinning head, she leaned on the kitchen pir, the strap of her dress falling off her shoulder.


    Because of this, Pan An saw more of her skin, making him close his eyes for a while, trying his best to control his manly instincts of wanting to shower her with kisses.


    She is not her woman or anything¡ªso he should refrain from having such thoughts.


    But how is it possible¡­ when both of them are living together and the youngdy is this pretty and at the same time, alluring!?


    What more if she matures further? Would she be more dangerous by then?


    "Pan An¡­"


    Shu Xian called his name, giving him a small smile at the same time.


    "I''m sorry¡­"


    When she suddenly apologized, Pan An knitted his brows together, not knowing what she is apologizing for.


    "Why?"


    Pan An asked, already going towards her as he handed her over the ss of water, Shu Xian, already drinking it in one go. Afterward, she then handed him back the ss, answering his question that had further taken him aback.


    "That I am giving you such a burden since you saved me. I didn''t mean to be¡ªI just don''t have a ce to stay."


    "Shu Xian¡­ don''t¡ª"


    "Uh¡­ Pan An¡­"


    Shu Xian then started crying uncontrobly like a child, already embracing Pan An as she wrapped both of her arms around his waist and wailed on his chest.


    "I''m sorry, I''m sorry! I hope you don''t think that I am taking advantage of you! I''m just desperate! Waaah!"


    Pan An couldn''t help but chuckle. With Wan Wan whimpering as she has never seen Shu Xian act like this before, the professor then carried the drunkdy in his arms, Shu Xian, looking at him with tears still streaming down her face.


    "Don''t cry now, Shu Xian," Pan An said, finding her this cute even though she''s this troublesome when drunk. "I''ll carry you to your bedroom. Go sleep."


    With that, Shu Xian nodded like an obedient kid, resting her head on the man''s shoulder. As Pan An walked, a sudden thought passed his mind, making him smile at the same time.


    ''If I''m going to see this cute side of Shu Xian every time she''s drunk, I wouldn''t mind letting her drink as long as she doesn''t drink with anyone else¡­''

 Chapter 91 - Couldnt Help But Squeal

    [This chapter is dedicated to AmrutaShinde95, for being the top 6 fan for the month of May! ^^ Thanks so much for the support!]


    ***


    Shu Xian was sleeping soundly on the bed. She found sce in it as she rested.


    Her breaths were steady and slow, indicating that she was sleeping like a log. The nket that gave her warmth lengthened her sleep, giving her afortable slumber.


    Her pillow that cradled her head rxed her aching head as her eyes moved in REM¡ªindicating that she is in a dreamlike state of sleep.


    "Nnngh¡­"


    Shu Xian turned in her sleep. When she did a stretch, she noticed that there was something heavy on her side, making her body stiffen as her eyebrows furrowed in wonder.


    ''Th-this¡­'' Shu Xian started thinking, staring nkly at the hand that was on her waist. ''This is not Wan Wan''s¡­ Wan Wan is a dog¡ªshe has a paw! This one on me is a human''s, a hand!''


    With Shu Xian now slowly turning her body to look at who was sleeping beside her on her bed, she almost gasped out loud when she saw the familiar person sleeping soundly beside her.


    His ck hair was disheveled, and his lips were slightly parted. With his eyebrows slowly knitting together as he felt movement, his eyes were gratefully still closed, making Shu Xian sigh in relief as she didn''t know what to do¡ªknowing that the professor is sleeping beside her!


    Turning to further face him, Shu Xian did it gently and slowly so as to not wake the sleeping man. With her eyes still wide in surprise, she stared at his sleeping face, her heart crazily beating in her chest as she was unsure of how this even happened.


    ''Wh-why is the professor sleeping beside me!? Moreover¡­ how am I home? I only remember Pan An visiting us while Ma and I drank. Did he then take me home after that?''


    With that the only recollection of what happenedst night that she remembered, she couldn''t help but furrow her brows, still watching Pan An sleep.


    ''Damn¡­ what time is it?'' Shu Xian''s thoughts kept trailing, Pan An''s breath fanning over her head. ''Should I wake him up?''


    Her face then started turning red. With how much she has drunkst night, she wasn''t even sure if she was in her sane mind, making her feel nervous right now if she had given Pan An a headache when she is already feeling bad that he is taking care of her and her dog.


    ''Oh, geez¡­ I hope I didn''t bother him too muchst night¡­ aaah!''


    Even though two minutes had already passed since Shu Xian moved, Pan An was still sleeping peacefully beside her. With his arm still on her waist, Shu Xian bit her bottom lip, gently brushing his ck hair that covered his eyes.


    The moment she did this, Shu Xian couldn''t help but admire how handsome the professor looked even in his sleep. With him looking this attractive even when he''s defenseless, it made Shu Xian marvel and gawk at his pulchritude, her heart beating in her chest in a frenzy.


    ''If it were another girl¡­ would they attack the professor in his sleep?''


    With that in thought, Shu Xian felt her face heating up. With her hand now holding Pan An''s face, her thumb caressing his cheek, she couldn''t help but smile, finding him cute as he was sleeping calmly beside her.


    ''I should be surprised,'' Shu Xian thought again, ''But why am I unable to leave his side the moment I saw him beside me?''


    However, what happened next made Shu Xian''s body stiffen.


    Pan An slightly groaned in his sleep, further pulling Shu Xian towards him. With their faces already centimeters away from each other, Shu Xian couldn''t help but squeal internally, not wanting to wake his peaceful slumber.


    ''Wh-why did he pull me closer to him!? It''s making it difficult for me to breathe!''


    "Nnngh¡­"


    With Pan An letting out another groan, Shu Xian immediately closed her eyes, pretending to be asleep.


    As she tried her best to calm her body from stiffening, Shu Xian tried her best to breathe steadily while her eyes were closed, still pretending to be asleep so the professor won''t suspect a thing.


    With Pan An now slowly opening his eyes, the first thing he saw was Shu Xian''s sleeping face, making him blink his eyes slowly as well as he nkly stared at her.


    ''Aah¡­ she''s still asleep.''


    With a small sigh, Pan An brushed Shu Xian''s hair away from her face, tucking some of it behind her ear. With a smile then appearing on his face as he did not bother to pull away from the embrace that they''re both in, he let out a soft chuckle and mumbled to himself.


    "Oh, Shu Xian," he started, him unaware that thedy before him is actually awake. "You''re cutely bothersome. I''ll make sure that you won''t drink with other men around."


    With Pan An giving her a kiss on her forehead, Shu Xian felt nervous as her heart raced frantically in her chest, scared that the professor would notice and feel it.


    But s, he slowly stood up from the bed and then got his phone from the bedside table. Afterward, he did a stretch, already heading outside of the room after he mumbled to himself again that was enough for the pretending-to-sleepdy on the bed.


    "Now, then¡­ time for me to make something for her now that it''s her turn having a hangover if ever."


    Shu Xian slightly opened her eyes. The moment she saw and heard that the professor was already out of the room, she held her breath for who knows how long, making her release it in one go.


    "Geez! I didn''t expect that!"


    With Shu Xian now sitting up from her bed with her hand on her chest as if desperate to calm herself down, her face was beet red.


    ''I thought he''s going to mistake me as Ruo Xi again even though he''s not drunk¡­ but turns out he''s aware that it''s me and has even given me a kiss on the head! Aaah!''


    With that in mind, Shu Xian couldn''t help but squeal, getting her pillow from her bed and putting it on her face so she could silence her scream with it.

 Chapter 92 - Damn!

    [This chapter is dedicated to sophia_121, for being the top 5 fan for the month of May! ^^ Thanks so much for the support!]


    ***


    There is something in the rain that makes it soforting when it suddenly pours and you''re at home.


    Shu Xian sighed when she was looking out as it started to rain this morning, making her sigh as she remembered what had happened earlier, half an hour ago.


    "It would be safe to go out now, right?" she mumbled to herself when soon after, she heard Wan Wan scratching the door, whimpering outside.


    With that heard, it made Shu Xianugh a little, hearing Pan An''s muffled voice afterward.


    "Let her sleep, Wan Wan," he said, already by the door as he approached the dog. "Shu Xian will waketer, yeah? Be with me first, hmm?"


    With a bark, Wan Wan felt better. With her now following Pan An probably back to the kitchen as Shu Xian heard the sizzling of whatever it is the professor is frying.


    Thedy then sat up from her bed. With her noticing that she was wearing a baggy shirt that isn''t hers, she furrowed her brows more when she saw that the dress that Cai Li had given her was on the floor already.


    "Oh, no¡­ don''t tell me¡­"


    Shu Xian then started to have a lot of assumptions on her mind as she ran her hand through her hair, anxious.


    She wondered why her dress was on the floor¡ªshe wondered where the expensive high heels are now.


    She also wondered why she is wearing a shirt that is not hers¡ªmaking her think if this is Pan An''s since he was sleeping right beside her!


    "Oh, no¡­ don''t tell me¡­"


    Shu Xian said once more, her face turning beet red. Without evenposing herself, she immediately went to the door to open it, surprising Wan Wan and the professor with her sudden outburst as she ran to the kitchen and blurted out a question that is funny to Pan An.


    "D-don''t tell me¡­ did something happen between usst night?"


    "What?"


    With Wan Wan even cocking its head to the side as Pan Anughed out loud with the spat at hand, Shu Xian furrowed her brows together, still nervous about what she''s about to hear.


    "I¡ªj-just tell me, Pan An. I''m getting nervous here and I don''t know if we really did anything. And I¡ª"


    "Shu Xian," Pan An interrupted, turning his body to face the frying pan to continue frying what it seems to be an omelet with onions inside. "Nothing happened between us¡ªwe just literally slept together. That''s it."


    Shu Xian bit her bottom lip. With her sighing in relief, still, she was still uneasy that they were both sleeping together and that she was wearing unfamiliar clothes.


    "If you''re so curious about what happenedst night," Pan An started, putting the omelet on the spare te as he broke some eggs and whisked it again before frying another batch. "Look at my phone on the table and watch the video."


    With that, Shu Xian''s interest immediately lit up. She got Pan An''s phone from the table and saw that his wallpaper is her, making her feel shy and at the same time, her heart beat fast crazily in her chest.


    "Umm¡­ this¡­"


    "You begged mest night not to change it."


    Shu Xian''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    "I-I begged you!?"


    Pan An grinned ear to ear, nodding as he put the second omelet on the frying pan to fry it and put nicely minced onions in it.


    "Yeah. You were crying. You said if I change it, you won''t feed me. I said it''s not a problem since I can manage and you said your cooking is better anyway."


    "Aaah¡­" Shu Xian put both of her hands on her face as she felt sheer embarrassment. "I''m sorry¡­"


    "Nah, it''s okay. Anyway, you can open my phone and see for yourself what happens next," he added, Shu Xian now getting Pan An''s phone again and saw that one of her photos from the pictorial is his wallpaper.


    "Password?"


    Pan An chuckled and said, "You don''t need that. Put your index finger on the home button."


    When she did as he was told, the phone automatically opened, making Shu Xian turn her head immediately at Pan An, dumbfounded.


    "M-My fingerprint is¡­"


    "Yup, registered," Pan An said, already finished cooking the second omelet. With him putting it on another te, he then turned off the stove and then went to the toaster to put two pairs of bread to add for their breakfast.


    "H-how?"


    Shu Xian find out things to be more surprising as she continued to know things. With Pan An smiling as he gave Shu Xian her share of the omelet, Pan An sat across her, waiting for the toast to be ready so he could have one and Shu Xian, the other.


    "It was also the time when we were setting up the wallpaper for my phone. Anyway, I didn''t get a video of that. But what happens after? Yeah, I got it."


    "Oh, geez¡­"


    Shu Xian immediately opened the gallery. When he saw a video that was an hour long, she gasped, making Pan An chuckle.


    "Th-this is¡­ it''s an hour long!"


    "Yeah," Pan An replied, already getting the toast the moment it rang and indicated that it''s already done toasting. "Go, on¡­ watch it."


    With Shu Xian''s index finger already shaking as she clicked y, the video started with Pan An adjusting the camera on the bedside table as Shu Xian was wailing on the bed, still wearing the dress that Cai Li gave her.


    "Now, tell me, Shu Xian¡­ what are you crying about?" Pan An said in the video, what drunk Shu Xian answeredst night, surprising her now that she is back to normal.


    "I wanna y wrestling with Pan An! I wanna try wrestling moves but he doesn''t want to!"


    "And?" Pan An chuckled, already sitting on the bed. "What did you request for when I asked you to change so you could sleep?"


    Shu Xian turned her head to look at Pan An, tears still streaming down her face.


    "I asked to wear your shirt so it looked so big and snuggly on me. It would make me feel better since we''re not going to wrestle."


    With that, Shu Xian immediately shut her eyes tight, exiting the video as Pan Anughed out loud, enjoying thedy''s reaction.


    ''Damn! How can I be so shameless and childish when drunk!?''

 Chapter 93 - But Seriously...

    [This chapter is dedicated to Fe_Roberts, for being the top 4 fan for the month of May! ^^ Thanks so much for the support!]


    ***


    Shu Xian skipped some parts of the video. When she saw herselfughing and then crying from time to time, she already felt embarrassed, wondering what other things Pan An had suffered from herst night.


    As she skipped some parts, she saw the part where she was ying rock, paper, scissors with Pan An, making her open her mouth in shock.


    "I-I¡­ we¡­"


    "Just watch," Pan An said, giving her a toast on her te as Shu Xian continued to watch what happened next.


    "Pan Aaaaaaan¡­ I can''t sleep like this," Shu Xian started, already tugging the professor''s shirt.


    "What do you want me to do? Sleep beside you?"


    "Yes!"


    Shu Xian immediately nodded in the video, the one watching this now sighing as she felt utterly embarrassed.


    "That is not a bad idea! If you sleep beside me, I would immediately fall asleep!"


    "Alright," Pan An said, already lying beside her. "I''ll leave when you fall asleep, okay?"


    "Nooooo¡­" Shu Xian pouted at Pan An in the video, shaking her head like a child. "I want you here until the morning. I want you to wake before me in the morning!"


    Pan An arched a brow at her, "Aren''t you asking too much?"


    "Nooo¡­ do you want me to cry again?"


    With a sigh, Pan An finally gave in. With him already sharing the nket with Shu Xian, Pan An stared straight into her eyes and gave her a small smile.


    "Go close your eyes, then."


    "Will you disappear when I do?"


    When Shu Xian heard what she replied to Pan An, she immediately hit pause, pushing the phone away from her.


    "E-enough¡­ I don''t want to watch it anymore," Shu Xian said, making Pan Anugh as he took a small bite of his egg and chewed before talking.


    "Come on, watch the next parts! Look how much I did for you!"


    With Shu Xian ring at Pan An, she reluctantly got the phone from the middle of the table and then continued to y the video, what had happened next making her furrow her brows as she groaned.


    "Geez¡­ nnggh! Remind me not to drink too much alcohol when I''m with someone¡­"


    Pan An scoffed, "That''s beyond my control. Only you can discipline yourself."


    With Shu Xian sticking her tongue out at him, she continued watching the video, what she was seeing next, making her heart race in her chest.


    It was already silent in the video, Shu Xian, already dozing off as Pan An watched her sleep. In the video, it was showing Pan An''s back since he is facing Shu Xian and patting her shoulder for her to fall asleep.


    It was as if Pan An was taking care of a child¡ªonly to fall asleep when he or she could feel the pats of his or her guardian or parent.


    In the video, it stayed like this for a while. With Shu Xian in the video letting out soft snores, it made Shu Xian scrunch her nose up in disgust, not imagining herself to snore.


    However, what happened next made her eyes widen in surprise, Pan An, also not expecting what he had heard since he indeed did not watch the video in full.


    "Oh, Shu Xian," Pan An called out to the sleepingdy in the video. "You may be so troublesome¡­ but I like you this way, oddly."


    With Shu Xian and Pan An now looking at each other as the video continued to y, what he said next in the video was something that made Shu Xian look at her omelet, already shy about looking at Pan An directly.


    "You''re irresistibly cute¡­ I don''t mind taking care of you this way."


    With the sound of Pan An kissing the top of Shu Xian''s head heard, Pan An then choked on his eggs, immediately stealing his phone away from Shu Xian.


    The moment he exited the video and closed his phone and had pushed it aside, he got his ss of water and drank it in one go, clearing his throat as he mumbled to himself that was enough for Shu Xian to hear.


    "D-don''t mind that," Pan An said, "It was just said at the spur of the moment. What''s important is what happened before¡ªyou gave me so much trouble."


    With that, Shu Xian awkwardly nodded, getting her fork that was set on the table. She then feltfort when she started to get the first piece of her egg in her mouth.


    Being the stress eater that she is, she ate them quickly, even faster than Pan An.


    With the professor surprised to see Shu Xian act this way, he blinked his eyes a few times, warning the youngdy before her.


    "Slow down¡­ you might choke on your food."


    "Mm."


    With Shu Xian getting her ss of water and then drinking half of it, she started to munch on her toast, her eyes shylynding on Pan An before her.


    "Pan An," she softly called out, the professor also looking at her. "I''m sorry forst night."


    "It''s alright," Pan An said, already looking at his omelet and then cut a piece of it before he put it in his mouth. "You know your limit when ites to alcohol now, yeah? Control."


    "Yes," Shu Xian replied with a nod, continuing to munch on her toast. "I won''t cause you trouble again."


    Soon after, their rainy breakfast atmosphere went silent. However, even in silence, it wasfortable sitting together even though there was nothing to talk about.


    With the rain continuing to pour, Shu Xian and Pan An looked outside the window, their Sunday morning sort of rxing despite the probable stress that the youngdy might have given the professorst night.


    As Shu Xian was staring outside the window with a small smile on her face, Pan An discreetly looked at her. With a smile creeping on his face as well, he remembered what he had told Shu Xian a while ago, a sudden thoughting to his mind as he continued to watch her secretly.


    ''But seriously¡­ it''s okay to cause me trouble¡ªeven twice a month is okay.''

 Chapter 94 - But Mysterious

    [This chapter is dedicated to OneWingedAngeal, for being the top 3 fan for the month of May! ^^ Thanks so much for the support!]


    ***


    After Shu Xian did the dishes this morning, Professor Pan An proceeded to check his papers after he took a quick hot shower this rainy morning.


    Shu Xian went to her room, too, and took a hot shower as well, already rxing on the bed with Wan Wan sleeping on the carpeted floor.


    With Shu Xian still slightly embarrassed with the talk that he had with Pan An, she couldn''t help but sigh. Wanting to shake herself from her thoughts, she got her phone from under her pillow then called Shi Lian.


    As Shu Xian waited, she couldn''t help but want to talk to her bubbly best friend, making her grin as she nkly stared at the ceiling.


    ''I wonder how did the dinner with Zhang Ren go? Knowing that Shi Lian has a developing crush on the guy, then probably, she might''ve enjoyed it? Or maybe suddenly gone quiet?''


    With that in thought, Shu Xian couldn''t help but smile. With her actually excited to know what has happened that night, the call finally connected, Shi Lian, greeting her with a jolly voice.


    "Shu Xian! Hey, rare of you to initiate a call! Ya miss me?"


    Shu Xian yfully rolled her eyes at thement. She then let out a small chuckle as she agreed, answering her question.


    "Yeah. Other than that, I''m curious about the dinner that you had with Zhang Ren."


    "Oh, that¡­" Shi Lian trailed off, the girl chuckling. "It was just a normal dinner. We only talked about university, that''s all."


    "Oh?" Shu Xian furrowed her brows. "So, you weren''t at all like¡­ shy because you''re developing a crush on him?"


    "Shu Xian," Shi Lian eximed, rolling her eyes at the phone. "I may have developed an attraction towards him, but that doesn''t mean that I am going to be shy at him all the time, yeah?"


    Shu Xianughed, asking another question as she pushed thement aside.


    "Anyway, tell me still! What did you guys do? Just eat?"


    There was silence for a while. With Shi Lian unusually going silent, this made Shu Xian furrow her brows as she curled into a ball on her bed, still in a call with her.


    "Shi Lian?" Shu Xian called out to her best friend. "Do you want to tell me something?"


    With a sigh heard at the other end of the line, Shu Xian bit her bottom lip, already hitting bull''s eye as she guessed that there is something bothering her friend.


    "I don''t know if I should tell you," she said, making Shu Xian sigh as she now slowly sat up, curious.


    "I mean¡­ you could tell me, Shi Lian. I''m your best friend¡ªit''s not like I''m going to squeal on you on what you have told me. However, if you are also ufortable in telling me, then I''ll understand, too. No pressure."


    With that said, Shi Lian couldn''t help but groan. She plopped on her bed, her pillows bouncing to her side as she stared at the ceiling, feeling guilty that she isn''t telling her friend anything.


    Well, she knows Shu Xian well. It really doesn''t matter to her if you say something or not¡ªif you find it ufortable, it''s okay, she respects privacy.


    She would only force herself to know if this is something serious that needed to be fixed or be given attention.


    But since it''s just about Zhang Ren, then it''s not that serious.


    "You know, Shu Xian," Shi Lian started, heaving a small sigh. "I think I should tell you. This is making me crazy and then I know that I can trust you, anyway."


    With that said, Shu Xian nodded as she did an Indian seat, the cloth of Pan An''s shirt going up as she did so.


    She still wore his shirt despite everything because she found itfortable, and Pan An told her during breakfast that it''s now hers.


    "Well," Shu Xian trailed off, expectantly waiting. "Tell me. What is it that''s bothering you?"


    With another sigh heard at the other end of the line, what Shi Lian had said immediately surprised Shu Xian, making her eyes wide as their assumption back in the car was indeed true.


    "Zhang Ren¡­ turns out he''s from an affluent or known family. When he ordered a lot during that night, he volunteered to pay¡ªhe showed a ck card!"


    "Wh-what?" Shu Xian furrowed her brows. "But it''s rare to get a ck card, no?"


    "Yeah," Shi Lian said, sighing at the same time. "But you know, I don''t know why he has it. He told me it''s a secret and if I gain his trust, he will tell me. That guy is mysterious."


    "Well?" Shu Xianid back down on the bed, continuing the conversation with Shi Lian as she asked her a question. "Have you asked your family secretary to do an investigation?"


    "Yes," Shi Lian answered, "But what we found out was the same¡ªhe is a university student, a student assistant. His family background is blocked, but the ck card is really his."


    "Huh¡­" Shu Xian went quiet for a while, thinking about who Zhang Ren is. "So, even you can''t find something about him," she added, Shi Lian, nodding while they were still in the call.


    "Yes. And then what got me thinking is that he is enrolled in the university and then he is a student assistant. Like why? I mean¡­ if he is rich and it is hidden, why choose to study and be a student assistant?"


    "Maybe he has his reasons?" Shu Xian replied with a shrug, Shi Lian, unsure as well.


    "I don''t know. Well, whatever. After that, we just had a casual conversation and ended the day. He seems not to be a bad person, anyway?"


    "Yeah, I think so, too. So far so good, he is a kind guy."


    "Yes," Shi Lian agreed, "But mysterious."


    "Yeah, mysterious," Shu Xian agreed as well, nodding at the same time.


    With the thought of Zhang Ren pushed aside for a while, Shi Lian then asked Shu Xian what had happened to her recently, making the girl answer her best friend''s question and then making herugh out loud at the same time as they continued their call.

 Chapter 95 - Youre Going To Pay

    [This chapter is dedicated to Queeneebonoluwa15, for being the top 2 fan for the month of May! ^^ Thanks so much for the support!]


    ***


    Wang Lei was busy signing the documents that were piled on his table. With Yu Yan seated on the couch before him and was continuing to sort the next documents that Wang Lei is going to sign, both of them were quiet for many hours, actuallyfortable in each other''s silence.


    Yu Yan looked at the time. She noticed that it was already an hour before lunch, making him look at her boss with a smile on her face as she suggested for him to take a break.


    "Do you want coffee, Mr. Wang Lei? I will dly bring one for you," she said, Wang Lei, still focused on the paper that he was skimming on before he signed it.


    "No, thank you. I''ll continue until I finish these papers."


    Yu Yan furrowed her brows in wonder. She has never seen Wang Lei this focused on work before, making her worry as she was continuing to pile the papers that are with her.


    ''Hmm... is this his way of pushing the awkwardness that had happened in the front of our house that time?''


    With that in mind, Yu Yan couldn''t help but bite her bottom lip, nervous. With them also changing her schedule with an earlier time out as well, she thought that maybe Wang Lei is giving her more time so that when she leaves work earlier, he would find a recement without her here.


    ''I hope that''s not the case¡­ right?''


    "Yu Yan."


    "Y-yes!?"


    With Yu Yan suddenly feeling jumpy when she was drowning in her thoughts, Wang Lei put his pen down for a while and looked at her, arching a brow at the same time.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "N-nothing, Mr. Wang Lei. I was¡­ only focused with the papers that I''m sorting for you to sign."


    "Oh."


    Wang Lei pushed it aside and sighed, already standing up from his office chair and doing a stretch. From the looks of it, he already finished reading documents, amusing Yu Yan as he usually finishes signing and reading documents an hour after lunch time.


    "If you''re done, put the papers down on my desk and I will sign them after lunch," he said, Yu Yan, nodding as she continued to sort the documents.


    "Of course, Mr. Wang Lei," Yu Yan replied, Wang Lei, now walking to his window to look at the skyscrapers before them.


    With angry eyes now appearing on his face, he couldn''t help but have his lips in a tight line as he was now pulled in his thoughts.


    ''This wretched man¡­ I wonder when I will get an appointment with him,'' he thought to himself.


    Suddenly, the phone on his desk was ringing, making Yu Yan stand up to approach the table.


    "Mr. Wang Lei, your phone¡ª"


    "No, it''s alright," Wang Lei interrupted, walking to his desk in threerge strides. "Focus on your work."


    With Yu Yan blinking her eyes a few times as she was used to giving Wang Lei what he needed, she couldn''t help but wonder why Wang Lei has suddenly turned into a different person after the event that had happened in front of her house.


    "Yes? Mr. Ying. Have you told me what I asked you to?"


    With Yu Yan hearing the familiar name, "Mr. Ying," she couldn''t help but feel nervous that maybe Wang Lei is indeed going to rece her!


    With anxiety now building up from within her, her fingers started to shake, her eyebrows furrowing as she wondered where she would work if ever she is going to be fired from Wang Lei''spany.


    Qing Yuan has already blocked her possible ways of getting a job. She could apply to other simple works, yes¡­ but that is not enough to raise a child!


    "Mr. Wang Lei, I have already secured you a meeting with Qing Yuan," he said over the phone, thankfully, the phone not in loudspeaker so Yu Yan won''t hear.


    "Good," Wang Leimented with a nod, already fixing his tie with his free hand. "Today? What time?"


    "I secured you the earliest time possible, Mr. Wang Lei. At lunch time."


    "En."


    Wang Lei then looked at the clock in his office. When he noticed that it was 30 minutes before lunch time, he thought that it would be a perfect opportunity to go now so he could further talk to him.


    "Alright. I''ll meet you down at thepany''s entrance in 10 minutes."


    "Copy, Mr. Wang Lei."


    With their call already ending, Wang Lei turned his body to look at Yu Yan, who was still seated on his white, leather couch.


    "Yu Yan, I will be having an early lunch today. Remember to finish sorting the documents before lunch starts, then have your break."


    As he was about to leave his office, Yu Yan abruptly sat up, making the papers on hisp fall on the floor, Wang Lei widening his eyes at her.


    "Yu Yan, what are you¡ª"


    "Are you going to rece me, Mr. Wang Lei?" she interrupted, tears already pooling in her eyes. "I¡­ I know that what might''ve happened back then in my house was something awkward and it may have irked you in any way, but you know I have a little boy and I¡ª"


    "Yu Yan¡­"


    When Wang Lei interrupted his secretary, tears now escaped from her eyes. With her feeling desperate as she already liked her job and it was enough for her to raise her little boy and help her mother, she felt ashamed to be crying in front of her boss, her pride eaten as she was begging to stay.


    "Hey¡­"


    With Wang Lei''s heart slightly aching with the sight of this, he felt uneasy. With him now approaching Yu Yan as he tipped her chin up to make her face him, he was taken aback to see vulnerability on his secretary''s icy, calm face.


    "I¡­ I don''t know what else to do if I''m going to lose this job. I¡ª"


    Wang Lei didn''t know why, but he pulled Yu Yan in his arms. With her crashing onto his chest, she was surprised, her boss trying his best tofort her by patting her head.


    "You''re thinking too much," he started, furrowing his brows as he neverforted a woman before. "I will just settle issues. You''ll still be my secretary."


    With that said, Yu Yan cried on his chest, relieved. With a nod against his body, Yu Yan felt grateful that her boss is not going to fire her.


    "Thank you, Mr. Wang Lei¡­ thank you¡­"


    With her voice muffled against his chest, Wang Lei couldn''t help but feel angry. With his eyebrows furrowing as he continued patting Yu Yan''s back, he couldn''t help but curse the man who hurt Yu Yan to make her this scared of losing her job.


    ''You''re going to pay, Qing Yuan. You''re going to regret that you ever did this to Yu Yan, and you will never forget that you crossed my path as karma.''

 Chapter 96 - Do You Trust Me?

    Author''s Note, Very Important:


    PLEASE CLEAR YOUR CACHE!


    There has been an issue in uploading chapters and I have adjusted everything for everyone''s convenience. What happened is that what''s supposedly chapter 96 became 76, so I have adjusted contents and have reced this with recent chapter.


    Once you have cleared cache of this app, do re-read chapter 95-96 (this chapter).


    Thank you very much and sorry for the inconvenience. Don''t worry, you don''t need to read chapters 76-94 again, just chapter 95 and 96. ^^


    ***


    [This chapter is dedicated to Zeno98 for being the top 1 fan of my story for the month of May! Thank you so much for the support! Ti amo, amore mio~!]


    ***


    Wang Lei asked Yu Yan toe with him. With them already telling their employees on what to do while they were away, they then left thepany and was greeted by Mr. Ying who is now waiting for them by the car.


    "Mr. Wang Lei, Miss Yu Yan," Mr. Ying greeted them with his eyes wide. With both of them nodding to acknowledge his presence, Mr. Ying looked at his boss, scratching the back of his head.


    "A-are you sure that we need to bring along Miss Yu Yan?" He asked, Wang Lei, nodding to answer his question as he opened the door instead for his secretary, Yu Yan, blinking her eyes in wonder as she reluctantly entered the car.


    With their boss sighing as he turned to look at Mr. Ying, he spoke to him, further surprising him with what he said.


    "Yes, it''s better for her to witness this. Have you also did what I have done?"


    With his boss saying this and with Yu Yan inside the car, Mr. Ying nodded and gave his boss the answer that he needed in a whisper.


    "Yes. I have already escorted Miss Yu Yan''s mother and son outside and had given them the opportunity to eat and hang out in the mall with your helper."


    "Good."


    Wang Lei has specifically ordered his secretary that in order to protect Yu Yan''s family for the meantime from Qing Yuan''s ns, he will tell them to act that her family has won a raffle and that they are given a chance to hang out in his restaurant and mall as a prize.


    For it not to be suspicious, Mr. Ying has said that since Yu Yan is an employee of her boss''pany, she is entitled to have the prize and has asked for her family to enjoy it instead.


    Of course, Yu Yan didn''t know this as Wang Lei didn''t want to worry her. Also, for her mother and son not to get lost, Mr. Ying has asked Wang Lei''s helper to apany them and act as a guide.


    With that, Wang Lei already entered the car. With him closing the door as he buckled himself in his seatbelt, Mr. Ying then entered the driver seat and then proceeded to go to the location where he scheduled a meeting with Mr. Qing Yuan.


    As the car moved, Yu Yan turned her head to look at her boss. With her eyebrows slightly furrowed together, she couldn''t help but sigh, asking Wang Lei a question.


    "Mr. Wang Lei, where are we going?" She asked, Wang Lei, sighing as he just gave his secretary a small smile, not wanting to make her worry.


    "You will knowter. Whatever happens, know that I''m here."


    Yu Yan blinked her eyes a few times, not knowing what to say as she did not expect what her boss had said. With only giving him a nod, the drive to the location went silent.


    Yu Yan didn''t know why... but she started feeling nervous that her heart started to beat erratically in her chest.


    Something from within her is telling her that today is something that is going to shock her--something that would make her feel uneasy if she knew what this is about.


    Wang Lei watched Yu Yan from the corner of his eye. When he noticed that her hand was trembling on herp, he didn''t know why, but he reached out to her hand, surprising her with how his skin brushed against hers.


    "Y-yes?" Yu Yan stammered, however, Wang Lei didn''t say a thing.


    With his hand giving Yan Mei''s hand a soft squeeze, her boss then smiled at her, making her heart race in her chest.


    "Whatever happens that you''re going to seeter, do know that everything''s going to be okay. Alright?"


    With Wang Lei''s continuous reassurance, Yu Yan''s lips turned into a tight line. She then couldn''t help but ask him a question, wanting to know what is it that is going to happen that made her boss act this way.


    "Mr. Wang Lei, can you please tell me what is it that is going to happenter? I can''t help but feel uneasy... I--"


    "Yu Yan, do you trust me?"


    "What?"


    With Wang Lei suddenly interrupting and asking her that question, Yu Yan didn''t know why, but she immediately nodded at him--thinking that her answer was not done out of whim as well.


    "Y-yes..."


    "Then that''s all you need to know."


    Wang Lei then pulled his hand away from her when at the same time, Mr. Ying''s phone that was connected to the car rang, making him immediately answer the call.


    "Mr. Ying, I am already here at the reserved room. Are youing with Mr. Wang Lei? Is there anything you want me to advance order?"


    When Yu Yan suddenly heard this familiar, chilly voice, her whole body stiffened. Her hands on herp turned into tight fists, her lips trembling as her eyes widened in terror--knowing fully well who the hell that person on the phone talking is.


    "I-it''s h-him..."


    Her lips trembled as she stammered, tears already escaping her eyes even though she is trying her best to keep them at bay.


    "You''re not going to prepare anything, Mr. Qing Yuan," Mr. Ying said, "Just wait there and we will be right over."


    With that, the call ended. Then moment it finished, Yu Yan''s body snapped at Wang Lei, tears uncontrobly escaping her eyes.


    "P-please... don''t make me see him. I-I... he wants me dead. My son and I... we--"


    Before Yu Yan even noticed it, she already ended up in Wang Lei''s arms.


    With Mr. Ying surprised as he also noticed how smooth and quick his boss unbuckled Yu Yan from her seatbelt and pulled her in his arms, he refocused his attention on the road before him, clearing his throat as he didn''t expect Wang Lei to do such action towards hispany''s secretary.


    "You don''t have to worry about yourself and Lie Jie," Wang Lei started, already patting Yu Yan''s head as heforted her. "That man will have to die if he everys a finger on you or your family."

 Chapter 97 - Talk Between Wang Lei And Qing Yuan

    [This chapter is dedicated to Zeno98 for being a generous giver of gifts and for giving me a crown! Wow! ^^ Thank you so much for the support, Amore Mio~! Ti amo! ^^]


    NOTE: If you''re still having problems about not seeing the previous chapters, do clear your cache and reread! Thank you and sorry for the inconvenience~! ^^


    ***


    As Mr. Ying parked the car, the three of them left the vehicle, Wang Lei patiently waiting for his secretary.


    Even though that she is in a daze, he is still caring towards her, letting her take her time since this is indeed too difficult for her to handle.


    Seeing Yu Yan already out of the car and isposing herself, Mr. Ying actually felt worried and concerned for her, making him sigh as he made a suggestion.


    "Mr. Wang Lei, if you want, we can let Miss Yu Yan wait by the lobby of the hotel and¡ª"


    "You wait with her," Wang Lei interrupted, already seeing the dilemma. "I will handle that stupid man alone. Do watch over her, alright?"


    "Yes, Mr. Wang Lei," Mr. Ying agreed, giving him a small bow. "If you need anything else with the evidences, please do call my attention with a call. I will be immediately there."


    "Alright," Wang Lei nodded, Yu Yan''s eyes widening as she heard the word "evidences."


    "Evidences?" Yu Yan asked, wondering as she was following the two men in front of her. "What evidences are you talking about?"


    Before entering the hotel as the employees already recognized their boss from afar, Wang Lei turned his body to look at Yu Yan. The moment he met her eyes, he answered her question, making Yu Yan''s heart race in her chest.


    "You don''t need to worry, Yu Yan. I have done investigations and knew what he wanted to do to you. You will get the justice you deserve¡ªit''s lucky that you havended a job in mypany."


    "Mr. Wang Lei¡­"


    Not believing what she has heard, she felt her legs weakening, already feeling grateful that her boss is doing this for her.


    At first, he saw Wang Lei as an arrogant and flirty person¡ªacting like this because he thinks he''s high and mighty with how much he has achieved in thepany.


    However, with him telling that he is helping her in her cases with how Qing Yuan is making things impossible for her to throw awsuit, she felt happy that she can now have the freedom that she wants after this all ends.


    Without expecting a reply, Wang Lei already entered the hotel, walking towards the hotel room that Mr. Ying has reserved for them.


    With this hotel being one of those buildings under his name, it made his arrival easier, already expectant to meet this wretched man and fight for his secretary.


    As Yu Yan saw his retreating figure, she instinctively reached out to him, feeling nervous for him as she knew that Qing Yuan is a powerful man as well, in his own terms.


    "You don''t have to worry," Mr. Ying said, putting his hand on the secretary''s shoulder. "Mr. Wang Lei is powerful¡ªmore than you think that he is. He can handle this¡ªMr. Qing Yuan is of no match to him."


    Hearing this, Yu Yan couldn''t help but to keep her tears at bay. With her running her hand through her hair as she sighed, she shook her head, too, already talking to Mr. Ying.


    "Can I have a drink while we wait? To be honest, I''m still uneasy."


    "Sure," Mr. Ying answered her, both of them already walking to the hotel''s restaurant. "I will immediately book us a table. Don''t worry."


    As they walked towards the restaurant, Mr. Ying immediately talked to the host that was present. With him recognizing Mr. Ying right away, he immediately led him and Yu Yan to the nicest table present in the restaurant without even having the need to do an advanced reservation.


    Both of them sat across each other. With them already settled down, Mr. Ying immediately ordered without even looking at the menu, the host also taking it down since he immediately told their order.


    "Can we have the chef''s special for lunch, please? Oh, and then something rxing for the young miss. A drink or a dessert, perhaps?"


    "Of course, Mr. Ying," the host said, already talking to the nearest waiter to let him inform the chef of the restaurant on their order.


    With Yu Yan still silent, Mr. Ying gave her a small smile. With him reaching out to her hand to cheer her up, Yu Yan then stared at the middle-aged man, feeling encouraged even though both of them rarely talk to each other and are only familiar of each other through looks.


    "Don''t worry. Your safety is guaranteed. When I investigated about him, I was so surprised, too. You don''t deserve such treatment," he said as he shook his head, disappointed at Qing Yuan. "I''m sorry, I am in no position to tell you this, but I''m d Mr. Wang Lei is settling this."


    "Thank you," Yu Yan thanked him, giving him a small smile. "If I can ask¡­ what prompted the boss to do a research about me?"


    "It was when he saw your son and got curious. When I investigated for him, I was surprised to know the background, too. The young boss may act all smug, but he is a good man at heart, Miss Yu Yan. He doesn''t tolerate people taking advantage of people and not doing his or her responsibilities."


    With that heard, their order came earlier than expected. It''s as if they were the only customers when in fact, their orders had been prioritized since they are directly working under the owner of the hotel, Mr. Wang Lei.


    They were having braised chicken with buttered asparagus. To be honest, when the food came in front of them, Yu Yan felt how hungry she is, already eating with Mr. Ying as they continued conversing with each other in order for her to forget her worries and rx.


    However, with Yu Yan still feeling nervous deep in her chest, she hopes that the talk between Wang Lei and Qing Yuan won''t be too much.


    She doesn''t want Wang Lei to be stressed just because of her¡­

 Chapter 98 - Cant Read Between The Lines

    [This chapter is dedicated to Queenebonoluwa15 for being a generous giver of gifts! Thank you so much for the support, even in my other stories! ^^]


    NOTE: If you''re still having problems about not seeing the previous chapters, do clear your cache and reread! Thank you and sorry for the inconvenience~! ^^


    ***


    Wang Lei already entered the hotel room that they have reserved so he could privately talk with Qing Yuan.


    The moment he entered in the room, Wang Lei''s trusted bodyguard is already inside, giving him a bow. Immediately, Qing Yuan stood up from his seat as well, greeting the owner of the hotel with a wide grin on his face.


    "Good day, Mr. Wang Lei," he greeted, Wang Lei, acknowledging him with a nod and then with a quick handshake. "I wasn''t expecting you to call ourpany since ours is not really at par with yours."


    Hearing this, Wang Lei arched a brow at him, already sitting across Qing Yuan. Noticing that his words may have double meaning, Qing Yuan widened his eyes in surprise, putting his hand on his mouth for a brief moment then exined himself.


    "Oh! I-I mean¡­ by not really at par with yours is that yourpanies and you, yourself, are very great, Mr. Wang Lei. Please don''t misunderstand. Hehe¡­"


    With him clearing his intentions and with him letting out a nervous chuckle at the same time, Wang Lei nodded, already looking at his bodyguard that was standing by the side.


    "Please signal them to bring in the food now that I''m here."


    With a nod, the bodyguardmunicated with the chef of the hotel in a whisper through the inte, Qing Yuan and Wang Lei already waiting for the food.


    "I was told that the food wille in five minutes, Mr. Wang Lei," the bodyguard said, Wang Lei, nodding in approval.


    "It''s alright. I don''t think Mr. Qing Yuan can eat with me around," he said sarcastically, though little did Qing Yuan know that there is meaning behind what he said¡ªthe man seeing it as a joke.


    "You''re absolutely right," Qing Yuan said, taking a sip of his sweet wine from his wine ss. "I can''t believe that you have set up a meeting with me, Mr. Wang Lei. To be honest, I''ve been wanting to have a talk with you when ites to some of ourpanies being affiliated with yours."


    With this said to Wang Lei, the man who owned this very hotel couldn''t help but let out a small smile. With him nodding slowly at what Qing Yuan had said, he got his wine ss as well and took a sip, asking him a question afterward.


    "What do you suggest? Since we''re here for a talk, I will listen to you," Wang Lei asked and said, Qing Yuan, looking at him excitedly as he proposed what he thinks is good for the benefit of hispany.


    "If you would want, Mr. Wang Lei, you could put in a good name in our enterprise in the business world! I would like to have direct connections and be partners with W&S Inc., as the first step?"


    "Hmm¡­"


    Wang Lei nodded, the door of their hotel room suddenly opening. Without him saying a word yet as the waiter and the chef personally arrived to deliver their food, they served him their lunch, Qing Yuan excited to actually eat the food.


    However, with Wang Lei not saying a word and without him touching his food yet, he found it rude to start without him first, so he waited, even though the inviting smell of the steak is already tempting to him.


    With Wang Lei circling the wine in his wine ss on the palm of his hand, he looked at the food the moment the chef and the waiter left, his eyes then drifting back to Qing Yuan who was before him.


    "I would like to make the proposal happen."


    With what he said, Qing Yuan widened his eyes, astonished. With him eximing, having the difficulty to express his words coherently, he calmed himself down by drinking his wine in one down, trying his best to rx.


    "I-I¡­ th-this! Thank you so much, Mr. Wang Lei! I didn''t expect you to actually approve with this immediately--right off the bat that I suggested it! Thank you so much! I won''t let you down!"


    With Wang Lei suddenly letting out a scoff, Qing Yuan was suddenly taken aback, not expecting the gesture.


    The moment Wang Lei put his wine ss down on the table and then red at him, what he said next made Qing Yuan''s heart sink, feeling chills around the room that they are in.


    "I would like to make the proposal happen¡­ but how, if your reputation that you were so desperate to keep was dug and found out by me?"


    Hearing this, Qing Yuan couldn''t speak for a while. He knitted his brows together, not understanding what he meant by "reputation that he was so desperate to keep."


    ''W-wait¡­ he doesn''t mean that¡­''


    With the thought and image of Yu Yaning to mind, Qing Yuan closed his eyes and let out a scoff, probably understanding what Wang Lei meant.


    "Oh, don''t worry, Mr. Wang Lei. I will do my best to keep my reputation safe if that''s what you''re worried about. That woman¡ªI found out about her location and I will make sure that I will deal with her so she won''t tarnish my name."


    Hearing this, Wang Lei smiled at Qing Yuan. However, behind that smile is his wrath and anger towards him¡ªone thing that Qing Yuan didn''t understand.


    He even had the audacity to tell him that he will take care of Yu Yan to make sure she won''t tarnish his name! How absurd!


    With Wang Lei turning his head to look at his bodyguard, he gestured to him to do an order, along with what he said:


    "Ask them to enter the room and tell them I need them."


    Further understanding what his boss had meant, he immediately signaled Mr. Ying. With him talking to him in a whisper through the small inte, the bodyguard then nodded back to Wang Lei, already telling them that they are on their way.


    Qing Yuan didn''t know why¡­ but he suddenly felt nervous, making him chuckle as he looked at Wang Lei with fear in his eyes.


    "Mr. Wang Lei, if I may ask¡­" he started, forcing himself to smile. "Can you please tell me your final decision?"


    Without saying a word, the door of the hotel room suddenly opened. The moment it did, Qing Yuan heard footsteps from behind him, making him instinctively look at them.


    The moment his eyesnded on the woman he was desperate to look for, his eyes widened in disbelief, the woman having an icy re as she tried her best to keep herposure, facing the man right here and then with the help of his boss.


    "Mr. Wang Lei," Yu Yan spoke, giving Wang Lei a small bow, with Mr. Ying behind her. "You called for us?"


    "Yes, Miss Yu Yan."


    Wang Lei confirmed, his eyes not leaving the man before him.


    "It seems that I need you here with me to let Mr. Qing Yuan understand what I meant behind my words and smiles since he can''t read between the lines."

 Chapter 99 - Like A Toy

    [This chapter is dedicated to Fe_Roberts for being a generous giver of gifts! Thank you so much for the support, you are so kind even with thements you leave! ^^]


    ***


    The moment his eyesnded on the woman he was desperate to look for, his eyes widened in disbelief, the woman having an icy re as she tried her best to keep herposure, facing the man right here and then with the help of his boss.


    "Mr. Wang Lei," Yu Yan spoke, giving Wang Lei a small bow, with Mr. Ying behind her. "You called for us?"


    "Yes, Miss Yu Yan."


    Wang Lei confirmed, his eyes not leaving the man before him.


    "It seems that I need you here with me to let Mr. Qing Yuan understand what I meant behind my words and smiles since he can''t read between the lines."


    Qing Yuan can''t believe that the woman he was searching for so long is actually working for Wang Lei, now understanding why he can''t look for her!


    With him telling his connections to not give her possible jobs whenever she applied, it did not ur to him that Yu Yan would actually take the risk of applying to Wang Lei''spany!


    He always thought that Yu Yan would give up looking for a job with a baby boy under her wing, too. But little did he know that Yu Yan was a fighter and that she applied in Wang Lei''spany in hopes that she would be hired.


    And yes, she is indeed hired!


    With her also working under him, of course, Qing Yuan had no other means to know about this other than this moment since he doesn''t have possible connections and searches about Wang Lei''s family since he is one of the powerful and influential families in the city¡­


    And of course, in the country!


    As Yu Yan was standing beside Wang Lei, Mr. Ying was right behind them, prepared in case that he is asked about evidences.


    "M-Mr. Wang Lei..."


    Qing Yuan broke the silence, forcing out a smile on his face. He noticed that his wine is already depleted, which made him sigh since there are no longer drinks that would calm him down.


    "You have such a great secretary beside you," hemented, Wang Lei, nodding in agreement.


    "Indeed. Miss Yu Yan is indeed a great secretary. She has been doing her job more than I expected her to and would always deliver great results."


    With that told, Wang Lei got his knife and fork, proceeding to slice his steak with a smile on his face.


    "Oh, do eat your lunch, Mr. Qing Yuan. You must be famished," he said, with sarcasm in his voice.


    Qing Yuan''s hands on hisp that was hidden under the table turned into tight fists. How could he eat this delicious steak¡­ if he is now worried about what Wang Lei has found out about him!?


    ''Please¡­ don''t tell me he knows about my son with that woman and about what I did to that woman¡­''


    "Mr. Qing Yuan..."


    Wang Lei started, breaking the man before him from his stupor.


    "If I may ask you, who is thisdy that you are talking about when ites to your reputation?" he asked, Qing Yuan, internally sighing in relief as he thought that in that question, he may not know that it''s Yu Yan.


    "Oh, Mr. Wang Lei. D-don''t worry¡ªshe''s just an ordinarydy who is only taking advantage of me because of my wealth! That is all¡ªI will dispose of her soon."


    Hearing this, Yu Yan''s hands that were behind her trembled in anger, her lips turning into a tight line. With Mr. Ying noticing this, he apuded the woman''s control of her temper, not acting rash at the same time as she is also in the presence of her boss.


    If Mr. Ying is in her position, he would probably immediatelysh on to him and rip his hair off until he bes bald, even though he knows that his boss is helping, too.


    "Hmm¡­ do you want me to tell you something about me, Mr. Qing Yuan?"


    The moment Wang Lei said this, the man trembled on his seat, gulping at the same time. With Wang Lei slowly chewing his steak and then swallowing it as his eyes never left Qing Yuan for a second, he spoke after he wiped the corner of his lips with a table napkin.


    "I hate liars the most."


    Qing Yuan widened his eyes, letting out an awkwardugh as he tried his best to make the atmosphere light now that it is bing heavier by the second.


    "Oh, l-liars? I, uh¡­ yes! Who wouldn''t hate liars?"


    As Qing Yuan nervously chuckled, Wang Lei''s lips curled into an evil smirk. With him putting his fork and knife down, he crossed his leg over the other, his back already resting on the chair as he red at Qing Yuan.


    "So, are you willing to admit to me that you hate yourself now since you said ''who wouldn''t hate liars?''"


    Qing Yuan did another gulp. With him feigning ignorance, he let out anotherugh, sweat starting to trickle down his forehead, already wanting to leave the hotel room as he made an excuse.


    "Excuse me, Mr. Wang Lei. I have a meeting with a stockholder soon and I would like to arrive in the office as earlier as possible."


    As he was about to stand up from his seat, the bodyguard swiftly walked to the hotel room''s door to block his exit, Qing Yuan''s body stiffening as Mr. Ying spoke and talked to his boss.


    "He has cleared all of his schedule, Mr. Wang Lei, just so he could meet with you. There are no meetings scheduled thest time I checked with his secretary."


    ''Th-this!''


    Qing Yuan felt his whole body turn into a block of ice.


    ''He has contacted my secretary about this!? Where is the loyalty of that blockhead!?''


    With a smirking to Wang Lei''s face, he let out a chuckle, already talking to Qing Yuan. His words were icy, sending shivers down his spine as he addressed to him.


    "You were right about one thing despite being a liar, Mr. Qing Yuan. I am powerful and that you arepletely aware¡­ of how I now hold you on the palm of my hand like a toy."

 Chapter 100 - Im Done For

    [This chapter is dedicated to Q_elleson for leaving such nicements on my stories for the month of May! Thank you so much for the support! ^^]


    ***


    "You were right about one thing despite being a liar, Mr. Qing Yuan. I am powerful and that you arepletely aware¡­ of how I now hold you on the palm of my hand like a toy."


    With what he said ringing in his mind as if it was music on repeat, he couldn''t help but sit back down on his seat, having no choice but to face Mr. Wang Lei right before him.


    "M-Mr. Wang Lei¡­ I didn''t know that your secretary is Miss Yu Yan," he started, already understanding right here and then that Wang Lei knows actually about his background, giving him a fake smile.


    "Yes," Wang Lei said, his eyes still not leaving the man before him. "She''s a good secretary. She can do any job without you supervising her too much. It is a shame that not all people get to have her in theirpany, but it means that I am blessed having her."


    With a smirk appearing on his face, he cocked his head to the side, sending shivers down Qing Yuan''s spine.


    "And it''s all thanks to you¡ªfor not giving her the opportunity to work in otherpanies, Mr. Qing Yuan. You gave me such a hardworking employee that is beyondpare. Thank you very much for the unexpected gift."


    With Qing Yuan not saying a word, Wang Lei got his wine from the table and took a sip of it. With Yu Yan beside him and Mr. Ying behind them, Wang Lei snapped his fingers, signaling his private secretary to approach him.


    "What evidences have you gathered, Mr. Ying?" Qing Yuan asked, Mr. Ying, answering his boss'' question.


    "Other than what you said, Mr. Wang Lei, Mr. Qing Yuan is nning to harm Yu Yan''s family and has now asked men to visit her house right this very day and ambush her once she gets home at night."


    "Wh-what?"


    Hearing this, Yu Yan couldn''t help but exim her worries, furrowing her brows.


    "My family. My family¡ªthey''re¡ª"


    "Don''t worry."


    Wang Lei interrupted, his deathly gaze still on Qing Yuan.


    "Your family has been long escorted out of the house by Mr. Ying for their safety. He has asked my helper to give your mother and your son on a tour in the mall that I own¡ªwe told them that the reason is you''re an employee of mypany who had won in a raffle."


    Yu Yan sighed in relief. With her lips now in a tight line, she did her best to control her emotions, not wanting to cry in front of her boss, and of course¡­ in front of the man who she feared, Qing Yuan.


    He may be the father of her son, but still, she doesn''t see him fit to be his father, not wanting to give him to Qing Yuan at the same time.


    Her little mooncake is hers alone, and she wouldn''t want Qing Yuan toy a finger on him. If he can''t do his responsibility as his father, how can she ever trust the kid in his hands?


    When he also forced her to abort him when she was pregnant years ago? And even threatened her to die?


    "Mr. Qing Yuan¡­ tell me¡­"


    When Wang Lei spoke, Yu Yan broke away from her thoughts, already listening to their conversation.


    "Tell me why you are not doing your responsibility as a father? Aren''t you in search of a sessor? Or are you worried that your wife would divorce you once she knows of this scandal? You wouldn''t want to lose your connections with her, no? Since she is indeed a good CEO of her family''spanypared to you."


    What Wang Lei said was a p to Qing Yuan''s face and pride! With his fists under the table turning into tight fists, he didn''t want to brown nose him any longer, letting out a scoff as he smirked at Wang Lei, challenging him.


    "What''s the point of having me here and talking about this? You think that you will ruin me and get something from me, huh? Stop attacking this woman? Stop searching for that damned child?"


    "Don''t you dare call my son that way¡ªyou have no right to say anything about him," Yu Yan jumped into the conversation, ring at the man as her hands on her back now trembled at her sides, angry.


    "Oh? But without me, he''s not here in this world," Qing Yuan said, arching a brow at Yu Yan. "You bitch, he''s my son, too. Believe me when I say that I am going to get my hands on him, and you will regret not following my orders before. Your boss may be powerful, but I have connections under that he doesn''t have connections to."


    When Wang Lei chuckled, he looked at Mr. Ying, asking him a question that made Qing Yuan''s attention shift to him.


    "Is she hearing this?"


    "Yes," Mr. Ying said, showing everyone his phone.


    When he showed his phone and Qing Yuan saw that he is in a five-minute ongoing call with someone whom he knows very well, his whole body stiffened, noticing that he call had been going on since Mr. Ying and Yu Yan entered the room, the name on the secretary''s phone scaring him to death.


    It was Feng Xiao Mei, his wife, whom they are talking to in the call.


    "Y-you¡­ called my¡­ wife?"


    With a smirk still present on Wang Lei''s face, he talked to the person on the other end of the line, engaging in a conversation with her.


    "Good day, Ma''am Xiao Mei," Wang Lei greeted, "I''m sorry that my secretary had to call you so suddenly this lunch time. I figured that you need to listen to my talk with your husband since this is something that involves the safety of my trusted employee."


    "O-of course, Mr. Wang Lei," Xiao Mei''s voice sounded on the other end of the call, as if forcing herself not to cry so she could keep herposure. "I''m sorry about what you have found out¡ªI was unaware as well as this is something I didn''t expect. I trusted my husband that it did not ur to me of what he could do."


    "It''s alright. I also apologize for surprising you this way¡ªit seemed fitting than telling you by word, as this method holds strong evidence, hearing it directly from Mr. Qing Yuan" Wang Lei replied, Xiao Mei, sighing on the other end of the call and replied.


    "I will be right over, Mr. Wang Lei. Please do not allow that bastard to leave the room. I will definitely teach him a lesson."


    With that, the call ended, Qing Yuan, feeling that his soul was leaving his body, feeling hopeless.


    ''Xiao Mei... she now calls me bastard!''


    With him thinking that he''s about to pass out soon, he slumped on his seat, feeling that it''s the end of his life right here and then, as he did not expect that the secret that he is keeping, is now out of the bag.


    ''I''m done for¡­ I''m so done for.''

 Chapter 101 - An Icy Witch

    [This chapter is dedicated to Smini_C for leaving such sweetments on the book for the month of May! ^^ Thank you so much for the support~! :3]


    ***


    With that, the call ended, Qing Yuan feeling that his soul was leaving his body, hopeless.


    With him thinking that he''s about to pass out soon, he slumped on his seat, feeling that it''s the end of his life right here and then, as he did not expect that the secret that he is keeping is now out of the bag.


    ''I''m done for¡­ I''m so done for.''


    With Qing Yuan slumping on his seat, Yu Yan couldn''t help but feel relieved that finally he is getting what he deserves.


    Since she is no one, she couldn''t stand against this man. She was alone and desperate that no one is helping her with her son other than her mother, but this is enough.


    Her mother is very caring enough to help her take care of her son. The same as her, she curses the child''s the father to death!


    With nothing to say, Wang Lei continued eating his steak, scoffing as he no longer looked at hopeless Qing Yuan before him and just looked at his food, already hungry.


    "I won''t say I''m sorry, Qing Yuan," Wang Lei spoke, already speaking to him with familiarity. "You deserve this since you ignored your responsibility as a father and you did this to yourself. Karma is a bitch. You know that saying, right?"


    With this said, Qing Yuan couldn''t help but feel desperate. He then looked at Yu Yan, standing up from his seat and then now bowing in front of her as if he is asking mercy from the queen.


    "Yu Yan, I''m sorry! Please tell the man to stop this, please! I promise I''ll take care of our son! I promise that I will do my responsibility as a father! Please, tell my wife that I will help you, and I will be good¡­ I will continue to be her husband."


    Shaking her head, Yu Yan couldn''t help but sigh as he looked at the man who was bowing in front of her, begging for forgiveness.


    Somehow, this sight made her feel good, making her choke up in tears as she was waiting for this moment to happen¡ªfor him to receive the judgment and karma that he deserves.


    "Begging for forgiveness won''t save you now," Yu Yan said, Qing Yuan, looking up to face her.


    "N-no¡­ please¡­ our son. I¡ª"


    "And don''t you dare call him ''our'' son!"


    Yu Yan interrupted, slightly surprising Wang Lei and Mr. Ying with her sudden outburst.


    "You were never there for me¡ªfor us¡ªsince day one! You always wanted for our deaths to happen! You blocked me from any kinds of job that I could apply to!"


    "Yu Yan¡­" Qing Yuan''s lips trembled, desperate. "I-I''m sorry. I promise that I won''t be this bad anymore. I¡ª"


    "Enough! You will not get anything from me¡ªeven slight remorse. If you want to see your son, the only way for you to see him is when he asks for you! We will visit you in jail!"


    "Yu Yan¡­"


    Having enough of this man, Yu Yan turned her body to stop looking at him, tears already escaping her eyes. With the sight of this, Mr. Ying immediately approached her and gave her his handkerchief, Yu Yan, getting it from his hand and used it to wipe her tears.


    At the same time, there was a knock heard on the door. With the person before it speaking for herself, it gave the bodyguard the signal to give the woman entrance.


    "It''s me. Feng Xiao Mei."


    With the door opened, they already saw who Qing Yuan''s wife is.


    Her ck hair cascaded at her back, the woman, wearing sun sses to hide her eyes¡ªprobably from crying while she goes to this very location. The red on her lips gave her a strong feel, along with the sophisticated clothes that she wore.


    She does indeed look like a woman who is more powerful than Qing Yuan. And he is lucky¡ªvery lucky¡ªto marry a woman like Feng Xiao Mei who is not only known in the business industry, but also in show business.


    Removing her sunsses that revealed her slightly puffy, red eyes, she still looked pretty, the woman, smiling at Mr. Wang Lei and his employees.


    Shepletely ignored her soon-to-be ex-husband, making Qing Yuan turn his bowing position to face his soon-to-be ex-wife.


    "Mr. Wang Lei, everyone¡­ I''m sorry that I have arrivedte. I did my best to arrive here in the meeting ce as soon as possible," Feng Xiao Mei greeted them, Wang Lei, quickly standing up to give Xiao Mei a small bow.


    "Good day, Ma''am Xiao Mei. No worries¡ªthere is no rush."


    With Wang Lei gesturing for the empty seat for her to sit down, also towards the untouched steak, he spoke again, inviting Xiao Mei to lunch.


    "Lunch?"


    "Of course," Xiao Mei said with an elegant nod, already walking towards the table as her heels clicked on the wooden floor.


    "Xiao Mei," Qing Yuan begged, stopping her in her tracks as he wrapped his arm around her leg. "P-please¡­ I''m sorry. Save me, please. I''m wrong. Please, I¡ªah!"


    With Xiao Mei not hesitating to give Qing Yuan a hard p on his face, the sound surprised Yu Yan, putting both of her hands on her mouth to cover her surprise.


    The bodyguard and Mr. Ying were only silent, Wang Lei, smirking at the scene as he liked what Qing Yuan received from Feng Xiao Mei.


    "You! How dare you talk to me after all you''ve done? You are a stranger to me starting now! You will no longer have connections with me and with the others as you will now stay in jail where you deserve!"


    "X-Xiao Mei¡­"


    Tears escaped from Qing Yuan''s eyes. He couldn''t believe it that his sweet Feng Xiao Mei who loved him regardless¡­ turned out to be an icy witch when you have gotten on her nerves.


    It was as if she is apletely different person, making him wonder who this heartlessdy is before him.

 Chapter 102 - The Hard Way

    [This chapter is dedicated to Zeno98 for leaving such sweetments on the book for the month of May! ^^ Thank you so much for the support~! :3]


    ***


    Everything happened so quickly before they even knew it.


    As Wang Lei and Feng Xiao Mei were discussing about business and connections as if nothing happened, Qing Yuan was already arrested by Wang Lei''s bodyguard, along with the officers that arrived in the room to fetch him.


    As they were enjoying the ss of wine served to them by the waiter who entered, Feng Xiao Mei smiled, her face slightly red as she actually drank quite a lot this early, almost one in the afternoon.


    Even though she is slightly tipsy, she could still handle herself well, keeping her elegantposure up since she also didn''t want to be too emotional in front of Mr. Wang Lei and his employees.


    Yu Yan and Mr. Ying sat on another table that the employees of the hotel had brought in, eating another light lunch with the another bodyguard who arrived as they listened to the conversation that their boss is having with Feng Xiao Mei.


    "Is it okay to speak personally, Mr. Wang Lei?" Xiao Mei asked, propping a hand under her chin with her free hand while her right hand was swirling the wine on in her ss.


    "Sure," Wang Lei said, sipping from his ss. "Go on. It must be so much to pent up your frustration right in your chest with all that you''ve heard and seen. Don''t worry, what stays in this room will stay in this room."


    As if given the signal, Xiao Mei sighed in relief, slumping on her chair as she ran her hand through her hair, exasperated.


    "I can''t believe that bastard of a man can do such a thing," she mumbled casually, but it was enough for the people in the hotel room to hear.


    "I didn''t expect it, too, Ma''am Xiao Mei," Wang Lei replied, putting his wine ss down. "I thought he is a great man since he has married a great woman such as you. You have great influence and reputation. I can''t help but think that he wasted his marriage to you."


    Hearing this, Xiao Mei felt better. With a small smile creeping on her face, somehow, there was also mncholy behind it, making her look straight into Wang Lei''s eyes.


    "You see me in such high regard, Mr. Wang Lei. But I am also an ordinary woman¡ªhoping for a man to love me¡ªgiving me the love I deserve."


    Xiao Mei then heaved a heavy sigh. With her shaking her head, she continued talking, the alcohol helping her to overshare with someone whom she''s not actually close with.


    But even then, she thought that it''s okay to share what she feels with the people she is with now. With how trustworthy Wang Lei is, also his employees, she knows that they will respect whatever she says since¡­ of course, she is also the victim in this.


    Qing Yuan has fooled her, and also the girl he raped who already has a son at three years old.


    "How stupid that I have learned to love a man such as him. I thought he was good¡ªnot capable of doing something bad. But this is something that had shocked me to reality."


    "We''re sorry you have to learn this way," Wang Lei said, giving her an apologetic smile. However, Xiao Mei just shook her head, giving him a sweet smile.


    "Don''t worry. To be honest, I''m d I learned about this the hard way. Because as you said, if it was through writtenmunication, I would brush it aside and won''t believe it. With me hearing the call, my goodness¡­ my heart broke right here and then!"


    She forced out augh, not wanting to cry.


    "Goodness. I''m sure that when I arrive home, I would be slightly disoriented. I might have to sleep at my mother''s tonight."


    "That''s a good idea, Ma''am Xiao Mei. Emotional health matters. If you don''t mind, I do suggest that you take a break from work, too."


    "Oh, I will definitely have a two-day break from work," Xiao Mei agreed, letting out a soft chuckle. "This¡­ I would still need the time to ept this."


    Xiao Mei shook her head, tears already escaping her eyes. With Wang Lei giving her tissue to wipe her eyes and blow her nose, the woman gratefully took it from him, already crying andughing at the same time.


    "Oh, how embarrassing. To think that I would cry in front of the people whom I am now partners with in the business world. This is so unprofessional."


    "You don''t have to worry, Ma''am Xiao Mei," Wang Lei said, sincerely giving her a smile. "Like I said, whatever happens and whatever is said in this room, stays in this room. No judgment taken. This is too much for you, I know."


    "Ha! Indeed."


    With Xiao Mei already filling her wine ss to the brim with alcohol, Wang Lei slightly widened his eyes, seeing Xiao Mei drink it in one go, making herself drunk in an instant.


    "Ugh¡­"


    Xiao Mei eximed, already resting her head on the table, pushing her te away so she can put her head down on the clean cloth.


    "If it''s alright, Mr. Wang Lei, can I book this hotel room? I think I will get drunk on this ce tonight."


    "No worries," Wang Lei said, nodding. "I will inform your secretary that you will need to be apanied here tonight. Along with your trusted bodyguards. My employees and I will not leave you until we are assured of your safety."


    "Thank yooooou¡­"


    Xiao Mei replied in a slur, her voice muffled against the table.


    "That Qing Yuan can go to hell¡­ for not ruining only my life, but the life of an innocent woman, too, and her son."


    Hearing this, Yu Yan wanted to talk to Xiao Mei. However, as she stood to approach her, Wang Lei already walked towards her, putting both of his hands on her shoulders, shaking his head to say no.


    "I know you want to talk to her, but she is not in the proper disposition to do so. You can talk to her once ready, alright?"


    "Hmm¡­"


    Yu Yan furrowed her brows, looking at Xiao Mei worriedly who is now sobbing silently on the table. With a sigh, Mr. Ying and the bodyguard stood up, already finished eating.


    "I have contacted Ma''am Xiao Mei''s secretary and told her briefly of what happened. They said they will arrive as soon as possible."


    "Good," Wang Lei said with a nod, "My trusted bodyguard will stay and will only leave once everything is assured about Ma''am Xiao Mei''s safety. For the three of us, we need to go back to thepany."


    With that, the three of them left, the bodyguard, giving the three of them a small bow as they left.


    Yu Yan, as they were walking out, couldn''t help but look at Xiao Mei, feeling bad for her, too, as she had her heart crushed this very day.


    Not only was this a p to her about her husband''s evil doings, but it was also a p to her that her husband did this because she couldn''t bear a child.

 Chapter 103 - Only Now

    [This chapter is dedicated to Johnson_Stephanie for being a silent reader who is suddenlymentingst month of May! ^^ I hope to see more of yourments soon! :D]


    ***


    After Wang Lei left from the hotel with Mr. Ying and Yu Yan, they went back to thepany, just an hour after lunch.


    The moment they arrived in thepany, Wang Lei was satisfied to see that his employees are doing well even during his absence.


    With that in mind, he sighed in relief as he was d that nothing seems to be of immediate concern.


    Wang Lei then turned to Mr. Ying. With a smile on his face, he patted his shoulder for a job well done,plimenting their family''s personal servant.


    "Thank you so much for investigating and for making this possible," he thanked Mr. Ying, the middle-aged secretary, blinking his eyes a few times for Wang Lei rarely thanks him.


    "Oh! You''re wee, Mr. Wang Lei. Just doing my job."


    With a nod, Mr. Ying further told him what he needed to do next, the secretary listening to his boss attentively.


    "I want you to further investigate the safety of Miss Yu Yan''s house," he whispered, as the three of them walked back to his office. "I wouldn''t want to bring her and her family back to their house, knowing that it is targeted today."


    "Of course," Mr. Ying answered, nodding once as well. "I shall see to it that I will do my best in checking for their safety."


    Yu Yan couldn''t help but feel uneasy. However, Wang Lei is indeed right¡ªthey need to know if the house is now safe before Yu Yan can let her family go back.


    The moment they arrived in the office, this then gave Yu Yan the opportunity to speak, now not hesitating to say her thoughts aloud.


    "M-Mr. Wang Lei, please don''t burden yourself any longer. I will be looking for a temporary ce to stay with my family. I¡ª"


    "It''s alright, Yu Yan," Wang Lei interrupted, putting both of his hands on his waist as he added to what he said. "You will be living in a spare house that I own for the meantime. I do not trust my judgments of you guys staying elsewhere other than my ce which is guarded."


    Hearing this, Yu Yan widened her eyes, not believing what she has heard. She looked at Mr. Ying and then Wang Lei back and forth, her mouth open as she isn''t sure now of what to say.


    Seeing this, Mr. Ying gave her a small sigh and then sighed, further exining his boss'' side.


    "Like Mr. Wang Lei had said, you don''t have to worry about anything, Miss Yu Yan," Mr. Ying started, "I agree with him. Even though Qing Yuan is already being questioned by the police now as we speak, there are still outside possibilities."


    Yu Yan furrowed her brows and asked, "Possibilities?"


    "En," Wang Lei nodded, "Qing Yuan may be in the police station, but we have to be careful. Even though you and your family are staying outside of your house temporarily, ces that are toomon to stay in could be possible to look. Qing Yuan knows he has nothing to lose¡ªhe can still harm you."


    Yu Yan bit her bottom lip, her brows still knitted together. She then shook her head, shyly looking straight into her boss'' eyes.


    "B-but¡­ you already helped me this much. I can''t keep taking advantage of this situation anymore, Mr. Wang Lei," Yu Yan mumbled, enough for them to hear.


    Without saying a word for the meantime, Wang Lei turned to look at Mr. Ying. With a nod, it had already signaled him to do his next responsibilities, Mr. Ying, already excusing himself before he left the office, leaving them alone together.


    With a sigh, Wang Lei now looked at his secretary.


    "Yu Yan, you''re not taking advantage of this. It is my concern to look after you since you are my employee and that this is something that I can''t tolerate."


    Yu Yan''s lips turned into a tight line. With her eyes still shyly looking at Wang Lei, a yful smirk appeared on her boss'' face, making him tuck a tendril of her hair behind her ear. Yu Yan''s body stiffened, not used to this gesture.


    "What happened to my cool and icy secretary? Don''t tell me that my helping you has melted your cold heart?"


    Hearing this, Yu Yan couldn''t help but roll her eyes at him. With a light smile now appearing on her face, she thanked Wang Lei instead, knowing that she has no choice to ept to his terms right now since he is also an adamant boss.


    "Thank you, Mr. Wang Lei. We will temporarily stay in your ce, then. Until I can earn for a ce to stay with me and my family," Yu Yan said, Wang Lei, nodding in agreement.


    "Don''t worry, I may need to ask help from your mother, too," Wang Lei started, making Yu Yan cock her head to the side.


    "Oh? With what?"


    "Housekeeping," Wang Lei said, a shy smile appearing on his face. "You see, the ce where you and your family are going to stay temporarily is my escape house. When I feel overwhelmed and stressed, I go there and I don''t allow other people other than myself to be there."


    "Oh¡­" Yu Yan nodded slowly, now getting what he means. "So you mean to say, even housekeeping is not done?"


    "Yes," Wang Lei said, now scratching the back of his head. "But since I trust you and your family and you need safety, I''m willing to let you guys stay temporarily. Don''t worry¡ªno pressure, I would still pay and¡ª"


    "Mr. Wang Lei, you''re too kind," Yu Yan interrupted, "You''re already paying me well in thepany and letting us stay free in your ce for our safety until things are settled. No more payments¡ªit''s alright. This is more than we deserve."


    Not knowing what to say any longer since Wang Lei is sometimes socially awkward with other people especially todies since he rarely treats them well after he fancies them, Yu Yan is a different case.


    She is his employee, hispany''s secretary that needed help. He has never been this kind to anyone before¡ªonly now that he did such great efforts for a woman whom he''s just curious of.

 Chapter 104 - Maybe Because She Is His Secretary

    [This chapter is dedicated to Princess_Heny_San for being a silent reader who is suddenlymentingst month of May! ^^ I hope to see more of yourments soon! :D]


    ***


    Wang Lei and Yu Yan were now doing their usual business. However now, it was busier than it was hours ago, making them focus on the papers that they are holding.


    There were a lot of documents that Yu Yan was fixing, making sure that they are arranged properly so she could give these files to Wang Lei without having any problems.


    Wang Lei, on the other hand, made sure that he was skimming through the papers efficiently so when he signs, he wouldn''tmit any mistakes.


    Both of them had furrowed brows on their faces, making Yu Yan do a little stretch for a while and noticing that the clock in the office showed that it''s already three in the afternoon, making her look at her boss discreetly from the corner of her eyes.


    Wang Lei is seated on his office chair, signing the documents stacked on his desk. As for Yu Yan, she was sitting on the white leather couch of his office, continuing to sort the papers that are on the coffee table.


    As she was secretly watching Wang Lei, she couldn''t help but notice that there is something different in Wang Lei''s demeanor.


    Usually he would procrastinate at this time and be yful, already looking at girls for Yu Yan to search so she could give him their numbers until the boss chose his "target."


    With him not asking this from her for a while now, Yu Yan had a subtle smile appearing on her face, now continuing to sort the papers that are in front of her.


    She couldn''t help but notice that Wang Lei now is more responsible than how he was days ago. It made her think if their recent interaction with each other had made him change this way?


    It just started in a few days. He was suddenly curious about her and then even wanted to visit her house for him to understand what was meant by her words.


    She is still internallyughing by the fact that Wang Lei thought that there was a man waiting for her at home when Yu Yan only meant that no one could break her icy heart because she already has her little mooncake!


    With a little giggle escaping from her lips, the silence in the room had made Wang Lei hear her voice, making him look at his secretary, arching a brow at her as she slightly disrupted his spontaneity.


    "What''s wrong, Yu Yan?" he asked, the secretary, covering her mouth with her hand, shaking her head.


    "No, nothing. I''m sorry," she immediately apologized, now looking at the documents in hand as her smile still hadn''t left her face. "I was only thinking of my son, Mr. Wang Lei. I wonder what he would think¡ªliving in probably such a great and big house."


    With that, Wang Lei smiled as he continued skimming the document in his hand.


    "Oh, if he''ll be happy, I think he''d want to check out the garden. It''s so wide¡ªyou two can y there while your mother is having tea for rxation."


    "Oh, really!?"


    Yu Yan''s eyes twinkled like stars, Wang Lei, taken aback to see such beauty.


    He has never seen Yu Yan smile so beautifully like this ever before¡ªheck, he had not seen any woman smile this happily before!


    There is indeed something different behind Yu Yan''s smile. He knows that it is not just amon person who is capable of making her show this beautiful smile.


    He knows that it will take someone special for them to bring out Yu Yan''s best smile.


    In this case, Yu Yan''s pride and joy is her Li Jie, making Wang Lei wonder if there would be other people such as her son that is capable of making Yu Yan smile like it has been blessed specifically to her from the Heavens.


    "My little mooncake likes to run, Mr. Wang Lei," Yu Yan started, breaking her boss from his stupor. "Not that he is destructive, no¡­ he just likes to dash¡ªhe''s quite the active little boy! This will help me release his pent up energy so he''s knocked out for his naps and sleep, yeah?"


    With that said, Yu Yan couldn''t help but giggle as she went on and on about Li Jie, Wang Lei, not minding how Yu Yan is being a chatter-box right now.


    With him propping a hand under his chin as he listened to his secretary ramble about Li Jie with such a bubbly expression, he couldn''t help but smile, feeling how much Yu Yan loves the little boy.


    "Oh, my mooncake. He''s really smart and creative! Sometimes, he asks such questions that I can''t answer," Yu Yan said, making Wang Lei not leave his eyes from her.


    "Oh? Like what?"


    "Themon ones you hear, Mr. Wang Lei," Yu Yan started, letting out a soft chuckle. "Why the sky is blue, why the blue in the sea is blue and why the water in the house is colorless."


    With Yu Yan now humming to herself as she stopped talking about Li Jie for a moment, Wang Lei watched her, her sweet smile not leaving her face as she continued doing her job.


    Yu Yan is indeed unique. She is efficient in her job, she is a loving mother to a son whose father is irresponsible.


    She is indeed a strong woman to have raised her son with the help of her mother. It''s good that Li Jie is a good boy at such a young age despite his father being so irresponsible.


    Other than that, only did it ur to him now that Yu Yan is indeed attractive, making him notice and wonder why he hasn''t taken a fancy to her?


    Maybe because she is his secretary¡ªand the possibility of it happening is not likely.


    Or was it because¡­ he was busy frolicking with other women?


    Shaking himself from his own thoughts, he focused on reading the other remaining documents after he signed the one that he was holding, heaving a little sigh as he pushed Yu Yan''s attractiveness aside, not wanting to take advantage of her like how he did with the other girls he met.


    Yu Yan doesn''t deserve such treatment¡ªhe knows this well. She''s a wonderful woman and a strong one. He wouldn''t want to disrespect her.

 Chapter 105 - Hotpot

    [This chapter is dedicated to 13_ckdog for being a silent reader suddenlymenting on my story. ^^ I hope to see more of yourments soon! Thanks for reading and supporting my story! :D]


    ***


    Before they knew it, it was already time for their time out.


    Even though Yu Yan has an earlier time out now, she didn''t leave her work because of the documents that needed to be sorted. Those files have an earlier deadline so Yu Yan prioritized it for the boss to sign.


    As Wang Lei stretched his arms the moment he stood up, Yu Yan fixed his desk, also doing a series of stretches as she sat on the couch for the longest time.


    "I''m sorry I held you up until the usual time out, Yu Yan," Wang Lei apologized, turning to her. "I really can''t do a lot of work without you arranging my documents for me," he added, Yu Yan, giving him her usual smile.


    "It''s alright, Mr. Wang Lei. Besides, you have helped me a lot today. It would be ungrateful of me not to do anything after all that," she replied, Wang Lei, nodding at his secretary.


    "Now, let''s go. Mr. Ying has contacted me and told me that your family wanted to wait for you so your win in the raffle is used well."


    "Huh?" Yu Yan blinked her eyes a few times. "They''re still in the mall?"


    With a chuckle, Wang Lei showed Yu Yan the photos that Mr. Ying and his helper sent, Li Jie enjoying the rides with his grandmother watching. Seeing how happy they are, Yu Yan couldn''t help but smile, seeing them near the rides that are found in the mall.


    "It seems that your mooncake has took this opportunity to y," he added, Yu Yan, smiling and nodding.


    "Yes, it seems that he indeed enjoyed," she added, now looking at Wang Lei. "And I guess, they said that they wanted to have dinner with me since I won the raffle, they want to have it with me?"


    "Yes," Wang Lei answered in a chuckle, Yu Yan, giggling, too. "I would also like to join so I can formally meet your mother. Since, you know¡­ I''m letting you three stay in my ce and asked for a favor of doing housekeeping, too."


    With that said, Yu Yan smiled and nodded, already excited to have dinner with her family.


    "Alright. Thank you so much for doing a lot for me, Mr. Wang Lei. I promise that I will continue doing my best in work from now on."


    Wang Lei smiled, shaking his head as he said, "Don''t worry, Yu Yan. This is also me saying thank you for the hard work that you''ve been giving thepany. You have exceeded my expectations really well."


    With him giving her a wink at the same time, Yu Yan couldn''t help but arch a brow at him, Wang Lei,ughing as the only person who is capable to arch a brow at him is his secretary.


    And she did it without fear even though he is her boss.


    Maybe it''s because they have gotten closer nowpared to how they were before.


    Without saying anything else, Wang Lei already gestured for their leave. He went on ahead first, Yu Yan, walking behind him. As they both left the office, the other employees who were about to leave greeted them, Wang Lei, nodding at his employees as acknowledgement.


    As the both of them now went to the garage, Mr. Ying was already there, smiling at both of them as he expected for them to arrive soon.


    "Ready to have dinner, Mr. Wang Lei, Miss Yu Yan?"


    "Yes," both of them answered in unison, Mr. Ying, opening the passenger seat for Miss Yu Yan and then the backseat for Mr. Wang Lei.


    The moment the both of them were already settled inside and were putting on their seatbelt, Mr. Ying already entered the driver seat then drove the BMW, already driving to the mall.


    "Mr. Ying, if I may ask," Yu Yan started, her smile not leaving her ce. "How is my mother and my son?"


    "Oh, they are doing alright, Miss Yu Yan," Mr. Ying answered with a chuckle. "Your little boy is good mannered! Your mother is lively despite her age, too! I suggested them to have something extravagant from the mall, but your little boy suggested for hotpot."


    "Hotpot?" Wang Lei cocked his head to the side, asking about it. "To be honest, I''ve never had hotpot. What''s it like?"


    "Oh! So, Mr. Wang Lei, I suggest you take this opportunity! Eating hotpot with a lot of people is very enjoyable since it''s like¡­ cooking from scratch and eating it when it''s still hot, you know? Knowing you cooked it with a lot of people makes it taste different."


    "Hmm¡­" Wang Lei slightly furrowed his brows, still curious about hotpot. "I guess being rich has its disadvantages. I am not familiar with such ways."


    Yu Yan and Mr. Ying couldn''t help but let out a smallugh. With Wang Lei smiling at their reactions, he then felt slightly excited to experience this hotpot, the atmosphere enlightening him as he invited his personal secretary, too.


    "Would you like to join us, Mr. Ying? It''s also thank you for doing things beyond my expectations. You have helped me save Miss Yu Yan and her family."


    With that said, Mr. Ying widened his eyes, not expecting to be invited to their errands.


    "O-oh! Are you sure that you would want to have me, Mr. Wang Lei?"


    "Yes," Wang Lei nodded, "You arranged everything for us, too. It''s only proper, no?"


    With a nod, Mr. Ying did it enthusiastically, excited to actually have hotpot with his boss and with other people.


    "Thank you! Of course, I will not turn down such rare opportunity! Like Miss Yu Yan had said, Mr. Wang Lei, having hotpot with a lot of people is indeed enjoyable! I hope you''re going to enjoy it with us as you are going to experience it for the first time!"


    With that, the three of them engaged in a light conversation, Mr. Ying telling them his hotpot experiences as Yu Yan and Wang Lei listened to him.

 Chapter 106 - Find A Good Man

    [This chapter is dedicated to vanz30 for being a silent reader suddenlymenting on my story. ^^ I hope to see more of yourments soon! Thanks for reading and supporting my story! :D]


    ***


    Hot pot or hotpot, also known as soup-food or steamboat, is a cooking method that originates from China, prepared with a simmering pot of soup stock at the dining table, containing a variety of East Asian foodstuffs and ingredients.


    While a hot pot full of vored broth is kept simmering, raw ingredients are ced into the pot and are cooked in a manner simr to fondue. Hot pots usually use a water-based soup, while fondues use cooking oil.


    Hot pots may be prepared and eaten either at home or in a restaurant. Since it is considered as a main dish, it can be enjoyed without other separate courses like rice or noodles. The cooked food is often eaten with a dipping sauce for additional voring.


    Typical hot pot ingredients include thinly sliced meat, leaf vegetables, mushrooms, vermicelli, sliced potatoes, bean products, egg dumplings, tofu, and seafood.


    Raw ingredients are pre-sliced into thin sections that will cook quickly and consistently in the simmering broth, which is maintained at a gentle boiling temperature.


    Most raw foods can be cooked in a hot pot, although they may have different cooking times, and must be immersed in the soup and then removed ordingly.


    At the conclusion of the meal, the broth has acquired many vors from the added ingredients, and may be served to the diners after turning off the cooking heat source.


    As Wang Lei searched this on his phone and has read this, he widened his eyes, actually excited to have hotpot.


    Well, not that he''spletely ignorant about it. He has heard and has seen it on TV, but then again, this is something that his parents discouraged because they think mixing a lot of food as if experimenting can be bad on the stomach.


    But when he saw pictures and even watched some videos, Wang Lei now disregarded what his parents are saying, thinking that this is indeed a good way to have a bonding moment with not only with your family, but with your friends and other people, too, in different asions.


    Like for example, he even saw that a boss of thepany ate hotpot with his employees. It made him think of the next gathering that his team will have if ever they are going to have an event.


    Maybe they can have a hotpot event, too!


    Before Wang Lei even realized it, they have already arrived in the mall''s parking lot. With the employees noticing the te number of the owner''s car, they immediately recognized them and gave them priority first, already allowing them to park in Wang Lei''s personal parking space.


    The moment that Mr. Ying parked the car, they then unbuckled themselves from their seat, already leaving the vehicle as they are now entering the mall and then to the elevator for them to meet up with Yu Yan''s family in the top floor.


    As soon as they took a step inside the mall, people already recognized them, making the others gawk at Wang Lei and his employees as most of the people who are here are also from known families.


    Of course, they know that Wang Lei who had just arrived, took a visit to his own mall¡ªwhich indeed, rarely happens.


    As Mr. Ying clicked the elevator doors, the people who were waiting stepped aside, giving them space as they want him to use the elevator first.


    The moment the elevator doors opened, thedy who was operating it inside greeted them with a small bow, noticing Wang Lei immediately.


    The three of them stepped inside. The moment the doors closed, thedy asked them where they are going, Mr. Ying, answering for the boss.


    "To the top floor, please."


    Thedy clicked the button of the top-most floor. With the elevator now moving, it was quiet for a moment, Wang Lei looking at Yu Yan discreetly from the corner of his eye.


    He noticed how her smile hadn''t left her face. With the excitement of seeing her little mooncake, Li Jie, Yu Yan couldn''t wait to see him after not seeing the little boy for how many hours.


    "I think we should not make the hotpot too spicy, Miss Yu Yan," Mr. Ying suggested, breaking Wang Lei from his thoughts. "It might give your son an upset stomach."


    "Oh, yes," Yu Yan agreed, nodding as well. "And Mr. Wang Lei is going to have hotpot for the first time, too. Having it mildly spicy is suggested. It might upset his stomach, too, if it''s too spicy, since he doesn''t like spicy food much."


    "Ah, then I''m grateful that Li Jie is here," Wang Lei chimed in, a smile appearing on his face. "I can''t have anything too spicy," he added, Mr. Ying and Yu Yan, letting out a smallugh as the elevator doors now opened, indicating that they have arrived in the top-most floor.


    The moment the three of them stepped out of the elevator, it was little Li Jie who noticed them first, already shouting and running to his mama.


    "Mama! Mama!"


    "My little mooncake!"


    When Li Jie crashed on his mama''s legs, Yu Yan immediately carried him in her arms and showered him with kisses, Li Jie, giggling as he felt the ticklish sensation on his cheeks.


    "Aren''t you tired, mama? Why are you carrying me so suddenly?"


    "Oh, my mooncake¡­ you are magic! You immediately remove mama''s stress the moment Iy my eyes on you."


    With small gigglesing from the little boy, Yu Yan''s mother approached all of them, specifically giving a bow to Wang Lei, making him blink his eyes a few times.


    "Good evening, Mr. Wang Lei. My name is Ling Mei Fang, Yu Yan''s mother. Thank you for having us with you tonight. Thank you for taking care of my daughter in yourpany."


    "Oh, Mrs. Ling!"


    Wang Lei eximed, not wanting the old woman to bow any longer.


    "Please, raise your body. You don''t need to bow. It is I who needs to thank you. I am blessed having a great employee."


    With Wang Lei bowing to Mei Fang, the old woman let out a soft chuckle, patting Wang Lei''s head as if he is a little boy.


    "Such a humble and good mannered boy," shemented, already saying something that made Yu Yan almost pop her eyes out of their sockets. "Why can''t you find a good man like this? Haiya... Why not your boss?"


    "Mama!"


    Yu Yan eximed, putting Li Jie down as she immediately turned to look at Wang Lei.


    "I''m sorry! My mother. She''s¡ª"


    "It''s alright," Wang Leiughed out loud, shaking his head at the same time. "Now, why don''t we have hotpot and tell me more about what you want for your daughter, Ma''am Mei Fang?"


    With Mei Fang already linking her arm to Wang Lei as if he is not Yu Yan''s boss, both of them walked on ahead, Yu Yan''s mouth agape as Li Jie made ament with his furrowed brows.


    "Mama¡­ close your mouth or a fly mighte inside¡­"


    With Mr. Ying chuckling as he looked at Li Jie, he extended his hand to make the little boy hold him, talking to him as well.


    "Let''s go. Hold your mama''s hand with your other hand. She will follow."


    "Mm."


    With that, the three of them started walking, Yu Yan, still in a daze as she couldn''t believe how shameless her mother is, talking to her boss casually as if she is setting her up in a blind date.


    ''Mama! Please don''t say anything weird to Mr. Wang Lei, please!''

 Chapter 107 - An Interesting Night

    [This chapter is dedicated to _6007 for being a silent reader who suddenlymented inst month of May. Thank you so much for suddenlymenting~! I hope to see more of yourments soon! :D]


    ***


    After having hotpot with Yu Yan and her family, Mr. Ying and Wang Lei had talked with Yu Yan''s mother first, especially with having her as the housekeeper for the house while they temporarily stay there.


    Afterward, Mr. Ying had escorted the whole family to the house, leaving Mr. Wang Lei behind as he said that he is going to meet with Pan An tonight.


    Both of them agreed to meet in the mall where they are now. Afterward, they are going to a bar that Pan An''s family owned, already having a room where they could talk.


    As Wang Lei was patiently waiting for Pan An in front of the mall''s entrance, suddenly, Pan An arrived with his shy car, making Wang Lei smile as he immediately recognized whose car this is.


    The moment the window rolled up, Wang Lei arched a brow at him, making Pan An smile at him as he greeted him.


    "What are you waiting for? Hop on!"


    Shaking his head, Wang Lei entered the car,ughing as he couldn''t believe that until now, Pan An is a car enthusiast who enjoyed driving whatever time of day.


    The moment he sat down, he buckled himself on his seat, looking at his best friend with a smirk on his face.


    "You seem so excited. Is it because our first n was canceled and this was thought out of the blue?" he asked, Pan An, chuckling then gave him an answer.


    "Yeah, you could say that," he said, already driving to the bar. "I didn''t expect myself to text you so suddenly, too. To think that it''s even the weekend today," he said, making him furrow his brows afterward. "Which reminds me¡­ why are you working on a Sunday?"


    Wang Lei couldn''t help but sigh. With him running his hand through his hair, he spoke to Pan An, catching up to him with the days that they didn''t hang out.


    "We are rushing for the opening of a new branch in City B. Some employees were told toe this Sunday, but then again, those who were only willing. They''re paid extra. Other than that, I had other cases to settle."


    With the traffic light showing red, Pan An stopped the car for a while, continuing the conversation as they waited.


    "And what is this case that you are settling? It seems to be so important that it made you so busy this Sunday other than the opening of something. You didn''t even take a break. I''m so curious since you''re usually ying around this time."


    Wang Lei couldn''t help but roll his eyes at him. With a sigh heard, he instead still answered his question, surprising Pan An with what he said.


    "Qing Yuan is the father of my secretary''s son. Turns out that he is threatening her life and her family''s life. So I had to settle it."


    "Wait¡­"


    Pan An turned his head to his best friend and narrowed his eyes at him, in disbelief.


    "You¡­ involved yourself in the case of your secretary and this is Qing Yuan¡­ and she has a son? Wow¡­ I can''t help but wonder why a womanizer such as you is so engrossed in helping your employee when usually, you don''t care."


    With the remark said by Pan An, the traffic light showed green, indicating for the vehicles to move on. With Pan An continuing his drive, Wang Lei looked outside the window and talked to his best friend, already in the mood to drink as he can''t wait for them to reach the bar.


    "To be honest, I''m not so sure either. There is something with Yu Yan that is making me involve myself so much. It''s awkward since I have never been this¡­ you know¡­ interactive."


    "Yeah, you said it right," Pan An said, scoffing at the same time. "By now if I ever called you, you would ignore me and tell me that you are not interested¡ªalready on bed with a girl."


    Wang Lei couldn''t help but grin. His best friend was right, though. He is known to be flirtatious¡ªalready having a group ofdies at his beck and call.


    However, since being involved with Yu Yan recently, he noticed that he indeed is changing his habits¡ªshockingly, drastically, too!


    Wanting not to talk about himself further, he shook his head, changing the topic as he asked Pan An a question.


    "Anyway, enough about me. How about you?"


    Pan An rolled his eyes. Before they knew it, they already arrived in front of a posh, sophisticated club, the bouncer already noticing who arrived.


    With him quick on his toes and has removed the sign specifically for Pan An''s space, Pan An parked his car, Wang Lei and Pan An already leaving the car as he handed the keys to the trusted bouncer.


    "Mr. Pan An, Mr. Wang Lei, we have been expecting you."


    "En," Pan An replied, nodding at the same time.


    With them being led inside of the bar by the bouncer, Wang Lei and the owner followed them, pushing themselves through the crowd as they made their way to the private room reserved for them.


    Wang Lei didn''t mind that Pan An didn''t answer his question for a while. It only meant that they are going to talk about this once they enter the private room, also making it more interesting since Pan An seems to want to tell him a story¡ªan interesting one at that.


    As they were already in front of the private room, the bouncer who led them there opened the door for their entry, seeing that the room is already prepared with drinks and at the same time, food.


    Noticing that they have a lot of bottles prepared, Wang Lei scrunched up his nose, saying hisment.


    "I think I won''t drink so much. I had hotpot."


    With Pan An closing the door behind him, he arched a brow at Wang Lei, not believing what he has heard.


    "You¡­ had hotpot?"


    He also chuckled, not expecting that his best friend would try eating hotpot.


    "Now, is this a secretary or a goddess?"


    "Stop it," Wang Leiughed, already sitting on the ck, leather couch. "I could say the same to you. This Shu Xian, my sister''s best friend. I bet my money on it that something interesting has happened between you two?"


    With Pan An scoffing, he rolled his eyes at his best friend as he sat across him, already opening their first bottle.


    With him also preparing the shot sses, both of them knew that this is going to be an interesting night¡ªa night with a lot of surprising talks.

 Chapter 108 - While Youre Still Sober

    [This chapter is dedicated to jilna_alphanskgeo for being a silent reader who suddenlymented inst month of May. Thank you so much for suddenlymenting~! I hope to see more of yourments soon! :D]


    ***


    Inside the club, the dark demesne had an entertaining aura to it. The music was booming¡ªin full st, its bass heard all throughout the room.


    The electro music that was remixed for the club was enough to make even those who aren''t dancing bob their heads along with the music.


    The colorful neon lights gave people guidance along the way. Patrons made their way through the dancing crowd carefully, making sure not to touch any person to avoid conflicts and usations of sexual assaulst.


    Most of the people''s eyes observed their surroundings, looking for an empty spot to settle down. There wasughter of the crowd heard, people dancing against each other''s bodies were seen, friends nking their shots together were evident...


    This ce was indeed an epitome of entertainment and socialization¡ªa ce of escape in order to distress oneself from a stressing environment.


    Inside the room, however, were two people who didn''t like to mix themselves in the crowd. Pan An, the owner of the club, and Wang Lei, were the only ones present in the room, two bouncers watching outside as their boss enjoyed drinking one on one with his friend.


    Wang Lei started lighting up a cigarette. He had this habit of lighting up one once the alcohol gets to him. Once he starts, he would smoke until a maximum of five sticks, Pan An, stopping him at most times.


    Pan An was pouring himself another shot. The alcohol was not getting to him, making him drink it in one down as it hit his throat, heating his body up.


    "Why are you holding yourself back?" Wang Lei asked, taking a hit of his cigarette. "Is it because you''re driving? You could make your bouncer or your secretarye pick you up."


    "No," Pan An replied immediately, shaking his head. "I wouldn''t want to resort to that way. I want to be responsible since I''m a professor. I will be back to teaching tomorrow."


    "Sheesh¡­"


    Wang Lei rolled his eyes at his best friend, already drinking his shot. He then put his cigarette down on the ashtray, further talking to Pan An as they already talked about what is worrying him.


    "You think that you might do something to Shu Xian again? Like what she told you about you almost invading her body?"


    Embarrassing as it sounded, Pan An nodded then sighed, slumping on the couch as he nkly stared on the onion rings served on the table.


    "Yeah¡­ since she told me that, I can''t help but not want to be drunk anymore."


    Wang Lei arched a brow at him and said, "But¡­ she was drunk and took advantage of you, too, no?"


    "Yes¡­ but mine''s¡­ different."


    With that said, Pan An went silent for a while. He then got an onion ring from the te, eating one. As Wang Lei waited for him to talk, he got his cigarette again and smoked, blowing the smoke out slowly as this helped him slightly sober up.


    "They say you don''t remember anything when you''re drunk because you''re embarrassed about it, right? But I remember remnants of what happened before when I was drunk¡ªand I didn''t like it one bit."


    With Wang Lei already understanding what he meant, he sighed, then ran his hand through his hair. He then made a guess, making Pan An look at Wang Lei straight in the eyes as if he had hit bull''s eye with his first attempt in guessing.


    "Let me guess¡­ you called her in a different name?"


    Pan An didn''t need to tell him the answer. His reaction was enough for Wang Lei to know. With that already obvious, Wang Lei sighed, shaking his head as he gave Pan An a real talk.


    "You know, Pan An, I''m not saying this because I''m a bit drunk. I keep saying this even before, but¡­ Ruo Xi. You have to forget all about her."


    Pan An looked at him, the topic about Ruo Xi. It was always ufortable for them to talk about her, the two almost fighting since Wang Lei never liked her for him, and Pan An always stuck up for her when people are doubting her and saying things about her which he didn''t believe.


    "If you''re going to tell me how much of a bitch she is, which she isn''t, then let''s drop this topic."


    "My god¡­ Pan An!"


    Wang Lei couldn''t help but exim out loud, already furrowing his brows as he scolded his best friend.


    "I know we don''t have much evidence about her doings because she has great connections, but your mother and I... we know that she¡ª"


    "Enough," Pan An interrupted, his voice snappy. "I told you¡ªI don''t like talking about her."


    "Then tell me," Wang Lei started, Pan An''s eyes on him. "Why did you allow that girl Shu Xian to live with you?"


    "What?"


    Pan An didn''t understand where his question ising from. With him scrunching his nose as he was confused, he scoffed, shaking his head as he told him his answer.


    "I told you¡­ I pity her and I''m helping her out!"


    "Is that really the reason, though?"


    Wang Lei didn''t buy it. With the cigarette now almost finished, he extinguished it by tapping it three times on the ashtray, his eyes not leaving Pan An.


    "Or are you desperate to want to forget her, and Shu Xian''s sudden appearance is someone who could help you with that? You could choose someone¡ªbut with the coincidence of you saving her, you took the opportunity."


    Standing up from the leather couch, Pan An felt his blood boiling, not liking what Wang Lei had said.


    When ites to their friendship, if people said Pan An is blunt, Wang Lei is another case. He is more bluntpared to the other, not minding if his words could mince the other like soft meat.


    "Are you saying that I''m using Shu Xian for my own benefit? Are you saying that¡ª"


    "I''m not saying anything," Wang Lei interrupted, giving him a smirk afterward. "But if that''s what you think after I only told you what I think, then it means something, don''t you think?"


    With Pan An not saying a word, he went quiet as the words that escaped from Wang Lei''s mouth had hit him in an instant like a bullet fired from a gun.


    He then sat back down on his seat, silent, as Wang Lei poured him another shot, giving him another suggestion.


    "Reflect about it with me. Tell your secretary to drive you back home tonight while you''re still sober."

 Chapter 109 - Youre Lucky

    [This chapter is dedicated to Nandini_1 for being a silent reader who suddenlymenteds month of May! ^^ Also, this is sort of like my birthday gift to her since she said that June is her birth month! Happy birthday! I''m grateful to be blessed with such a good reader like yoU~! :D]


    ***


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but feel uneasy. She already finished her homework and is finalizing it for tomorrow, however, she couldn''t seem to focus since it is almost midnight and Pan An is still not home.


    Yes, he indeed told her that he will be out with Wang Lei and that they are going to eat and drink, yes, he told her that he is going to go home at 10 PM earliest time, but¡­


    With him not here when it''s already past 10 and he had left the house at around 6 PM, Shu Xian couldn''t help really but to worry.


    She was tapping her pen on the table. With her biting her bottom lip, Wan Wan cocked her head to the side, looking at her master as she wondered why something is bothering her.


    "Oh, Wan Wan¡­" Shu Xian started, sighing as she talked to her pet as if it was human. "He said he''s going home earlier but why is he not yet here?"


    Wan Wanid back down on the carpeted floor. With her eyes not leaving her master, Shu Xian nkly stared at her dog, thinking of what Pan An is doing now that he is still not home.


    "I can''t focus on checking my homework if¡ª"


    Suddenly, a knock was heard on the door, interrupting her statement. With her immediately standing up from the floor, she rushed to the door, barefooted.


    "Coming!"


    With Shu Xian opening the door, she further furrowed her brows to see Pan An being carried by a middle-aged man, the professor''s head hanging low.


    "Ugh¡­ am I home?"


    Smelling the alcohole from him, Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times, not expecting Pan An to arrive home, supported in another man''s arms.


    "Erm¡­ is he drunk?"


    With Wang Lei alreadying into the picture, he sighed as he shook his head, already helping the man who is holding Pan An.


    "Yes. He''s drunk. He insisted he drove, but I told him no. He didn''t contact his secretary or driver, so I asked my secretary instead and drove him home. The man who''s carrying Pan An is Mr. Ying."


    "Lte evening," Mr. Ying greeted, grunting as he felt Pan An get heavier by the second. "If you will, Miss Shu Xian, where is Mr. Pan An''s room?"


    "O-oh!"


    Sensing the difficulty in his voice, Shu Xian immediately stepped aside, Wang Lei, helping his secretary, too, as they both made way to the room, Pan An, opening the door for their entry.


    The moment they already went inside, Shu Xian immediately went to the kitchen, calling out to them.


    "I-I''ll prepare tea before you leave! Thank you so much for bringing Pan An home!"


    "No, that''s not necessary! We''re going home after we put him down on the bed safely!"


    With Wang Lei''s loud reply followed by a series of gruntsing from him and Mr. Ying, anyone who would hear them would imagine that this is some kind of BL thing happening¡­


    With Shu Xian stopping in her tracks as Wan Wan followed her check on the visitors, Wang Lei and Mr. Ying already left Pan An''s room, slightly panting as they found it tiring to carry the man.


    "Sorry for the trouble. Thanks again," Shu Xian said, furrowing her brows in worry. "Why is it that Pan An is drunk? Is he alright?"


    "Oh¡­"


    Wang Lei let out a smallugh, already handing Shu Xian the keys of Pan An as he did not bother to park it in the garage.


    "I''m sorry, can''t tell you about that. However, you don''t have to worry about anything. You just have to help him cope his hangover tomorrow, I guess."


    "Geez¡­" Shu Xian mumbled, enough for the two to hear. "This is the second time already. I thought he doesn''t want to get drunk around me anymore."


    "Haha!" Wang Leiughed, already understanding what Shu Xian meant. "Don''t worry¡ªit won''t be like what happened before if that is what you''re worrying about. He''s out cold."


    Hearing this, Shu Xian couldn''t help but widen her eyes, a blush alreadying to her face.


    "D-don''t tell me¡­ he told you about¡­"


    Without Shu Xian finishing her sentence, Wang Lei nodded, a grin appearing on his face as he confirmed what she could probably be thinking of.


    "Yeah. Don''t worry¡ªyou can trust me with anything."


    With Shu Xian now shy, she can''t look at Wang Lei straight in the eyes. With her silent, Wang Lei spoke again, bidding farewell to Shu Xian.


    "Good night. I''d like to rest in my own home, too. Damn¡ªI''m so tired."


    "Good night, Miss Shu Xian."


    As the two of them are about to leave the ce, Shu Xian remembered right here and then what Cai Li had told her about Pan An knowing Ruo Xi''s true colors and what she saw since it involved another friend of theirs.


    With her curiosity kicking in, she caught Wang Lei by the wrist, surprising him with what she said next.


    "W-wait¡­ I want to ask you¡­ about Ruo Xi."


    "What?"


    With Wang Lei furrowing his brows, he didn''t expect Shu Xian to ask about Ruo Xi from him, making him cock his head to the side.


    "Why are you curious about Ruo Xi and what do you know about her?"


    Shu Xian''s lips were on a tight line for a while. With her silent for a while, Wang Lei turned to his secretary and heaved a sigh, shaking his head as he gave him his next orders.


    "Go home, Mr. Ying. Tell my family that I would be sleeping over at Pan An''s ce. Tell them that the night out has extended."


    "Yes, Mr. Wang Lei."


    With a small bow shown to the both of them, Mr. Ying excused himself, already leaving the house as Wang Lei crossed his arms in front of his chest and spoke to Shu Xian.


    "Tell me everything you know and why you want to know about her. You''re lucky I''m willing to stay tonight in the living room."

 Chapter 110 - Back In The Picture

    [This chapter is dedicated to Marcey_Elizabeth! This sort of like my birthday gift to her since she said that June is her birth month! Happy birthday! I''m grateful to be blessed with such a good reader like yoU~! :D]


    ***


    "Tell me everything you know and why you want to know about her. You''re lucky I''m willing to stay tonight in the living room."


    With that said, Shu Xian stared straight into the eyes of Wang Lei. With him smelling like alcohol as well, it was evident to Shu Xian that he is not like Pan An who is out cold¡ªprobably drank less than his best friend.


    Wang Lei sat down on the couch, Wan Wan sniffing him as his hand was on hisp, the man now patting the dog''s head.


    "On second thought, do prepare tea. Since we''re talking, it''s only appropriate, no?"


    With Wang Lei giving a wink as well, Shu Xian gave him a small smile, giving him a small bow as well as he thanked Wang Lei formally.


    "Thank you for staying. Sorry for stopping you all of a sudden."


    Wang Lei blinked his eyes at the youngdy a few times. With a scoffing from him, he yfully rolled his eyes at her, remembering that she is the same age as his sister, Shi Lian.


    "Don''t worry. You don''t have to be so formal. See me as your big brother, too," Wang Lei told her, Shu Xian, smiling at Wang Lei.


    "Thank you. Anyway, I thought that I''d rather stop you and talk to you this time while Pan An is sleeping. I''ll take advantage of this," she added, Wang Lei, nodding as he now understood why he was suddenly stopped.


    "Alright. Now I understand."


    "Wait a bit," Shu Xian replied, already making way to the kitchen. "Let me heat up the kettle for the tea."


    "En."


    With Wang Lei following Shu Xian to the kitchen, he sat on the kitchen chair instead, initiating a conversation with Shu Xian while she was preparing the water in the kettle.


    "Let''s talk here instead. Tell me¡­ how you know Ruo Xi. I take it that it''s not only because Pan An called out to you with the wrong name?"


    Hearing this, Shu Xian couldn''t help but blush, embarrassingly looking at Wang Lei with her shy eyes.


    "Oh, geez¡­ he told you about that?"


    "Yes," Wang Lei said, letting out a soft chuckle. "You see, he admitted to me that he remembered some parts¡ªit''s just too embarrassing to say, he says."


    With that told, Shu Xian put the kettle on the stove, sighing as she now sat on the kitchen chair across Wang Lei.


    "Alright¡­ putting this aside," she started, already getting down to business. "You see, Ma talked to me about her¡ªsaying that she''s back and that she wants me to help Pan An forget all about her because she wants her out of her son''s life."


    Hearing this, Wang Lei couldn''t help but arch a brow at Shu Xian, grinning ear to ear as he didn''t expect what he has heard.


    "Wait, wait, wait¡­ by this, you mean¡­ you have talked to Ma''am Cai Li and then call her Ma¡­ and she requested this herself from you?"


    "Yes."


    Shu Xian answered tly, her single answer enough to answer every question that escaped from his mouth.


    "Now, tell me¡­ she has told me that you know about her doings and that she has been involving herself with your other friend. I thought it was you, turns out it was another."


    "Oh, how rude!"


    Wang Lei eximed, feigning a feeling like he''s broken hearted as he put his hand on his chest.


    "I know I''m flirtatious, but I''m not one to do such things that would offend my friend! Getting another girl of another man is a wrong move, girl! Not my thang!"


    With Wang Lei talking like this, Shu Xian couldn''t help but yfully roll her eyes at him, seeing that the siblings share something inmon.


    Their humor.


    With his reaction pushed aside, Wang Lei now suddenly became serious, letting out a small sigh then told Shu Xian what she needed to know.


    "You see, this friend of ours, since he has been caught red-handed by Pan An''s mother that night, he immediately left before Pan An could even see him with her. But during the party, I saw him getting away¡ªa kiss mark on his neck."


    "My!"


    Shu Xian put both of her hands in front of her mouth, silent for a while before she spoke, her voice muffled against her hands.


    "So, is he still in the city?"


    "No," Wang Lei shook his head, his facial expression now serious as he felt slightly angry with him brought up in the topic but Shu Xian needed to know this.


    "He made a reason saying that he needs to settle things abroad for many years. Pan An bought it. I told him that he is not our real friend and that he has more than his eyes for Ruo Xi, but my exnation fell on deaf ears because there are no evidences found."


    With Shu Xian sighing as she found that Pan An is somehow stupid not to trust both his mother and his best friend, she couldn''t help but wonder who this best friend is, Shu Xian, asking his name.


    "Well, this guy¡­ what is his name?"


    "Hao Jiao Long."


    "Hao Jiao Long?"


    Shu Xian cocked her head to the side, not familiar of the name.


    "If he is in the business industry or whatever, I''m not familiar of him."


    "Yes, it''s actually a smallpany. But we three are friends back in business school. He didn''t have any friends, but Pan An and I talked to him. Though, he has made quite the reputation for theirpany and is quite known now. If you''re familiar¡ªJiao-Jiao Enterprises?"


    "Oh, yes!" Shu Xian nodded, "This rang a bell. I remember."


    "Yes. So¡­ anyway¡­ even though he is now quite known, he left the country and had establishedpanies outside in fear that his name might be branded of something, you know? Since Cai Li and I know about what had happened."


    Shu Xian furrowed her brows, not liking what she is hearing at all.


    "But then again¡­ if we can''t look for anything, how are we going to convince Pan An of everything?"


    "I don''t know," Wang Lei said honestly, sighing. "With Ruo Xi back too, I wonder if she has something up her sleeves. I''m thinking why she has the audacity toe back¡ªafter the threats she got from Ma''am Cai Li."


    With both of them silent, they were drowning in their thoughts, thinking about what would happen next with her back in the picture.

 Chapter 111 - How Cute

    [ANNOUNCEMENT: Sorry for thete update. I was not feeling well with fever and diarrhea and all and I had to rest. I have headache still now, but I am trying my best to write and update for today. ^^ I''m so sorry if you got used to my usual 6PM update and it didn''te. Anyway, here it is. I hope you guys enjoy. :D]


    ***


    ''Damn¡­''


    Pan An winced when he felt his head aching. The moment he slowly opened his eyes, he sighed as he noticed that his body clock did not fail him, his digital clock showing that he has woken up at 6:30 in the morning.


    When he heard the sizzling of whatever it is being cooked in the kitchen, he slowly stood up, running his hand through his hair.


    ''I was with Wang Leist night, talking about whatever he is talking about that I didn''t like. How am I home? Did I get drunk instead?''


    With that in thought, Pan An then walked out of his room, immediately greeted by excited Wan Wan. He gave the dog a small smile and a pat on the head, already walking towards the kitchen.


    However, what he saw in the kitchen was something that surprised him, the man, smiling at him with a cup of coffee at hand.


    "Yo. Good morning. You''re lucky that someone is making you great breakfast," Wang Lei said, Pan An, arching a brow at him.


    "You didn''t go home?"


    "Obviously," Wang Lei said, letting out a small scoff. "I''m here, aren''t I?"


    With that said, Wang Lei rolled his eyes at him, already being greeted by Shu Xian who is making omurice.


    "Good morning," Shu Xian said, already giving him ck coffee. "I learned from Wang Lei you prefer ck coffee in the morning if you have hangover. Here."


    "Thanks."


    The moment Shu Xian served them their omurice, she proceeded to make her share, already cracking two eggs as Wan Wan expectantly waited for her food.


    "Anyway, you slept where?" Pan An asked, sipping his coffee.


    "On the couch, in the living room. You don''t have to worry. I borrowed your clothes, too. You were out cold when I asked for permission, so I just took it as a yes."


    With Pan An smiling at what his best friend had said, he couldn''t help but shake his head, taking another sip of his ck coffee which worked wonders on him like it was remedy given by a party member in a game.


    "Anyway," Shu Xian started talking, her body not turning as she talked to the professor. "Can you please prepare our lunch? I already cooked rice and the meat. I made meatballs for lunch."


    "Oh, yeah¡­ sure."


    With Pan An doing as he was told, he suddenly was pulled in his thoughts, thinking of what had happenedst night.


    ''Umm¡­ nothing out of the ordinary like the one before happened, right?''


    Pan An looked at Shu Xian discreetly from the corner of his eyes.


    The moment he saw her humming to herself as she continued cooking her breakfast, a sigh of relief came from him, already thinking that maybe nothing had happened between themst night that is so awkward.


    "Aren''t you grateful that you were out could?" Wang Lei spoke, getting Pan An''s attention. "You have nothing to worry about¡ªShu Xian ispletely safe."


    With what he said making things awkward, Shu Xian''s body stiffened as Pan An red at him, Wang Lei, letting out a yful chuckle.


    "Sorry, sorry¡­ I can''t help it," he reacted, already taking a sip of his caramel coffee.


    Not saying another word, he got his phone from his pocket and proceeded to stand up, in order for him to call his secretary and talk to him in picking him up so he could drop him off to thepany.


    Also, Wang Lei is reminded to give Mr. Ying a raise for a hard work well done. With that in thought, the call finally connected, further stating to the man what he wanted him to do along with the uing raise that he will get starting this month''s sry.


    With Pan An and Shu Xian now left in the kitchen, Shu Xian is now finished cooking her breakfast, already sitting down to eat as Pan An finished preparing their lunch.


    "Thanks so much for preparing lunch," he said, giving Shu Xian a small smile. "You must''ve woken up early to prepare?"


    "Yeah, uh¡­ 6 AM," Shu Xian said with a nod, taking a small piece of egg in her mouth. "But I had a nice sleep. It was not something that I feel bad about since I do love cooking," she added, Pan An, nodding.


    "And Wan Wan? Has she eaten?"


    With Wan Wan barking as if answering his question, Shu Xian rolled her eyes, shaking her head at the same time.


    "Yes. If she''s acting cute while we''re eating, you can give her small pieces of food, but not many. She''s such a glutton."


    Pan An couldn''t help butugh, Shu Xian,ughing as well. As Wang Lei is now finished talking with his secretary, he shook his head, already leaning on the doorframe as he made ament that made both of them blush.


    "Aaah¡­ how cute it is to look at you both. Like a married couple. Both of you suit each other!"


    With that said, Wang Lei couldn''t help butugh out loud, already getting his necktie that was on the table, already bidding the two farewell.


    "Alright. Good bye, you two," Wang Lei said goodbye, the two''s eyes on him.


    The moment Wang Lei''s eyes dropped on Shu Xian, he grinned at her and gave her a wink, Shu Xian immediately getting what he meant by that gesture.


    Since they talked about something that only both of them knewst night.


    "Remember what I told you aboutst night, yeah?" Wang Lei reminded, grinning ear to ear. "It''s guaranteed to have high results!"


    As Wang Lei left the house, Pan An cocked his head to the side, wondering what both of them were talking about as this made Shu Xian blush beet red.

 Chapter 112 - Operation: Fancy Me, Professor!

    [ANNOUNCEMENT: Sorry for thete update. I was not feeling well with fever and diarrhea and all and I had to rest. I have headache still now, but I am trying my best to write and update for today. ^^ I''m so sorry if you got used to my usual 6PM update and it didn''te. Anyway, here it is. I hope you guys enjoy. :D]


    ***


    "Wh-what!?"


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but hit Wang Lei''s shoulder, still talking to him at this time of night¡ª11 PM in the evening.


    Wang Lei couldn''t help but shook his head as both of them continued eating ice cream that both of them bought from the nearest convenience store, talking about a topic which Shu Xian found foreign.


    "You''re asking this man what it takes to seduce a man! I''m already telling you what works wonders since I am¡ªinfamously¡ªnotorious about being flirtatious!"


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but blush. With her pouting as she took a spoonful of her vani ice cream in her mouth, she felt shy talking about this with Wang Lei, Pan An''s best friend.


    Shu Xian told Wang Lei about what Cai Li had said. She honestly told Wang Lei about Cai Li asking her to make her son fall for her so that he would forget Ruo Xi.


    She told Wang Lei about what her and Cai Li did¡ªtaking photography sessions and the like and then sending the photos to Pan An.


    Heughed out loud when Shu Xian told him his reply when ites to going to the private beach resort that they have and says that he will definitelye.


    "You know, Shu Xian," Wang Lei started, making ament. "Ma''am Cai Li is right. You have potential to wrap any man around your finger," he added, Shu Xian, shyly looking at him.


    "Yeah?"


    "Yeah!" Wang Lei scoffed, suddenly remembering his little sister. "My little sister may be best friends with you, but I can''t see her dating."


    Shu Xian couldn''t help butugh out loud, hearing what he said. With her shaking her head, she then took another spoonful of her ice cream in her mouth, further asking Wang Lei a question.


    "So¡­ what do you think should I do to make Pan An¡­ you know¡­ like me?"


    "Hmm¡­"


    Wang Lei contemted for a while. With him furrowing his brows together, he asked her a question instead.


    "Let me ask you this, Shu Xian¡­ have you ever fallen in love with someone before?"


    Being thrown this question, Shu Xian sighed and shook her head to say no, giving Wang Lei the answer that he needed.


    "No. Never. Even having crushes is beyond me."


    "Aaah¡­ this may be a dilemma," Wang Lei said, cocking his head to the side. "What if it turns the other way around¡ªyou falling for him instead since you''re doing things to make him like you?"


    Shu Xian blushed, blinking her eyes a few times.


    "I-is it really difficult to make him like me?"


    "Uh, kinda," Wang Lei said, scratching the back of his head. "With him still remembering Ruo Xi, it can be difficult. We fought about her, too, a while ago," he added, making Shu Xian sigh once more.


    "Then maybe making Pan An like me is something impossible," shemented, making Wang Lei shake his head.


    "I only said it is difficult, but I didn''t say that it is impossible."


    Wang Lei put his ice cream and spoon down for a while, already focusing on the youngdy beside him.


    "I bet ya, since you told me about you giving him a necktie for a present, he''s definitely going to wear it."


    Shu Xian didn''t know why, but she gulped, nervous of what Wang Lei is going to suggest next.


    "If both of you are alone, try to do something that would surprise him. Why not¡­ pull his necktie and stare straight into his eyes. When your face is near his, then you say, ''Sorry, I was just seeing if the necktie is durable.''"


    With that said, Shu Xian couldn''t help but gasp aloud, hitting Wang Lei once more on his arm.


    "Are you crazy!?" The youngdy reacted, her face beet red. "Baby steps! I can''t do such thing!"


    Wang Lei can''t help butugh out loud. Both of them were grateful that Pan An is out cold, both of them able to talk this loud in the living room.


    "Alright, alright¡­ since you make lunch, why not you put a secret letter in the lunch box saying: ''Work hard, professor!'' with a kiss emoji at the end."


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but narrow her eyes at Wang Lei.


    "Someone as mature as Pan An¡­ would like this?"


    "Hey!" Wang Lei shrugged his shoulders, "Some men also like women who act cute towards them like this!"


    Shu Xian then arched a brow at Wang Lei, doubting what he said.


    "You think he''ll like this?"


    "I don''t know, but it''s worth the shot. It makes him wonder and think of you, no? Like you said, baby steps. Take this time to try things out and see what he likes and dislikes."


    "Hmm¡­"


    Shu Xian contemted for a while, thinking if this is indeed going to be effective. She couldn''t help but feel worried and shy, not knowing what to do.


    "Do you think that he will find this¡­ suspicious?"


    "That''s why I told you to take him by surprise! If you do this every day, then it would really be suspicious," Wang Lei answered, patting Shu Xian''s shoulder. "You''re an overthinker, no? Well, I can''t me you. You haven''t experienced such stuff before," he added, Shu Xian, now getting her dessert from the table.


    "Yeah¡­ well, let''s just say that I have to roll with it," she added, Wang Lei, nodding in agreement with what she said.


    "Well, let''s have a name for this operation," he said, already grinning ear to ear.


    "What?"


    "Operation: Fancy Me, Professor!"


    With Wang Lei''s joke, Shu Xian couldn''t help butugh, both of them enjoying the night together as they proceeded eating their ice cream thiste at night.

 Chapter 113 - What Could It Be?

    [Chapter dedications for the month of May and for June celebrants is now over~! If you want to participate for the chapter dedications for the month of June on July, do check out the Reward System found in the auxiliary chapter~! Also, if you''re a June celebrant, do lemme know inments section! While it''s still June, I''ll give you a chapter dedication! :D]


    ***


    Shu Xian had left the house earlier than Pan An. With Pan An fixing the papers that he brought home for checking, Shu Xian already went after giving Wan Wan her morning walk, hanging out in the university ground''s bench alone.


    She texted Shi Lian that she is already at the university, however, who came first whom she even didn''t text sat beside her, making her slightly widen her eyes when he greeted her early in the morning.


    "Yo, good morning!"


    It was Zhang Ren.


    Zhang Ren put his bag down on the spare space on the bench they were sitting on, stretching his arms.


    "You''re so early," hemented, Shi Lian, smiling at him as she greeted him as well.


    "Good morning," she said, alsomenting the same. "I could say the same. You''re early, too!"


    With the both of them going silent as they listened to the birds chirping above them, it was a very calm morning, making Shu Xian close her eyes, rxing.


    "I like the mornings," she said in an attempt to small talk, Zhang Ren, agreeing to what she said.


    "Yeah, true. I also like mornings. I''m a morning person."


    With that said, both of them looked at each other, Zhang Ren, further surprising Shu Xian with what he said.


    "Wanna go to ss and wait for Shi Lian there instead? It''s gonna get chilly."


    "You know I was waiting for Shi Lian?" Shu Xian asked, Zhang Ren, rolling his eyes at her yfully.


    "Oh, Shu Xian. Both of you are best friends. Of course, I know this much. Also, I know that you probably have talked about me during the weekend, yeah?"


    What he said next made Shu Xian widen her eyes. With Zhang Ren grinning ear to ear, it was already enough for him to know the answer to his question.


    "See? Not that I''m angry about it. I may not know you two guys much¡­ but I know that I could trust the both of you."


    "Hmm¡­"


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but cross her arms in front of her chest. With this now said, she saw it fit to no longer feign ignorance, already getting to the point as she talked to Zhang Ren.


    "Since you said that you could trust the both of us, why aren''t you not telling us anything about who you are? The ck card. You working as a student assistant. It just doesn''t add up!"


    "Hush¡­"


    With Zhang Ren putting his index finger in front of Shu Xian''s mouth to silence her, he nodded slowly, further talking to her.


    "I will tell you two in due time," he added, already getting his finger away from her, making Shu Xian roll her eyes at him.


    "Geez¡­ a way to prolong our curiosity."


    "Can''t help it," Zhang Ren said with a chuckle, "I may trust you guys, but I have to be careful talking about this in the open. Since¡­ some people may be watching me without me even knowing."


    With a wink, he then stood up, already getting his bag from the bench. Shu Xian then stood up, Zhang Ren giving her another suggestion.


    "Come on, it''s getting chilly outside. Wanna head inside the ssroom for our first ss? Shi Lian will understand if we wait for her there."


    "Alright," Shu Xian said, already getting her phone to do a quick text.


    After she sent Shi Lian that they will be waiting for her in the ssroom, both of them walked to the university ssroom, the morning indeed a bit chilly for it sent shivers down their spine the moment the morning breeze blew on them, kissing their skin.


    The moment they arrived in the Teacher Education building, they used the elevator to reach the floor where their ssroom is located. Since it is early in the morning, only a few people were seen, mostly the janitorial student assistants present.


    After a few seconds of silence in the elevator, the doors already opened, revealing the floor for their ss. They then stepped outside, Zhang Ren, yawning as they both walked towards the ssroom.


    "I''m so sleepy," he said in between yawns, Shu Xian, letting out a soft chuckle and made ament.


    "I thought you''re a morning person?"


    "Yeah, I am," Zhang Ren said, both of them going to their usual seat behind the ssroom. "It''s just that I slept rathertest night¡ªdoing homework."


    "Oh, yes. Have you done the homework for this ss?"


    "Of course!" Zhang Ren got his notebook from his bag and ced it on the table. "Ready for submission!"


    "Good!"


    At the same moment, Shi Lian already arrived in the ssroom, pping her hands to get their attention.


    "Hey, you guys! You two are pretty early!"


    "I could say so myself," Shu Xian shouted her reply, Zhang Ren''s eyes on her.


    The moment the man''s eyesnded on her, he was taken aback to see her prettier nowpared to the days that they first met.


    Shi Lian''s hair was in a half-tie. She had a light red tint on her lips and a natural blush on her face. She was wearing a simple day dress, paired with a pink knitted sweater on her. She was also wearing ck ts, making her look simple, but at the same time cute.


    Cocking her head to the side, Shi Lian sat beside Zhang Ren, asking him a question.


    "Is everything alright?"


    Zhang Ren snapped himself from his thoughts. With a smile tugging the corner of his lips, he nodded and answered Shi Lian''s question that made her heart race in her chest.


    "To be honest, you''re cuter right nowpared to when you are wearing jeans. I mean¡­ not that you''re always pretty, but you''re just cuter right now. I like it."


    With him being honest, Shi Lian just subtly hit his shoulder, making Zhang Renugh as Shu Xian watched them with a smile on her face.


    Now Shu Xian wonders what kind of style Pan An likes if this style makes Zhang Ren appreciate Shi Lian.


    She guessed that Pan An has his specific style on women that he prefers, no? If yes, then...


    What could it be?

 Chapter 114 - Given By Someone Special

    [Chapter dedications for the month of May and for June celebrants is now over~! If you want to participate for the chapter dedications for the month of June on July, do check out the Reward System found in the auxiliary chapter~! Also, if you''re a June celebrant, do lemme know inments section! While it''s still June, I''ll give you a chapter dedication! :D]


    ***


    As they were waiting for the time to ring, the three were brainstorming about their homework for Assessment of Student Learning. They were talking about the different kinds of assessments and why is it helpful for both students and teachers.


    Assessment is a keyponent of learning because it helps students learn. When students are able to see how they are doing in a ss, they are able to determine whether or not they understand course material. Assessment can also help motivate students.


    Just as assessment helps students, assessment helps teachers.


    Some of the students are already in the ss as well, discussing with their seatmates or either cramming their homework right in the morning before it is going to be submitted to the professor.


    As they were waiting, Shi Lian sighed, already asking the two a question.


    "What do you guys wanna have for lunch?"


    "So early," Zhang Renmented, letting out a chuckle. "It''s our first subject in the morning and you''re already thinking about lunch."


    Shu Xianughed, agreeing with what he said.


    "Shi Lian is a foodie. Now you know this much," shemented, already propping a hand under her chin. "Anyway, I won''t be eating out. I have my lunch here with me. I''ll be having lunch everyday now since you-know-who has provided the house with a lot of groceries."


    "Tsk!"


    Shi Lian clicked her tongue, crossing her arms in front of her chest.


    "Fine¡­ so I''ll eat with Zhang Ren?"


    "Sure! But, uh¡­"


    Zhang Ren gestured to his bag, patting it three times to tell Shi Lian something as well.


    "I also bring lunch now for me to save up money."


    Seeing as to both of them have brought lunches, what irked Shi Lian more and made her curious is the need for Zhang Ren to pack a lunch when he is a closet rich guy!


    Shi Lian narrowed her eyes at him and whispered, "Why the hell do you need to pack a lunch when you got a freakin'' ck card!?"


    At the same moment, the bell already rang. With the students already settling on their seats, Zhang Ren shrugged and gave Shi Lian his answer, making Shi Lian further find his answer unreasonable.


    "I just want to, alright?"


    "Hmph¡­ fine. Let''s all just eat at the cafeteria and I''ll make do with the food there."


    With that said, the professor already stepped inside of the ss.


    With the girls, except for Shi Lian and Shu Xian, swooning the moment they set their eyes on the professor, both of the girls now understood why they were admiring the professor, Zhang Ren, already grinning ear to ear to tease Shu Xian.


    "Oho¡­ told you, he''s gonna wear the blue necktie immediately."


    Pan An was wearing a ck and white suit this Monday morning. His hair wasbed up, making him look attractive more than ever!


    Other than that, the blue necktie really entuated the color of his suit, making him all the more attractive when people knew that this is just a simple suit worn formally by professors!


    As Pan An went to the middle of the room, he looked at his students and greeted everyone that made thedies immediately reply to him.


    "Good morning, ss."


    "Good morning professor~!"


    Shi Lian rolled her eyes at them, scoffing at the same time as she showed her disgust.


    "Flirts."


    With Shu Xian''s eyes glued on the professor, the professor discreetly looked at her, making her heart beat fast when their eyes met for a moment.


    What the professor did next however made Shu Xian widen her eyes, making her immediately blush as Zhang Ren and Shi Lian teased her.


    Professor Pan An gave her a quick wink before he took the attendance sheet on the table and gave it to the first person on the first row.


    "I''d like to save time, please. Do check your name on the attendance sheet and pass it around. Please be honest¡ªmy eyes are keen enough to know most of the people here with their names. If you signed your friend''s name, expect demerits on both of you."


    With that said, the students understood to always follow his instructions. With the professor now writing on the board, everyone waited expectantly as the attendance sheet is also being passed around the ssroom.


    Zhang Ren and Shi Lian looked at Shu Xian. With her slightly in a daze, Zhang Ren propped a hand under his chin and spoke, teasing Shu Xian.


    "See? I have good tastes, right? He looks so well in that necktie."


    "Hush!"


    Shu Xian snapped her head towards him, hitting his arm.


    "If you''re heard about this, I wouldn''t know what to do once this erupts as a rumor to the ss!"


    Shi Lian giggled, still admiring how the professor looks.


    "But I have to admit¡­ he does indeed look so attractive in the suit with the necktie that you gave him. Like¡­ woah¡­ we already know that he is popr but with him formally looking like a professor, he does have this hot professor vibes to it. I can''t me the students swooning for him."


    With that said, Shu Xian just looked down on her notebook, not wanting to look at the professor.


    However, when one student called the professor and attempted to make a smallment, her eyes drifted back to him, curious about Pan An''s answer to the student''s question.


    "You''re so extra handsome today, Professor Pan An! It must''ve been the necktie giving more oomph to your outfit?"


    With Pan An turning his body to look at his student, he smiled at her and nodded, answering her question that made Shu Xian''s soul almost escape her body.


    "Yes. It was given by someone special since she thought of my preferences well."


    "Eeeek!"


    With the girls swooning over the information given to them that it was given by someone special, it made Zhang Ren and Shi Lian snicker on their seats, Shu Xian, hiding her face with both of her hands.


    ''Oh, geez¡­ is he doing this on purpose to tease me or what?''

 Chapter 115 - What Annoyed Him More

    [Here are the first extra 2 chapters this midnight~! ^^ You''re still going to have your usual 2 chapterster at the usual time. ;) You guys amaze me every time with your support! Thank you! :D]


    ***


    As they were giving their homework to Professor Pan An as their way of double checking their attendance before he dismissed the ss, everyone turned in their school work. The professor was indeed satisfied that the students signed the attendance sheet well.


    If he found out that there were students who signed the name of their friends, he wouldn''t take it lightly.


    Other than that, he was also satisfied that his students had finished their homework, all of them in ss doing their research very well.


    "Okay. Now that everything is here and with the attendance done, I dismiss the ss."


    As the students were leaving the ss, the three, Shu Xian, Shi Lian, and Zhang Ren, were fixing their things, the professor looking at them as they were the only students left inside the ssroom.


    "Handsome, Professor Pan An!" Shi Lianmented, giving him a wink as well.


    "Thanks," Pan An said, patting his necktie that was on his chest. "I have to thank the person for this," he added, Zhang Ren and Shi Lian teasing Shu Xian with a "yieeee" sound, making her blush as she stood up from her seat.


    "Oh, stop it, you two!"


    With the two of themughing as the three of them walked away, Pan An looked at the time on his watch and saw that there are still five minutes left before his next ss.


    With him remembering that Shu Xian and Pan An talked about somethingst night with the wink and all given to her before he left the house, he caught Shu Xian by the wrist, stopping her in her tracks.


    "Y-yes?" Shu Xian asked, slightly surprised with what he did.


    Not answering her for a while, Pan An looked at his two friends, further surprising her with what he said, the two friends, grinning ear to ear as they are d to do the favor.


    "Watch the hallways. This will be quick."


    "Sure~!"


    With Zhang Ren and Shi Lian answering the professor in unison, Shu Xian opened her eyes and mouth wide, not expecting them to agree with the professor in a heartbeat.


    "You guys¡ªwhat!?"


    With the professor closing the door suddenly, he did his version of his kabe-don again¡ªthe doa-don since Shu Xian is against the door.


    As the professor''s face went nearer, Shu Xian shyly stared straight into Pan An''s eyes, nervous as her heart raced in her chest.


    "Wh-what''s wrong?" she asked, Pan An, somehow finding her attractive this close.


    Before he knew it, he marveled at her and what she was wearing for today, making him admire how she looked like right now.


    Her long, brown hair is untied. She didn''t wear any tint or blush on her face, her natural beauty swelling from within her. She only wore a simple white blouse and a ck skirt, entuating her wless legs.


    ''Damn¡­ why didn''t I notice her wearing these clothes before she left? She might''ve gathered the attention of unwanted men¡­ wait¡­ why is this bothering me, anyway?''


    "Uh¡­ Professor Pan An?"


    With her remembering that they are in the university and that Shu Xian needed to call him formally despite the situation, Pan An snapped himself out of his thoughts, asking her a question as a small smile appeared on his face.


    "Tell me¡­ what did you and Wang Lei talk about?"


    With the question thrown at her, Shu Xian couldn''t help but blink her eyes a few times, sooner orter blushing as she didn''t know how to answer his question.


    ''I''m not a good liar! I can''t tell Pan An that I asked Wang Lei on how to get his attention!''


    "Well?"


    As Shu Xian was still not answering his question, he averted her gaze from him, looking to her side as she said something different instead.


    "Th-the time¡­ it''s almost time, Professor Pan An."


    "Tell me¡­ or we''ll both bete to ss."


    With that said, Shu Xian couldn''t help but arch a brow at him, now looking at him straight in the eyes.


    "Oh? Are you really willing to bete in ss?"


    With a smirk on his face, he nodded, what he said further surprising Shu Xian as she wasn''t fully aware of the schedule today.


    "My next ss is full of freshmen students. They are to be gathered in the hallter for their freshmen event so my ss is canceled this time only for this Monday."


    "Wha¡ª"


    Pan An''s face inched in closer, his breath fanning over Shu Xian''s lips as he spoke again, sending shivers down her spine.


    "Tell me¡­ what did you talk about with Wang Lei¡­ if you don''t want to bete in your next ss. You have two minutes."


    With Shu Xian not wanting to bete in ss, she furrowed her brows together, already answering Pan An''s question.


    "I¡­ I asked him how to sessfully attract a man."


    "What?"


    With the answer given to him, Pan An''s eyebrow slightly twitched, not liking what he has heard.


    "You¡­ asked Wang Lei¡­ how to sessfully attract a man?"


    "Y-yes¡­"


    Pan An scoffed, "Why?"


    "I¡­ it''s none of your business!"


    With Shu Xian taking this opportunity to run away, the moment the bell rang, she ran off the moment she opened the door, surprising Zhang Ren and Shi Lian.


    "Wh-what happened?" Shi Lian asked, Pan An''s demeanor gloomy as it also somewhat scared Zhang Ren and Shi Lian who were still standing by the corridor.


    "Shi Lian¡­ is your brother at work as we speak?"


    With Shi Lian looking at the time on her wristwatch, she nodded, further giving him the answer that he needed.


    "Yes. Umm¡­ it''s Monday and it''s almost 9 AM so, yeah."


    As Pan An got his phone from his pocket, Shi Lian thought that he should warn him as she deduced that he may be calling him.


    "Calling him at this time of day may not be good since my brother is not in a good mood at work and¡ª"


    "Good," Pan An interrupted, "All the more reason to disturb him."


    With him putting the phone against his ear, he looked at the two and reminded them about their responsibility as a student.


    "Don''t you have a ss to attend to?"


    With that heard, both of them reluctantly walked away, Zhang Ren, whispering to Shi Lian to ask questions in which Shi Lian answered so he would understand the professor''s connection to her brother.


    As the phone rang, waiting to be answered, Pan An couldn''t help but feel annoyed, wanting to know why Shu Xian had asked such a thing from him.


    What annoyed him more is why he felt uneasy about this¡ªas if he didn''t like her to attract men at all!

 Chapter 116 - Attracted To The Lady

    [Here are the first extra 2 chapters this midnight~! ^^ You''re still going to have your usual 2 chapterster at the usual time. ;) You guys amaze me every time with your support! Thank you! :D]


    ***


    Shu Xian stopped by the door of her next ss. With her panting as she ran in the hallways, she was d that no one has seen her running away to scold her since that would be too embarrassing.


    Heck, what surprised her more is the fact that she was able to run away with wearing a skirt! Yes, she knew that she was wearing shorts underneath, but still¡­ if her skirt were flying around as she ran away, that would''ve been too embarrassing!


    With Zhang Ren and Shi Lian now catching up, Shu Xian looked at them, still catching her breath.


    "What''s up with you running away from the professor?" Shi Lian asked as she crossed her arms in front of her chest, not specifying who they were talking about.


    "I¡­ he¡­"


    With the bell ringing once more, everyone now headed to their next ss, Shu Xian, sighing as she was desperate to tell her friends what had happened.


    "I''ll tell you guyster over lunch. For now, I don''t want to jeopardize my acads."


    "Alright, alright," Zhang Ren said, shaking his head. "Even in this situation with whatever it is that is worrying you, you really focus on your acads."


    The three of them then entered the ssroom. They actually couldn''t wait for lunch toe so they would be able to talk about this and end their curiosity.


    ***


    Since it is Pan An''s break, he immediately went to the library, inside Wang Fang''s office.


    With him sitting on the leather couch as Wang Fang was doing her business, the call finally connected after the fifth attempt, Wang Lei immediately shouting at his friend the moment it connected.


    "What the fuck!? Are you mad? I''m working! What the hell do you want?!"


    It did not need to be in loudspeaker for Wang Fang to hear what the other person on the line had said. With her looking at Pan An briefly with a smirking to her face as she continued typing on her keyboard, Pan An talked to Wang Lei who is obviously annoyed.


    "What did you talk about with Shu Xian?"


    "What?" There was annoyance etched in the tone of his voice. "You¡­ called me for this in the middle of my work pile!?"


    "I just need an answer."


    Wang Lei heaved a heavy sigh. With Pan An expectantly waiting for his answer, he sounded sarcastic, making Wang Fangugh the moment the call disconnected.


    "You want an answer? Fine¡­ fuck off!"


    With Wang Fang tipping her head up as sheughed, Pan An couldn''t help but scoff as he kept his phone in his pocket, now talking to the Chief Librarian.


    "He''s like a man full of mood swings. One moment he''s okay, and then the next moment, he''s this¡­ you know."


    "Well, aren''t we all?" Wang Fang said, taking a small break from her work. She put her eyesses down, then further talked to Pan An. "I could understand him. With you suddenly visiting my office."


    Hearing this, Pan An couldn''t help but roll his eyes at what she said.


    "Come on, Wang Fang¡­ not you, too?"


    "Don''t worry," Wang Fang said, letting out a smallugh. "Unlike him, I kinda enjoy this interruption. This document is killing me!"


    With Wang Fang now standing up to get herself a ss of water from the water dispenser, she then leaned on her desk and talked to Pan An, wondering what''s bothering him.


    "If you were bothering your friend this much, what are you worried about?"


    "Nnngh¡­"


    Pan An let out a groan. With him remembering what Shu Xian had said, he figured he could talk to Wang Fang about this since they are now indeed close and Wang Fang is another person he could trust.


    "Shu Xian¡­ she''s working under you, right?"


    "Yes, you introduced herself to me. Why? Are you regretting it?"


    "No," Pan An immediately replied, "She seems so happy that she got this schrship. It actually made me happy, too, since I have helped a person who needed it."


    "Great, then," Wang Fangmented, putting down the ss of water on her desk then crossed her arms in front of her chest. "Then, what are you worrying for?"


    Pan An paused for a while. With him wanting to talk about this to Wang Fang as well, he wondered if it is alright to tell her. But knowing her so far, she is indeed a trustworthy person that he''s d to be friends with.


    "You see¡­ Shu Xian¡­ she actually lives with me."


    "I beg your pardon?"


    With Wang Fang''s eyes widening in shock, Pan An nodded to further confirm what he said, heaving a sigh at the same time.


    "I trust you, so I can easily tell you this. You see, her family background isplicated. She has no ce to stay. I saved her from attackers one night, and then asked her to stay with me with her dog. And to cut the long story short, as help, too, she wanted to work as a student assistant for finances."


    "I see¡­ I figured that her family background isplicated," Wang Fang said, already letting out a small sigh. "It was something that she cried about when I asked her about it."


    As Wang Fang now sat back on her office chair, she still continued conversing with Pan An, further telling her what she thinks about this.


    "Don''t worry, your secret is safe with me. I could see that Shu Xian is a good girl. But something tells me¡­ that this is not something that you want to talk about since another thing is bothering you?"


    With a grin appearing on Pan An''s face, he was amazed to notice how keen Wang Fang is,plimenting her at the same time.


    "Very observant. Fine¡­ I''ll tell you what''s worrying me."


    With Pan An now telling her what has happened a while ago and what he could be worrying about, it made Wang Fang want to scold him, too, thinking what if rumors would start between them because of what he was doing.


    As Wang Fang listened to him, however, she started to make assumptions, prepared in telling what she thinks to Pan An. She waited for him to finish talking first with the thought in mind that Pan An could possibly be¡­


    Attracted to thedy, Shu Xian.

 Chapter 117 - How Could You Not Develop Something

    As Pan An was talking about Shu Xian to Wang Fang, she had a series of facial expressionsing to her face. To shock, to smiles, to frowns¡­ she couldn''t help but show these expressions to Pan An as she thought that there is no need to mask it.


    Of course, Pan An didn''t tell her the part that he came from an affluent family. He may trust Wang Fang, yes¡­ but he wouldn''t want to tell details about him and his family.


    When Pan An told her about his mother setting him up in blind dates, it was taken normally as it is indeed normal for parents to set up their children in such dates especially if they are nearing their 30s and want them to have a family.


    When Pan An told Wang Fang that Shu Xian is helping him ward his mother off, she couldn''t help but shake her head, crossing her arms in front of her chest.


    "Poor Shu Xian," shemented, her eyes on Pan An as she arched a brow at him. "You know that she has never fallen in love with anyone and then you are taking this opportunity from her?"


    Pan An furrowed his brows and said, "Wang Fang¡­ you''re making me feel guilty now."


    Wang Fang shrugged, "As you should be! Shu Xian is a young girl! Of course, she''s doing things for you because you have done her favors. She''s a good girl so she''s willing to do it!"


    Pan An couldn''t help but mumble, but still enough for Wang Fang to hear.


    "But I want my mother to stop her incessant setting me up in blind dates¡­"


    "I know you want to stop it," Wang Fang said, sighing. "But Shu Xian obviously hasn''t fallen in love with someone else. Like you said when you teased her, there is a possibility that she may like you with both of you faking the rtionship sometimes."


    With that said, Pan An bit his bottom lip, d that he is having this talk with someone who is open-minded and mature.


    "So, what do you think I''d do?"


    Wang Fang shrugged and answered, "I don''t know. To be honest, this is the dilemma. You are helping her, too. With her not getting money yet for her own ce and with her studying here for free tuition, then maybe you''d wait until she earns from the monthly allowance?"


    "Hmm¡­"


    With Pan An looking at Wang Fang as she was now putting on her eye sses in preparation to continue typing her document, he made a suggestion, further surprising her.


    "Can''t you take Shu Xian with you?"


    "I beg your pardon?"


    With Pan An making the suggestion, he sighed, hearing Wang Fang''s reaction, too.


    "Yeah¡­ it may be too much to ask from you, huh? I mean¡­ it''s gonna get difficult soon¡ªwith us living near the university, too. What if the students see us?"


    "Hmm¡­"


    With Wang Fang contemting for a while, she crossed her arms in front of her chest, nodding slowly to what he said.


    "Yes¡­ that could make some trouble for you two," Wang Fangmented, Pan An, arching a brow at her.


    "So¡­ what you''re saying¡­ are you willing?"


    "Well¡­" Wang Fang nodded, a smile appearing on her face. "I could help the girl. I could help you, too! It would mean that I''m hitting two birds in one stone. Sure! She seems to be a good gal¡ªI can keep this a secret, too!"


    "Wow! You epted it in a heartbeat¡­" Pan Anmented, furrowing his brows. "I thought you wouldn''t like it."


    "Why not? You sound disappointed," Wang Fang said, narrowing her eyes at him and teased him. "Don''t tell me¡­ that you''re going to miss Shu Xian once she''s away?"


    "Wh-what?"


    With Wang Fang teasing him and with Pan An stammering on his words, she couldn''t help but smirk, proceeding to type her document.


    "No! It''s not that I''m going to miss Shu Xian. It''s just that I''m d that someone is willing to help, too! I mean¡­ she is indeed a good girl and it would only make things difficult for us as we continue to stay with each other. It might make rumors when people see us identally and¡ª"


    "Raaax," Wang Fang interrupted,ughing at the same time. "Goodness, Pan An. You''re so defensive!"


    "You were thinking differently so¡­ can''t help it."


    Wang Fang rolled her eyes at him. With her tapping her fingers on the table, she further talked to him, asking him a question.


    "Now that you told me about the girl, is this what you''re worrying about, or is there something else?"


    "Well, there is something else," Pan An started, sighing. "You see, my friend, the one I called a while ago, stayed the night after we were drinking. This morning, he had a secret conversation through a wink with Shu Xian. And then when I asked her, she said something... and¡­"


    Wang Fang arched a brow at him.


    "You''re acting like a child. So what she said, you didn''t like it?"


    "Yes," Pan An answered, narrowing his eyes at her. "And sorry for acting like a child."


    With Wang Fang letting out anotherugh, she further gestured her hand to ask Pan An what it is that is bothering him, making her widen her eyes with what she heard next.


    "I asked her what they were talking about. At first, Shu Xian didn''t want to tell me, but when I forced her, telling her that she would bete in ss, she said that she asked my best friend on how to attract men."


    Wang Fang had it¡ªshe tipped her head up,ughing like a seal as she was pping her hands, too, finding Pan An funny. Seeing her this way, Pan An furrowed his brows, her reaction something opposite to her calm and beautiful demeanor.


    "Oh, Pan An¡­ you''re such a child. I know that I am in no position to tell this since I am no expert in love, but hey¡­ this is enough to tell me that you being irritated by it, you don''t like her to attract any man at all!"


    With that said, Pan An scoffed in disbelief, rolling his eyes at Wang Fang.


    "What? So absurd¡­"


    "Oh, really?" Wang Fang shook her head. "You''re starting to fancy the girl, Pan An."


    "What? I¡ª"


    "Come on. Be mature on this," Wang Fang interrupted, further typing on her keyboard once more. "With you two always together and with you two acting like a couple, how could you not develop something towards her, even the slightest?"

 Chapter 118 - Sure! Anytime.

    "Oh, really?" Wang Fang shook her head. "You''re starting to fancy the girl, Pan An."


    "What? I¡ª"


    "Come on. Be mature on this," Wang Fang interrupted, further typing in her keyboard once more. "With you two always together and with you two acting like a couple, how could you not develop something towards her, even the slightest?"


    With Wang Fang saying that, Pan An couldn''t help but be silent for a while.


    Is she right, though? The only time he started liking a girl and loving her to bits was only with Ruo Xi. After how many years, she is still the woman in his mind.


    Could it be that Wang Fang is right and that Shu Xian has the possibility to make his heart swoon?


    No¡­ this is only the beginning¡­ he still had to prove this himself. It''s only a week since they stayed together. A lot of things can happen and they could debunk this idea in the future.


    They don''t know what''s bound to happen¡ªso they will only have to see it by then.


    But with his jealousy and with him feeling uneasy¡­ could it possibly be a developing crush towards the girl?


    ''No¡­ this can''t be,'' Pan An thought, shaking his head. ''I have yet to confirm¡ªnot in this way. I should not deduce too early. Besides, we''re staying and are always together... that''s why. Right?''


    Wang Fang watched the man in his office shaking his head and his lips mumbling to himself. He looked like a man losing his sanity, her being the therapist that he is talking to.


    With a soft chuckle escaping from her mouth, Pan An looked at her, Wang Fang arching a brow at him as she spoke.


    "You could not think serious about this, you know," she said, smiling at the same time. "It''s too early. You guys are still getting to know each other¡ªa week has passed."


    With that said, she got her ss of water from the desk and drank it, further talking to Professor Pan An.


    "Anyway, we should schedule a dinner with the girl. She should know our n in advance. If we let her knowte, she will be surprised," she added, Pan An, nodding in agreement.


    "Thank you, Wang Fang. When do you want to have the dinner?"


    "Maybe tomorrow or tonight? I want it in the new restaurant, Molto Affamato! By the way, the house will be prepared in a week. So she will still have to stay with you by then."


    With that said, Pan An didn''t know why, but a smile crept his face, making Wang Fang roll her eyes at him.


    "I guess that smile is saying: ''Yes! I can still stay with her a bit longer than I thought!''"


    "Wang Fang¡­" Pan An furrowed his brows, "You''re really enjoying teasing me, huh?"


    "Sorry," Wang Fang apologized along with a chuckle, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "Maybe you''d also be happy to know that the house that she will be staying in would be found across your house¡ªthat empty house before your gate."


    When Pan An said this, she pointed at Wang Fang as if using her of something, his mouth and eyes opened wide.


    "You¡­ that''s your house!?"


    "Well, my mother''s before she remarried. We lived there before and for some reason, my mother didn''t want to let it go despite the sad memories. Anyway¡­"


    With thating out in a sort of a rush, Pan An sensed that it is something sensitive to ask, so he didn''t dare push on further even though he was curious about it.


    "So, Shu Xian will live there. I will tell her that it''s a house that needs someone to watch over since it''s not even visited for a while. I will ask someone to clean for her before she stays there so she won''t have any problems hindering her studies."


    As Wang Fang continued talking, Pan An couldn''t help but think that there may be a secret behind Wang Fang. With how she is talking, she speaks as if she knows a lot of people who could do work for her¡­


    Making her sound like a daughter from a known, rich family.


    "Also, if you guys are seen there talking together or whatever, it''s alright¡ªbetter than you two seen living together. Because if they saw where Shu Xian lives, they will just say: ''Oh, they''re neighbors,'' or something like that."


    As Pan An was nodding his head while he listened, he couldn''t help but prop a hand under his chin, his eyes not leaving Wang Fang as he is now further curious about her going on and on about her ns.


    "Shu Xian will not have a problem with her dog, either! She will be able to walk and then leave her in the garden if she wants. I''ll have gardeners to fix the ce, too, since it has been neglected very long."


    "What about our ns of doing monthly groceries?"


    "Oh, that is beyond me already. It will be weird if I provide for her. Since both of you do groceries monthly like you said, you can still share and she will still make the food for you since you''re bringing lunch boxes, right?"


    "Uhuh¡­ and the bills?"


    "Oh, Shu Xian wouldn''t have to worry about that. I can tell her that her staying there is already enough payment for the bills and all¡ªI''ll take care of it."


    "Mhm¡­"


    With Pan An nodding his head interestingly, Wang Fang froze in her seat, realizing that she talked way more than she should.


    With her slowly turning her head towards Pan An, he had a grin on his face, the professor narrowing his eyes at her and made ament.


    "You seem so able and rich, Wang Fang. From which affluent family are you from? Hmm?"


    Wang Fang didn''t like to talk about her family. With her rambling on and on about her ns as if she has people on her beck and call, she gulped slightly, smiling at Pan An as she feigned ignorance.


    "What do you mean? I''m just a woman who''s saving well and have connections. There is no meaning behind the words I''m saying. I''m a helpful person¡ªlike you."


    With that said, Pan An just nodded his head slowly, his curiosity about her still lingering at the back of his mind.


    "Alright, if you say so," he just said, Wang Fang, continuing to type as she feigned ignorance still.


    "I''ll text you up¡ªmaybe we have the dinnerter," she added, Pan An, already looking at the time on his wrist watch, seeing that he has 10 minutes before his next ss.


    "Alright. I''ll be going then, Wang Fang. Thank you so much for the talk."


    "Sure! Anytime."

 Chapter 119 - It Was Also The Place

    [This is the extra one chapter that I promised you since we have reached 300 stones! Later, you will still get your usual 2 chapters update. :3 Thank you so much for the support! :D]


    ***


    "I''ll text you up¡ªmaybe we have the dinnerter," she added, Pan An, already looking at the time on his wrist watch, seeing that he has 10 minutes before his next ss.


    "Alright. I''ll be going then, Wang Fang. Thank you so much for the talk."


    "Sure! Anytime."


    With that, Pan An left the office. With him immediately getting his phone to talk to his secretary about searching Wang Fang''s information, Wang Fang also got her phone and directly talked to their family secretary, instructing her without even saying hello.


    "Block any necessary means of research on our family. ASAP! If someone by the name of Pan An is trying to search me, let me know immediately."


    Without even saying good bye, the call ended, making Wang Fang furrow her brows as she nkly stared at the door.


    ''This Pan An¡­ he may be more than just a professor, but then again¡­ he doesn''t seem to be a bad guy. Still, though. I want a lowkey life. I wouldn''t want anyone to know about my family.''


    As Wang Fang put down the phone on her desk, she sighed and ran her hand through her hair, shaking her head as she was now thinking that Pan An, her newly gained friend, may have been from an affluent family, too, with the question that he threw on her.


    "Mm¡­ maybe I should not overthink," Wang Fang talked to herself, sighing. "He may only be curious¡­ but it''s better to be safe than sorry."


    Wang Fang didn''t really like people knowing about her background.


    Yes, she is not ashamed of her family and is indeed fact proud of them.


    However, with her working as a librarian in a university, she wouldn''t want people to make an issue of this, making their family a talk among the crowd.


    With her not even blood rted to the main family, she wouldn''t want to be the talk of the whole city. Her mother remarried and it was a happy marriage with her husband epting her of who she is. She wouldn''t want them to further talk about the family and just stay lowkey.


    As she let out another sigh, her sister came to her mind again. With her furrowing her brows and with her remembering how her mother is getting those bad dreams of the past every now and then, she couldn''t help but call her mother.


    As she got the phone and dialed her number, the call connected on the second ring, a cheery voice sounding on the other end of the line.


    "Wang Fang, dearie~! Is something wrong?"


    "Mama¡­" Wang Fang smiled, feeling slightly better that her mother sounds good this morning. "I just called to check in. How are you?"


    "Oh, I am alright, child. I am having tea at the garden. I will soon be taking the dog for a walk in our maze!"


    "Oh, alright, mama," Wang Fang said, further relieved that her mother is doing things to cope with the past that''s been worrying her. "I was wondering¡­ if you want someone to watch over the old house where we lived since it has been untouched for many years?"


    With Wang Fang suggesting this to her mother, the other person on the line suddenly went quiet. Since Wang Fang called her mother and the thought of Shu Xian passing by her mind, she thought that she would also take this opportunity to tell her mom.


    "Mama?"


    "Oh?"


    With Wang Fang''s mother suddenly replying, she snapped out of her thoughts, taking a sip of her tea before putting the cup down on the table.


    "Sure. You can do anything that you want with the house since it is indeed under us still."


    "Don''t worry, mama," Wang Fang said, tapping her finger on the table as she wasn''t sure of how to take in what her mother had said since the house held sentimental value on her. "I will just be helping a student who doesn''t have a house. She is working under me in the library."


    "Oh! You''re helping a student? Oh, alright. If you trust the student, then why not? If you say that she doesn''t have a house and it''s a girl, then it is alright."


    With her voice sounding lighter this time, it made Wang Fang sigh in relief, making her nod even though her mother won''t see.


    "Alright. Since she is a student and is struggling, I''d only require for her to housekeep the house and earn money until she has a ce to stay. She''s a hardworking girl, mama. I pity her because she doesn''t even know her family."


    "Oh, that does sound unfortunate indeed," Wang Fang''s mother said, sighing at the same time. "Since she will be taking care of the house, I need to at least meet her sometime, yes?"


    "Of course, mama," Wang Fang answered immediately, her smile not leaving her face. "Don''t worry. Not only do I vouch for her, but another professor, too. She''s a smart girl as I heard from him. We can trust her on the house rather than leave it unattended."


    "Alright, dearie. I trust you," her mother said, already taking another sip of her tea before talking. "Tell me when she''s already settled and we''ll schedule a visit, alright? I''d like to meet the girl who''s going to take care of the house."


    "Sure, mama."


    "Okay. Good bye, Wang Fang! Don''t stress yourself too much at work. Alright?"


    "Yes, mama."


    With the call ending, Wang Fang heaved another sigh, happy that her mother is willing to help, too. At first, she thought telling this to her mom would be a problem since the house is not only a ce where it held sentimental value¡­


    But it was also the ce where both of them lived before she remarried and got pregnant¡ªthe ce where her stepdad frequently visited before they lived with him in the main house.


    However, with her epting the suggestion of having someone to watch over the house, it made Wang Fang feel happy that both of them are helping another student in need.

 Chapter 120 - My Brother Wont Say A Thing

    Before they knew it, lunch break already came quicker than they thought.


    The moment the university bell rang, they all went to the cafeteria to find a table so they can talk over lunch.


    "Don''t you know how much I''ve been waiting for time to arrive? I mean¡­ what happened with you dashing off from the ssroom? I can''t help but think why you did that."


    With Shu Xian rolling her eyes at him, she sighed, already walking faster than those two people who are with her.


    "We''re going to talk about it this lunch. Be patient!"


    As they already arrived in the cafeteria, a lot of students were already seated and either talking with their friends, doing their school work, or eating their lunches.


    The moment they saw a table which is found on the far corner of the cafeteria, they sat and took out their lunch boxes, Shi Lian, getting her wallet instead.


    "Wait for me. I''ll get something to eat."


    With her already walking away, Shu Xian drank some of her water for a while, Zhang Ren, looking at her with furrowed brows.


    "You know¡­ you''re kinda worrying me. Is the professor in any way, making things difficult for you?"


    Shu Xian shook her head. She sensed sincerity in Zhang Ren''s voice, too, making her look at him with a smile on her face.


    "Don''t worry¡­ nothing of the kind," Shu Xian assured, letting out a small sigh. "It''s just that¡­ he''s been asking me something so shameless, so I''m not sure on how to take it," she added, Shi Lian, already arriving with a lunch tray.


    Her lunch tray only had congee, bao, and then a bottled water. Looking at her lunch, Shu Xian sighed, opening her lunch box to reveal meatballs.


    "We can share our lunch with you if you want," she suggested, Shi Lian''s eyes lighting up as she saw how delicious Shu Xian''s lunch is.


    "Wow! Thank you!"


    Shi Lian then expectantly looked at Wang Lei''s lunch box. With him opening his lunch for Shi Lian to see, it revealed sweet and sour fish, making her eyes sparkle like stars in the sky.


    "Lemme taste yours!"


    Wang Lei couldn''t help but choke on his own saliva, making Shu Xian furrow her brows with how perverse Wang Lei had thought.


    Taking this as an opportunity to tease him, though, Shi Lian narrowed her eyes at him and made a suggestivement.


    "You''re thinking of something different, huh? Why? Do you want me to taste¡ª"


    "Shi Lian, Wang Lei¡­"


    Shu Xian interrupted, both of them looking at her.


    "You guys, no suggestive conversations in front of food please. Have mercy on this innocent girl. Geez... how can you two speak this way when you just met?"


    With them already getting their chopsticks¡ªfor Shi Lian, spoon since she''s having congee¡ªthe three of them started eating, remembering the topic that they are about to talk.


    "Anyway, what happened that made you run away from professor?"


    With Shi Lian asking the question before she put a spoonful of congee in her mouth, Shu Xian bit her bottom lip, what she said next surprising her two friends with her.


    "He asked me what I talked about with Wang Lei¡­ and I told him that I asked how to attract a man."


    "What?"


    Zhang Ren ''s rice in his chopsticks fell back in his lunchbox. With this already told, Shi Lian furrowed her brows, validating what Shu Xian had told them.


    "Wait, wait¡­" Shi Lian put her spoon down for a while. "So you were talking with my brotherst night about how to attract men?"


    "Yes."


    Shi Lian arched a brow at her and said, "I know that my brother drank with you-know-who and stayed the night, but I didn''t know that you were having such a conversation with my brother. Why?"


    Shu Xian sighed, looking at Zhang Ren as he is now part of the group quicker than the girls even realized.


    Besides, Shu Xian didn''t know why, but she somehow knows that Zhang Ren is a person whom they can trust with anything.


    "I trust you¡­ so you won''t tell anything about this, yeah?"


    "Sure," Zhang Ren said, a smile appearing on his face. "I don''t have friends. You guys are the only few ones I have. Cross my heart."


    With that said, Shu Xian took a bite of her meatballs. As she chewed with her rice, she then swallowed, further telling everyone about Pan An''s mother asking a favor from her of making Pan An fall for her so that he would forget his ex.


    Zhang Ren and Shi Lian were all ears on their friend, willing to listen as they didn''t interrupt her while she continued talking.


    "So to cut the long story short¡­ I was only asking Wang Lei how to get you-know-who''s attention. However, when Pan An got curious about it because of your brother''s wink, he threatened me that he will make mete to ss. So I told him I asked how to attract men and didn''t answer his why."


    "Because you already ran away?" Zhang Ren asked, Shu Xian, nodding in agreement.


    "Yes. Because I already ran away."


    Shi Lian couldn''t help butugh out loud. With her pping her hands, both of them were looking at her, wondering what she''sughing about.


    "You know, he might be ufortable with the thought of you wanting to attract other men when you only don''t want him to know that it''s him you''re targeting."


    With Shi Lian saying this, Zhang Ren already got what she meant, a grin already creeping to his face as he chuckled.


    "Am I missing something?" Shu Xian asked, arching a brow at both of them.


    Zhang Ren looked at her, his grin still not leaving his face.


    "You see¡­ the moment you ran away, he asked Shi Lian if her brother is working as we speak. She told yes and even warned him of his pissed off attitude at the time of the day, but still proceeded to call... maybe to ask about it from him."


    "Oh, geez¡­"


    With Shu Xian''s hands covering her face, her two friends keptughing, Shi Lian, shaking her head as she took this opportunity to get one of Shu Xian''s meatballs.


    "Don''t worry. If my brother telling you-know-who about it is what you''re worrying about, I can vouch for that stupid oaf¡ªmy brother won''t say a thing."


    With Shi Lian saying this, Shu Xian felt assured, removing both of her hands from her face.


    "Since you know your brother too well, then I trust you."


    With that, the three of them then continued talking about it over lunch time, after this, already the duty of Shu Xian and Zhang Ren in the library.

 Chapter 121 - Never Mind...

    Shu Xian and Zhang Ren were already in their workstations, doing their tasks in their afternoon duty hours.


    "Time is so slooow¡­"


    For some reason, time in the library today seemed like it froze¡ªthe hands on the clock unmoving.


    With them not doing anything this afternoon since the morning duty people did most of it, leaving only a few for them, there was nothing for them to do other than watch the station.


    "With the other colleges scheduling their freshmen event per degree, then we have no choice but to have inactivity for a while from patrons this week."


    "Whaaaat? Being in afternoon duty is a bummer, then."


    "True," Zhang Ren said, scratching the back of his head. "But I wouldn''t like to work in the morning, too, since I don''t want to take up early."


    Zhang Ren then got his backpack. With him getting his notebook, Shu Xian narrowed her eyes at him, already knowing what he''s going to do.


    "Wait¡­ don''t tell me that you''re going to do your homework during duty hours?"


    "Yes," Zhang Ren said, smiling proudly. "Chill, Shu Xian. We''re doing nothing but watch the station. With only having a few patronsing and going, why not?"


    "We know we''re not allowed to do that during work," Shu Xian scolded, Zhang Ren, patting her back.


    "Aaah¡­ newbie spirit. Don''t worry. Once you get the hang of it, you''ll do the same. You can also surf the if you want. As long as people don''t catch you doing it."


    With that said, Shu Xian couldn''t help but roll her eyes at him, Zhang Ren, already opening the browser to search for his homework and do it in his notebook to take down notes.


    "Besides, this is going to save up time. Imagine¡­ take this opportunity to do your homework while it''s stillx,ter when you get home, you won''t do anything but rest or cook."


    "Oh!"


    With that suggestion, Shu Xian''s eyes lit up, smiling as well.


    "Now that youpletely convinced me¡­ okay, I''ll do it, then."


    Zhang Ren smiled, saying ament that made Shu Xianugh.


    "I''m sorry for being a bad influence."


    "Just learning from you since you seem so experienced."


    Both of them then started doing their homework. Since both of them have two sses that they are taking together, they started doing the homework they had inmon first, before doing their specific homework in their own major subjects.


    As Shu Xian was taking down notes, the topic that she had with Wang Lei popped in her mind, making her put down her pen for a while.


    ''Is his suggestions really helpful?''


    Shu Xian tapped her fingers on the table. With her cocking her head to the side, she was pulled in her thoughts, already thinking about what to do if Cai Li is really hoping for Pan An to like her.


    ''Hmm¡­ shall I take into consideration what Wang Lei said, or search something from the?''


    With thetter part getting her attention, Shu Xian bit her bottom lip. As Zhang Ren was focused on doing his homework, Shu Xian took this opportunity to search in her own workstation, putting on the search engine the question:


    How to make a man fall in love with you?


    The moment she hit enter, the first thing that came were 16 suggestions, making her blush the moment she read all of them.


    1.   Always Be Super Nice to Him


    2.   Don''t Be Overly Amodating


    3.   Always Look Your Best


    4.   Always Listen to Him


    5.   Come Up With Surprises


    6.   Laugh a Lot When You''re Around Him


    7.   Make Him Realize How Simr You Are


    8.   Let Him Know What Makes You Special


    9.   Be a Little Different Than Other Women


    10.  Show Him He Can Trust You


    11.  Do Things for Him That Won''t Benefit You


    12.  Compliment Him Whenever You Can


    13.  Be Patient


    14.  Never Try to Change Him


    15.  Make Sure You Have Intelligent Conversations with Him


    16.  Choose Small Ways to Show Him You''re Thinking About Him


    She was blushing by the thought that she was asking the inte for some suggestions! Furthermore, what she first read was something so generic¡ªso general¡ªmaking her ask why and how.


    She was surfing the to look for answers. But it turns out that it made her more confused, not knowing what to do.


    However, what caught her specific attention was no. 16, stating that a woman could choose small ways to show him that she''s thinking about him.


    "Little things mean a lot in a rtionship. Send him texts asionally to let him know you''re thinking about him, or send him a surprise greeting card in the mail so he can have tangible proof that you''re thinking of him. Leave a sweet note under his windshield wipers, or put a post-it note on his work desk. There are numerous ways to let him know you''re thinking about him, and they won''t go to waste."


    Shu Xian kept circling this paragraph from the article. However, little did she know that someone was actually reading along with her, Zhang Ren suddenly talking surprising Shu Xian.


    "You know, that''s somehow over the top with other men."


    Shu Xian jumped in her seat. With her body turning to look at him after she exited the browser, she hit him on the shoulder, making Zhang Renugh.


    "Y-you were reading what I was searching this whole time!?"


    "Yes," Zhang Ren honestly answered, "Seriously, Shu Xian¡­ this is something that''s worrying you? What you saw¡ªmost of them are too much."


    "Too much?"


    Shu Xian furrowed her brows, not understanding what Zhang Ren is saying since she is indeed foreign to the topic of love and rtionships.


    "Why?"


    "Well¡­"


    Zhang Ren trailed off, swiveling his chair to face Shu Xian.


    "You see, some men don''t like women who are giving themselves too much to him because you would seem like an easy girl¡ªalways there for them. It''s easier for men to leave and take for granteddies like that."


    "Oh¡­"


    Shu Xian slowly nodded, already understanding what he meant. With Zhang Ren sighing, he propped a hand under his chin, what he said further making Shu Xian blush.


    "Want to ask tips from me, too?"


    "Erm¡­"


    With Shu Xian already shy about what they''re talking about, she just shook her head, focusing on her homework instead.


    "Never mind¡­ this is too awkward to talk about now."

 Chapter 122 - Hell Be Wanting For More

    As Shu Xian was busy doing her homework, it was now Zhang Ren''s turn to get distracted.


    With him seeing that Shu Xian is even searching this, he did his own research, already reading it when he came across the article from the entitled, "Psychologists Exin 15 Ways to Make A Man Fall In Love With You."


    As a smile crept on Zhang Ren''s face, he tapped Shu Xian''s shoulder, getting her attention.


    "If you''re still worried with what you were searching about, I can show you one article that passed."


    With Shu Xian rolling her eyes at him, Zhang Ren just sent her the link in a chat of their phone for safety purposes or else their other staff members or co-student assistants might see them "cking off."


    The moment Shu Xian opened the link by clicking the hyperlink on the chat, it opened to a new browser, making Shu Xian widen her eyes the moment she saw the title and the content.


    Psychologists Exin 15 Ways to Make A Man Fall In Love With You


    As Shu Xian skimmed on the introduction of the article, Zhang Ren read with her, Shu Xian, proceeding to read the 15 ways enumerated in the article with its in-depth exnation.


    1. BE YOURSELF


    Clinical psychologist Merry Lin writes in her book ''The Fully Lived Life'', "Faking your way through life is believing that if you let people know the real you, they won''t like you.


    "The tapes that y in your head say that if people really knew what was going on inside you, they would lose respect for you. While you y those roles, juggling those masks you have to wear and hiding your pain ¡­ the pressure increases to keep pretending you have it all together."


    Therefore, none of this will work if you''re pretending to be someone you''re not! You want the guy to fall in love with you, not someone you''re pretending to be. So, ditch your Sandra Dee from the end of Grease persona and just be who you are.


    2. LOOK YOUR BEST


    You don''t have to go on a diet and change your hair to look your best. All you have to do is maximize your best features and make sure that you look as good as possible. Your beauty is unique, and doesn''t need any changes.


    3. LISTEN


    Having goodmunication skills is about more than being able tomunicate effectively. It''s also about being able to actively listen.


    Writer and journalist Irma Kurtz says, "No matter how bad things are, give your partner a chance to speak. We tend to jump in with an opinion before we''ve heard each other out. Don''t scream, keep your cool: it makes a big difference. So often, things can be resolved by learning to listen."


    Men have a lot to say, and when you show that you can listen, they''ll be more inclined to say the things that matter.


    4. LAUGHTER


    It''s proven thatughter is contagious. So, when you''reughing, you''re setting off chemicals in a guy''s brain to feel good. It can be totally addictive. If you''re trying to attract a guy, thenughter is the best way to draw him in and keep him wanting more.


    5. GOOD ATTITUDE


    People with poor attitudes are often extremely negative people and not fun to be around. Having a good attitude about things, especially when things might not be going right for you, is extremely attractive and charming. A guy is going to be drawn to your ability to stay positive.


    "Plus, by taking care of what you need to in your own life, you bring a more positive attitude back into the rtionship. The other person will start to treat you differently¡ªwithout you having done anything other than shift your energy into your own life," says wellness coach and author, Susan Biali.


    6. BE SWEET


    Everyone has the ability to be a little mean ¨C but there''s no reason to be! Turn off the part of your brain that wants to be catty and try being kind instead. Any guy will find that attractive. After all, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.


    7. FLIRT


    If you want a guy to fall in love with you, then you need to show him that you''re into him too! The best way is to flirt with him.


    When ites down to it, flirting is a mindset. It is saying to yourself, "I like them! I want to make them feel good by being nice,plimenting and letting them know that I like them."


    You can twirl your hair, but if you are not projecting warmth or even looking at them in the eye, it doesn''t count," says rtionship expert and television host Rachel DeAlto.


    Guys will be drawn to girls that they know are already attracted to them. Plus, flirting is a fun way to be intimate with someone.


    8. BE DIFFERENT


    Being yourself is a great way to be different. It may seem like guys all like the same type of girl, but that isn''t true. If you allow yourself to be different and swim upstream rather than go with the societal flow, worthy guys will notice. And, they''ll fall in love with all of your unique differences.


    9. BE WITTY


    You don''t have to go along with everything he says and agree with him. It''s okay to have a few friendly debates and challenge one another ¨C and being able to be witty and thinking quickly about your views will make him fall even more in love with you.


    10. GET PHYSICAL


    Guys don''t always have to be the ones who initiate physical contact. In fact, a lot of guys love it when a woman wraps her arms around him, or leans in for a kiss first.


    "Many times people be increasingly shy with the person they love the more time goes by. Keep your ''sex esteem'' alive by keeping up certain practices on a regr basis. This allows you to remain vibrant, sexy, and engaged in your love life," says licensed individual, couples, and sex therapist Sari Cooper, LCSW.


    Initiate the physical contact and he''ll be left wanting more.


    There were 5 more pointers to read but when Shu Xian specifically read number 10 so far, she blushed way more than she should, making her look at Zhang Ren usingly.


    "What are you making me read?" sheined, blinking her eyes a few times especially with her remembering thest line saying, "he''ll be left wanting for more."


    With augh escaping from Zhang Ren''s lips, he sighed, crossing his arms in front of his chest.


    "Come on! I''m helping you out here~!"


    Rolling her eyes at him, Shu Xian and Zhang Ren continued reading the remaining 5 pointers left in the article.

 Chapter 123 - Get To Know Each Other

    11. DON''T SMOTHER HIM


    It might be tempting to want to spend every waking moment with him, but remember that everyone needs alone time. Giving a guy the freedom to be himself will make sure that he''s alwaysing back to you in the end. If you prove that you''re not the type to get clingy, he''ll know you''re the right one.


    12. LET HIM CALL YOU


    If you want to talk to him or need to tell him something, calling him is totally fine! It''s normal! But sometimes, a guy needs to feel like he''s the one making the first move.


    So even if you''re dying to pick up the phone, let hime to you. He''ll be delighted by how happy you are to hear from him and fall even more in love.


    13. MAKE EYE CONTACT


    Eye contact is already proven to be one of the most effective bodynguage techniques there is.


    "Eye contact and a smile are all it takes! Three to four seconds of eye contact, plus a smile and you are golden. Most guys like to hedge their bets of being shot down, and those nonverbal cues let him know the odds are in his favor," adds DeAlto.


    If you''re trying to get a guy to fall for you, make sure you''re giving him a lot of eye contact. He''ll feel more and more connected to you while you get to know one another more.


    14. DON''T BE DESPERATE


    Chill! Rx! Don''t feel like your whole life is hinging in this rtionship. Make sure that you have your own supportwork and hobbies. Being with a guy is amazing, and building a rtionship together is phenomenal. But if you appear too desperate, it''s going to turn him off of the rtionship entirely.


    15. BE TRUSTWORTHY


    When a guy is falling in love, he''s going to tell you a lot of his insecurities.


    ording to love and marriage experts Dr. Charles D. Schmitz and Dr. Elizabeth A. Schmitz,


    "Trust is not something all loving rtionships start with¡­ But one thing is for sure; happy and sessful marriages and rtionships survive and thrive on the basis of this trust. Trust is so pervasive in their rtionship that they never give it a second thought. They expect it. It''s always there. It is part of the fabric of their rtionship."


    Be a trustworthy partner and keep his secrets safe. If he can trust you, he''ll fall in love with you no problem.


    Final thoughts


    Getting a guy to fall in love with you is more about being yourself and showing positive qualities, than any kind of gimmick. As long as you make sure that you''re being a good and kind human being, and guy of your choice will fall for you.


    As they were now finished reading the whole article, Zhang Ren proudly crossed his arms in front of his chest, Shu Xian, arching a brow at him.


    "So¡­ you think that this article is urate?"


    "Yes!" Zhang Ren eximed, scoffing at the same time. "Seriously, Shu Xian¡­ as a man myself, I am giving my insights on this. Usually, men don''t read articles on this but I''m doing so for you!"


    With Shu Xian chuckling, she contemted for a while, cocking her head to the side to ask him a question.


    "Hmm¡­ so when I read the article that I found, you were against it because it''s like giving myself too much to a man, right?"


    "Yes. Like this article, don''t make yourself too avable to men. Leave them guessing, but of course, don''t y too hard to get. But that works, too. Because you''d see if they''d give up on you easily or not."


    With Shu Xian nodding as she was understanding what Zhang Ren was saying, she then furrowed her brows further, making her feel slightly worried.


    "I really think I can''t pull this off¡­ I have never liked someone before and, uh¡­ I''m socially awkward at times."


    "I think you can take this to advantage," Zhang Ren said, a grin appearing on his face. "I mean¡­ to be honest, with how the professor is acting towards you based on your stories and what I saw, I could say that he may develop feelings towards you."


    "R-really?" Shu Xian twirled the ends of her hair, unsure of the idea. "Someone like me?"


    "Come on, Shu Xian," Zhang Ren scolded, rolling his eyes at her. "You don''t have to always look down on yourself."


    With Shu Xian smiling at Zhang Ren, he continued talking to her, further stating his point.


    "Look at this, yeah?"


    Zhang Ren swiveled his chair, looking at Shu Xian.


    "Both of you are getting closer. Both of you are pretending to date for the sake of his mom not to push him in blind dates, right? If you watch dramas or read stories wherein people pretend, most likely, they end up liking each other. It''s sorta like a given because of romantic advances even though fake."


    "Mm¡­ alright¡­ so I''ll just take baby steps, then¡­ and, uh¡­ try things that might attract him."


    "Yes," Zhang Ren nodded, giving his next suggestion. "You can keep on going with your fashion. I find it cute. Although, you can ask Shi Lian for more tips on this. Also, your normal conversations with him¡­ I think both of you enjoy whatever it is you''re talking about?"


    Shu Xian shrugged, "Erm¡­ I guess? Most of them small talk, but we do indulge ourselves in personal talks every now and then."


    "Oh!" Zhang Ren nodded slowly, "Maybe you guys need to get to know each other first. Other personal interests, dislikes, hobbies and such. By then, you would be able to talk about something and shock the other with the things that you know."


    Shu Xian pouted, what she said next making Zhang Renugh.


    "What I know so far is that he is a car enthusiast¡­ I don''t know much about cars. At first, I thought Lamborghini is a type of pasta. It sounded Italian."


    "Oh, if you tell this to him, he mightugh at it. It does have humor! Remember, humor is also a key here!"


    Shu Xian arched a brow at him.


    "Me? Attempting to make jokes? You may not be so close with me yet, but you know I''m quite the serious person here."


    With Shu Xian turning to look at herputer as she continued taking down notes for her homework, she sighed, already putting their topic aside.


    "Never mind¡­ thank you for the help, though. I''ll just wing it, whatever and whenever."


    "Come on, Shu Xian," Zhang Ren encouraged, patting her back. "You just have to get to know each other. Don''t worry!"


    As the school bell rang, it indicated that the hour had already passed, making them look at the time: already 3 PM.


    As by this time, most of the freshmen events are done, it''s getting livelier in the library, finally making the student assistants enthusiastic in their work.

 Chapter 124 - Not Answering Her Question

    The sun set in the sky as fresh colors brushed upon an artist''s canvas, as if those rays were destined to create a great work of art¡ªone given to those open to capturing simple moments in the soul.


    The orange gold stretches far and wide, the color of fire hearths and tangerines. It is but the reflection of the dawn, the promise of the rising sun thates after the velvety night has had its say and thend has rested once more.


    Shu Xian was asked to deliver books to other offices. As soon as she finished delivering the new college books filtered by the chief librarian to be assessed by each of the college department''s professors, she decided to admire the sunset as she walked through the corridor, back to the library.


    As she sighed, she noticed that the corridors by this time were empty, making her think that most of the students had left the university earlier as if they were still in high school¡ªneeding to leave the school grounds once sses have been dismissed.


    However, as she was walking, she was soon distracted by a sound that she was hearing from one ssroom, making her look through the space of the opened door.


    The moment she peered through, she saw Professor Pan An fixing his things. He was stacking the papers together and was keeping his pens in his pencil case. He also removed his eyesses and put it inside its case for safekeeping.


    Shu Xian cocked her head to the side. Seeing as the papers were marked with ink already, it indicated that Pan An might''ve stayed to check the papers so he would have a lesser workload at home.


    Shu Xian looked at the professor. Even after his sses, he still looked mesmerizing¡ªhow he entered the ss in the morning, still looking that attractive despite the number of sses that he had in a day.


    His hair was still perfectlybed in ce and he still looked sophisticated and mysterious. If any womanid their eyes on him, they would find themselves gaping at the professor until their attentions would be called.


    Shu Xian bit her bottom lip and shook her head. When she realized that she was one of those who were looking at him with expectant eyes, she wanted to leave, but s, her knee hit the door, the sound getting Pan An''s attention.


    As soon as the head of the professor shifted to Shu Xian, the youngdy winced and rolled her eyes, already noticing that Pan An is looking at her.


    ''Very smooth, Shu Xian,'' the youngdy thought to herself, ''You got the attention of the man you''ve been wanting to avoid.''


    "Shu Xian?"


    With Pan An calling out, Shu Xian smiled, turning her body to look at him and greeted him casually.


    "Hello, Professor Pan An," she greeted, both of her hands behind her back. "I was just passing by. If you''ll excuse me, I need to go back since it''s still duty hours."


    As Shu Xian was about to escape, Pan An quickly walked towards her, pulling her by the arm andpletely closed the door.


    With him turning off the lights and drawing some curtains to cover windows that would show them, he only left one specific window with undrawn curtains to give them light, the sunset passing through to give them a rather orange ssroom¡ªsomehow, a rather romantic setting.


    Shu Xian felt her heart racing in her chest. With her alone in the ssroom with Pan An, she didn''t know why, but she couldn''t avoid his gaze. She shyly stared straight into his eyes, her lips slightly parted before she even spoke.


    "P-Pan An," Shu Xian stammered, no longer addressing to him as professor since they are alone in the ssroom and the corridors are empty. "I can''t bete to my duty hours. Ma''am Wang Fang is expecting me with my updates."


    With that said, Pan An didn''t know why. He couldn''t help but hold some strands of Shu Xian''s hair, his eyes not leaving hers.


    The small gesture made Shu Xian''s heart race, the girl already avoiding his gaze. The moment she did, Pan An couldn''t help but sigh, surprising the girl when he rested his head on her shoulder.


    "P-Pan An? What''s wrong?" Shu Xian asked, furrowing her brows. "Is the hangover getting to you?"


    "No," Pan An answered, letting out another sigh as he shook his head against her. "It''s just¡­ I couldn''t keep it out of my head."


    "What is it?" Shu Xian asked, not daring to move since Pan An is resting his forehead on her shoulder.


    "Nothing¡­"


    As they stood still like this for five seconds, Shu Xian felt conscious of herself. With her heart beating crazily in her chest, she softly pushed Pan An away from her shoulder, already getting away from him as she walked to the middle of the room, near a table.


    "If it''s nothing, then, I hope you''d forget about it and then let me go."


    When Pan An heard this, he then remembered the conversation that they were having a while ago. It is what''s bothering him since Shu Xian ran away from him, making him think why Wang Lei didn''t want to tell him the answer that he needed.


    With this in thought, Pan An felt slightly frustrated, now surprising Shu Xian as he walked towards her, making her bump the stacked papers that were on the table as she leaned on it.


    "P-Pan An? What¡ª"


    Before Shu Xian could even escape, Pan An put both of his hands on either side of the table, not giving Shu Xian a chance to escape.


    With her slightly sitting on the desk as Pan An''s body was near hers, Shu Xian had a sudden thought in mind, thinking about the topic that he had with Wang Lei and Zhang Ren.


    ''Should I¡­ test something out¡ªsomething¡­ suggestive?''


    With Shu Xian''s hand slowly reaching out to Pan An''s necktie to touch it, his body froze, unmoving.


    If he would be in a situation like this with another woman, he would push them away since it is not Ruo Xi but for some reason¡­


    He wouldn''t want Shu Xian to stop.


    "What are you doing?"


    Shu Xian didn''t answer. With her hand tightening around the necktie, she blushed as she looked at Pan An, what she said the answer to his question, but making sure she wouldn''t tell him that it''s all for him.


    "Testing what Wang Lei taught me."


    ''Oh?''


    Pan An didn''t know why, but his eyebrow twitched in slight annoyance, thinking that Shu Xian is using him for an experiment.


    With a smirking to his face, he then surprised Shu Xian the moment he inched in closer, his breath fanning over her lips as he spoke.


    "Then want to know the result you could get with what you''re doing?"


    "Huh?"


    Not answering her question, what Pan An did made Shu Xian widen her eyes¡ªPan An, smoothlynding his lips on hers.

 Chapter 125 - Stayed Out Longer Than I Should

    "What are you doing?"


    Shu Xian didn''t answer. With her hand tightening around the necktie, she blushed as she looked at Pan An, what she said the answer to his question, but making sure she wouldn''t tell him that it''s all for him.


    "Testing what Wang Lei taught me."


    ''Oh?''


    Pan An didn''t know why, but his eyebrow twitched in slight annoyance, thinking that Shu Xian is using him for an experiment.


    With a smirking to his face, he then surprised Shu Xian the moment he inched in closer, his breath fanning over her lips as he spoke.


    "Then want to know the result you could get with what you''re doing?"


    "Huh?"


    Not answering her question, what Pan An did made Shu Xian widen her eyes¡ªPan An, smoothlynding his lips on hers.


    "Mm!"


    Pan An had his eyes closed, but Shu Xian,pletely taken aback by the gesture, had her eyes wide open. She blinked her eyes a few times, not expecting Pan An to kiss her in the ssroom with the setting sun giving more to the atmosphere.


    As Pan An stopped the kiss, Shu Xian''s face was beet red, her eyebrows slightly furrowed. With her hitting his shoulder, Pan An couldn''t help butugh out loud, making Shu Xian hide her face on his shoulder, embarrassed since she still couldn''t get away from his block.


    "M-move your hands away, please," Shu Xian mumbled enough for Pan An to hear. "I don''t want you teasing me like this."


    "Oh?" Pan An let out a chuckle. "But you had the audacity to test what you''ve learned on me. Who is this man you''re getting the attention of? Hmm?"


    "N-none of your business¡­"


    Shu Xian didn''t raise her head, still embarrassed by the kiss. As she looked at their shadow, her leaning on his body, her heart raced more as she couldn''t believe that this is how they both look right now!


    "Then, consider yourself skipping thest hours of your duty."


    "What?"


    When Pan An said this, Shu Xian couldn''t help but snap her head upwards to look at him, already facing him with her face still red.


    "Y-you can''t do that! Come on, Pan An!"


    With her sounding desperate, Pan An smiled at her, finding her cute. Although, his frustration towards Shu Xian is still evident since she did not tell him why they talked about getting men''s attention with Wang Lei, he couldn''t help but sigh and still feel disappointed.


    "Fine¡­ go," Pan An said, sighing. With him not moving his hands away from the desk as Shu Xian was still seated on it, he gave her a fake smile, making Shu Xianment about it.


    "Pan An¡­ don''t tell me¡­ you''re uneasy about me having such topics with your best friend?"


    "What?"


    With that said, Pan An furrowed his brows, scoffing as he didn''t expect Shu Xian to hit him bull''s eye.


    "What do you mean?"


    Shu Xian arched a brow at him.


    "With you not letting me go and with you so adamant knowing about it, it''s making you uneasy, no? Are you thinking that I''m going to use this to some other men?"


    When Pan An heard this, he couldn''t help but slightly blush, making Shu Xianugh. When sheughed when she was quite scared and shy a while ago, Pan An couldn''t help but wonder why she is now acting like this.


    "What? What''s so funny?"


    "Stupid," Shu Xianmented, rolling her eyes at him. "You don''t have to worry about it¡ªI''m just curious and won''t be doing such stuff to other men."


    "What?"


    Pan An arched a brow at her, his hands still unmoving on the desk that Shu Xian is still sitting on.


    "Then, why try it on me?"


    Shu Xian felt confident all of a sudden. With a smile on her face, she held the necktie she gave to Pan An, saying something so suggestive that made Pan An smirk.


    "I just want to know what works. With you wearing the necktie that I gave you, maybe this is something for you to remember every time you wear it."


    With Pan An''s smirk not leaving his face, Shu Xian pushed him lightly, enough for her to leave the desk. As she fixed her hair by flipping it to the back, her blush was still on her face, reassuring Pan An that there''s nothing to worry about.


    "I don''t know why this is bothering you so much, but don''t worry¡ªthis is just research. I was just curious."


    Pan An rolled his eyes, already crossing his arms in front of his chest.


    "I don''t buy it, Shu Xian," he said, arching a brow at her at the same time. "With you acting shy, then suddenly doing some passes on me with the kind of topic that you had with Wang Lei, how could I believe what you''re saying?"


    As Pan An took a few steps towards Shu Xian, her body froze, already cautious of his every movement.


    "Wh-what are you doing?"


    As Shu Xian was backing away, Pan An didn''t know why¡­ but for some reason, he didn''t want Shu Xian to leave the room just yet.


    The moment Shu Xian''s back hit the door behind her, her handnded on the doorknob, making Pan An stop her by holding her hand.


    "P-Pan An? What''s this again?"


    As Pan An put his forehead against Shu Xian''s, her heart started racing again when she heard something she didn''t expect from him.


    "What if I told you that I wouldn''t want you to get anyone''s attention other than me¡­ what would you do then?"


    ''Huh? What is this?''


    Pan An held Shu Xian''s face with his hand that held her hand. With his thumb caressing her cheek, Shu Xian didn''t know why, but she closed her eyes, nervous of what''s about to happen.


    And also, somehow expectant... of what''s to happen.


    ''Aaah¡­ why is he acting this way? And why¡­ why am I unable to get away even though I could?''


    "Shu Xian," Pan An whispered, sending shivers down the girl''s spine. "Would it be too much if I¡ª"


    With the bell ringing, it hadpletely interrupted Pan An''s words. With the bell indicating that it is already 6 PM, Shu Xian widened her eyes, remembering about her duty hours, already having the energy and strength to escape from the professor.


    "Shit! I stayed out longer than I should!"


    With her not even bothering to say good bye to Pan An, Shu Xian turned her body to open the door, already dashing off to go back to the library.


    As Pan An was already left alone, he couldn''t help but sigh, nkly staring at the opened door. With him running his hand through his perfectlybed hair, the action disheveled it, making him sigh as he thought to himself.


    ''Why¡­ why am I acting this way towards Shu Xian?''

 Chapter 126 - Nothing To Be Ashamed Of

    The moment Shu Xian arrived in the library, Zhang Ren arched a brow at her, his arms already crossed in front of his chest.


    "And why are youte?" Zhang Ren asked, the blush on Shu Xian''s face still not leaving her.


    The moment she sat on her swivel chair, she sighed, fanning her face since she felt warmer despite the night getting colder.


    "I-I''m sorry," Shu Xian said, alreadybing her hair up with her hand, already tying it in a ponytail. "I¡­ when I was walking back, something came up."


    With Zhang Ren scoffing as he yfully rolled his eyes at her, he teased her, already guessing right.


    "Don''t tell me¡­ you were flirting with the professor?"


    "Wha¡ª"


    Shu Xian''s mouth opened, about to say something but she hit his shoulder instead, further making himugh.


    "Yes, I was with the professor¡­ but I wasn''t flirting with him!"


    "Yeah, right." Zhang Ren didn''t believe her, shaking his head. "With the blush you have on your face, how could you not?"


    At the same moment, Wang Fang already came out of the office. With her suddenlying out, Zhang Ren and Shu Xian stood up to greet her, giving her a small bow.


    "Good evening, Miss Wang Fang."


    The Chief Librarian crossed her arms in front of her chest. With her expecting Shu Xian minutes ago, she raised a brow at her, already calling her to her office.


    "Shu Xian, in my office. Now."


    With her voice slightly serious, she already went back inside, Shu Xian, biting her bottom lip as she felt nervous.


    "Oh¡­ I guess you have to listen to the boss for a while," Zhang Ren said, scratching the back of his head. "Sorry¡­ I guess she was really waiting for your update even though it''s short after you did the delivery of books."


    With that said, Shu Xian couldn''t help but sigh, already giving Zhang Ren a small smile.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll just talk to Miss Wang Fang."


    With her already walking to her office, her hands at the side turned into tight fists, already wanting to stab the professor in her head multiple times.


    ''Oh, Pan An¡­ when I get home, I would really give you lesser share of food this time for dinner!''


    The moment Shu Xian opened the door, she gave Wang Fang another small bow, closing the door behind her. With the Chief Librarian already gesturing for Shu Xian to sit down, the girl sat on the single couch chair before her, feeling slightly nervous.


    "Miss Wang Fang, I''m sorry for not returning so suddenly. I was¡ª"


    "It''s alright," Wang Fang interrupted, sighing at the same time. "Since it is your first time, I will let you off the hook. But if this happens again, remember that I won''t be this nice," she added, Shu Xian, nodding as she understood why she was being scolded.


    "I understand, Miss Wang Fang. Again, I''m sorry."


    With her unable to tell her the reason why she waste, she had no choice but to keep it to herself and just vent to her friends, Zhang Ren and Shi Lian, since she would also want to protect the identity of the professor.


    "Alright," Wang Fang spoke, shaking Shu Xian out of her thoughts. The moment she removed her eyesses and put it inside her case, she smiled at her, starting another conversation.


    "Now, I have something to tell you that I''d be willing to help with," she added, Shu Xian, blinking her eyes a few times.


    "Umm¡­ and what would that be, Miss Wang Fang?" she asked, not sure what Wang Fang could possibly be talking about since she did not ask help from her.


    "Well, you will be surprised of this, but don''t worry¡ªI can keep secrets. Professor Pan An has told me that you''re living with him because you needed a ce to stay."


    When Shu Xian heard this, she couldn''t help but put her hand on her mouth, indeed surprised that Pan An has told her.


    "I¡­ Miss Wang Fang¡­ do know that the reason why we''re staying together is that¡ª"


    "Rx, Shu Xian," Wang Fang interrupted, letting out a small chuckle. "Don''t worry about the image of that professor. I already know this much since he has told me. And I listen without prejudice and help when the person is in need," she added, Shu Xian, sighing in relief.


    However, even though that she is relieved, she still wondered why Wang Fang wanted to help her¡ªwhatever it is that she meant with the phrase, "helping her."


    As Shu Xian waited for her expectantly to speak, Wang Fang leaned on her swivel chair''s rest, already getting to the point.


    "So, you see¡­ rumors might start if people identally see you both together, no? In order for that to not happen, I am willing to let you stay in the house in the same neighborhood, but of course, not for free. You are going to housekeep the house."


    With that said, Shu Xian nodded, feeling shy that she is getting this much help.


    "Umm¡­ thank you so much, Miss Wang Fang, but uh¡­ with me already working under you for free tuition, it would be too much if I stay in your home. You''re already too nice¡ªyou and the professor. I think I am taking advantage of your kindness."


    "Please, Shu Xian," Wang Fang started, shaking her head. "I told you, there is nothing to worry about! I am willing to help such a hardworking person such as you, I promise!"


    Shu Xian gave her a small smile, appreciating her boss'' kindness. She not only works under her, but she is being taken care of by her, too!


    With Wang Fang reaching out to her hand, she rubbed the back of her palm with her thumb and said something that warmed Shu Xian''s heart.


    "You know, there is nothing to be ashamed of when help is being offered to you and you ept it. The world is cruel and you''re blessed if people are willing to help you get over it. This is not a question and matter of pride. Remember that."

 Chapter 127 - He Just Looked At Her

    "You know, there is nothing to be ashamed of when help is being offered to you and you ept it. The world is cruel and you''re blessed if people are willing to help you get over it. This is not a question and matter of pride. Remember that."


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but smile at Wang Fang when she said that. With her nodding finally, she thanked her again, teary-eyed as she was getting help.


    "Thank you so much for helping me, Miss Wang Fang. This¡­ this means so much," she said, Wang Fang nodding as she pulled her hand away from her and reached out to the tissue box and handed it to Shu Xian.


    "Pleasure, Shu Xian. You are a good student, I could see that. A very good person¡ªand I don''t even need to know you for a very long time to prove that."


    Shu Xian felt warm that she is seen this way. With her suddenly remembering that Pan An has told her about this, she then furrowed her brows, wondering why they talked about her.


    "If I may ask, Miss Wang Fang," Shu Xian started, getting the Chief Librarian''s attention. "I wonder why you have talked about this with Professor Pan An?"


    "Oh!"


    Wang Fang blinked her eyes a few times. Of course, it is understandable that Shu Xian would be curious about this, making her smile at her as she assured her that Pan An had not said much about her if this is what she''s worrying about.


    "Don''t worry, Shu Xian. Professor Pan An is just worried about you. Since we''re friends, he told me that you were a good person. He told me how you two met and how he is helping you¡ªmaking me want to help you, too, since it would pose a problem if people would coincidentally see you together."


    With that said, Shu Xian felt relieved, smiling at Wang Fang as she was assured that Pan An did not talk about her deeper¡ªespecially her family background.


    "I told him that we are further going to talk about this over dinner in Molto Affamato so it''s near the university. Let''s finish duty first and we can meet there, yes? Since you also need toe home for a while and tend to your dog, it''s alright. The professor and I can go first so it will not raise suspicions."


    Shu Xian nodded, feeling grateful that she understands that she would bete so she could take care of Wan Wan. She did not even need to ask more time from her as Wang Fang understood what responsibilities a person could have when ites to being a pet owner.


    "Now, if you don''t have any more questions, then go back to your work station. We have 40 minutes before time out. You and Zhang Ren need to shut down theputers and do cleaning, yeah?"


    "Yes, Miss Wang Fang," Shu Xian said, standing up from her seat and giving Wang Fang another bow, this time, showing her gratitude. "Thank you so much for talking to me and your willingness to help. I noticed that I am indeed blessed with such great people in life."


    "Of course," Wang Fang agreed, smiling at her once more. "I know what I give will be given back to me twofold or more. It''s good to help people."


    With Shu Xian agreeing with her, she now left the office, a happy smile on her face which made Zhang Ren grow curious.


    However, the moment she came out of the office, what she saw in front of her co-worker was another fellow co-worker of theirs, seemingly visiting their workstation.


    Zhong Li.


    As Zhang Ren looked at Shu Xian with a wide smile on her face, he arched a brow at her, her joy infectious as a grin also appeared on his handsome face.


    "Wow. It seems you got more than a scolding," hemented, Shu Xian, nodding as she couldn''t help but show her smile to Zhong Li, too, despite them not getting along since their first meeting.


    "Yes. I''ll tell you about itter," she said, already going inside the workstation, greeting the other man, too. "Good evening, Zhong Li."


    "Evening."


    Zhong Li looked at Shu Xian.


    With her hair in a ponytail, it showed her neck more, showing how wless and smooth her skin is without even having the need to touch it. With her white blouse and her ck skirt suiting her well, too, Zhong Li actually found her cute, a soft blushing to his face.


    "Zhong Li?" Zhang Ren called, furrowing his brows. "Yo¡­ you already borrowed my old psychology notes. What''s up?"


    Zhong Li actually came to borrow Zhang Ren''s notes. With him giving him his old binder notebooks that he still brought with him, he thought that he would leave, but turns out that he still stayed.


    Now that he noticed that Zhong Li''s eyes were on Shu Xian, he couldn''t help but want to tease him, already clearing his throat to get his attention.


    "You know, Zhong Li¡­ if you want, you could still be friends with her even though you two had a shaky start."


    With him saying that so suddenly, Zhong Li blushed more, the man rolling his eyes at Zhang Ren as he continuedughing.


    As Shu Xian is curious about their topic, she looked at them briefly, arching a brow at the two.


    "What are you twoughing about?"


    "Nothing," Zhong Li immediately answered, Shu Xian, already leaving the workstation to help Zhang Ren turn off theputer units so he would start sweeping the floor.


    "Huh¡­ but you two were looking at me," Shu Xian mumbled enough for them to hear, Zhang Ren, replying to what she said.


    "Yeah! Turns out that there is a possibility that someone might be interested in you and¡ªow!"


    With Zhong Li elbowing Zhang Ren''s stomach, he gritted under his breath before leaving the two alone in their workstation.


    "Don''t you dare assume something¡­ or I''ll cut your tongue off."


    However, as Zhong Li walked away from the library, he felt his heart racing in his chest, finding the sensation weird as he had never felt this way before.


    He just looked at her¡­ what''s so different about Shu Xianpared to when he looked at other girls?

 Chapter 128 - The Three Of Us Will Talk Tomorrow

    The moment the bell rang for 7 PM, it already indicated that the final sses in the university had ended and it is already time for the library to close as well.


    They are the only office in the university that is open 7 AM to 7 PM so they could cater to the needs of the students when ites to borrowing and using their resources.


    With them already doing their time out as the students waited for their turn to write on the working log, Professor Pan An came walking through the main entrance, making the other girls swoon as they recognized him from the inte library where they are signing their time out.


    "Hihi! The professor is here!"


    "He sometimes visits Miss Wang Fang, huh?"


    "Makes me think if he''s really single or if he''s wooing our Chief Librarian!"


    "Wait¡­ are you jealous?"


    "No¡­ uh¡­ well, kinda?"


    "Goodness! You don''t have to be¡ªI mean look¡­ you''re a student and he''s a professor!"


    "I know¡­ this is sorta impossible."


    "Not only that, if you look at them together, they look like a good pair!"


    "I wouldn''t want to admit it, but yeah, you''re right. They do look good together."


    As the professor was walking up the stairs, Shu Xian couldn''t help but roll her eyes, hearing how the other girls were talking about him, too.


    With Zhang Ren the only person understanding her reaction, he couldn''t help but snicker, elbowing Shu Xian at her sides, too!


    "Is he here to pick someone up? You know¡­"


    Shu Xian red at Zhang Ren, warning him.


    "Shut up or I''ll jab your stomach!"


    With Zhang Ren no longer talking, he just continued snickering in his ce as both of them waited for their turn, willing to signst just so they couldn''t squeeze themselves in to those people who were impatient to leave the university.


    ''With Pan An here, I think Miss Wang Fang has already texted him about the dinner.''


    At the same moment, Pan An leaned on the workstation where Zhang Ren and Shu Xian worked, giving a wave to everyone.


    "Good evening."


    "Good evening, Professor Pan An!"


    With the girls swooning and with them greeting him out loud, all of them werefortable of speaking loudly since there are no more patrons in the library at this time.


    Soon after, Miss Wang Fang exited her office, her shoulder bag worn on her shoulder as she arched a brow at everyone.


    "Well, aren''t you all taking long to have your time out?"


    When shemented that, the students who stayed behind just to see Professor Pan An, rushed and signed, already scampering away while they''re giggling, saying good bye.


    "Good bye, Miss Wang Fang!"


    With her shaking her head, only a few men, Zhang Ren, and Shu Xian were left, the remaining students already signing their names on the log book.


    "Man¡­ those women are so noisy when you visit, professor."


    "Yeah! Why don''t you leave some women to us? You''re so handsome, gaaah¡­"


    With some men saying this, Pan An couldn''t help but chuckle, Shu Xian, rolling her eyes at his smugness.


    With her already signing her name, Zhang Ren started a conversation, one of the only brave people to talk and joke with the Chief Librarian.


    "Having a date with the professor, Miss Wang Fang?"


    "Oh, please¡­" Wang Fang replied, rolling her eyes as the other boys who remainedughed as well. "I''m just doing a favor to Professor Pan An¡ªhe may beg once more for his overdue fines to be waved."


    "What?" Pan An furrowed his brows. "Don''t tell me¡­ I overlooked this time? I made sure I set my rm and¡ª"


    "Haha! Don''t worry," Wang Fang interrupted,ughing at the same time as she shook her head. "I''m just kidding."


    With the groupughing as Zhang Ren now signed his namest, they put the log book back in its ce, the group leaving the library.


    As Wang Fang was locking the main entrance of the library with her keys, she sighed, already smiling at her other student assistants who walked with them.


    "You did great today. Now, go home and study well or rest, alright?"


    "Yes, Miss Wang Fang!"


    With the other boys already walking away, Shu Xian waved her hand, already bidding farewell to the two.


    "Thank you for today and for the talk, Miss Wang Fang. I''ll see you in a bit," she said, the Chief Librarian, nodding as she walked away, Zhang Ren, following her.


    "Oh, so what''s this about now? Are they both having a date? Aren''t you going to do something about it?"


    "Oh, geez, Zhang Ren," Shu Xian eximed, rolling her eyes at him. "The three of us are going to have dinner!"


    With both of them talking in a whisper, Zhang Ren understood why they were silent. However, he furrowed his brows, wondering why she isn''t walking with them if they are going to eat dinner.


    "Then why aren''t you going with them? It will not be suspicious since Miss Wang Fang is there, no?"


    "Yes, but I have to feed my dog and tend to her, you know."


    "Oh! Right, right!"


    As they already exited and is about to pass through the university gate, they saw Shi Lian, making Shu Xian widen her eyes slightly in surprise.


    "Shi Lian! I thought you went home ahead! Are you waiting for us?"


    Without answering her question, her eyes were specifically on Zhang Ren, saying something under gritted teeth.


    "You¡­ we have to talk. Now!"


    With her further surprising Shu Xian with how she grabbed Zhang Ren by the hand, Zhang Ren only blinked his eyes a few times, curious as to why Shi Lian is pulling him away ever-so-suddenly as it was also evident that she indeed waited for him.


    "Uh¡­ bye, Shu Xian!" Zhang Ren called out, Shu Xian, cocking her head to the side. "Tell us tomorrow what has happened with you, yeah?"


    With Shi Lian not even saying hello or good bye to her best friend, Shu Xian sighed, shrugging her shoulders as she also knew how unpredictable her best friend could be.


    ''Whatever¡­ the three of us will talk tomorrow, anyway.''

 Chapter 129 - Never Forget Your Kindness

    The professor and the Chief Librarian already arrived in the Italian restaurant, Molto Affamato.


    With them being led by the waiter to a table after they have told him that they are waiting for another person, they ordered for Shu Xian instead, already telling their order to the waiter.


    "I know what I''m going to have," Wang Fang said, smiling at the waiter. "I''ll be having pasta putanesca, then two paninis, and then a banana milk shake."


    "For me, I''ll have gnhi and then pasta marinara. For a drink, I''d like caramel mhiato, please. And then an eight-inched pizza please¡ªtre formaggio. And a chocte milkshake."


    "Alright," the waiter nodded with a smile appearing on his face, their order already memorized. "Grazie, I''ll being back with your orders soon."


    As the waiter left, Wang Fang smiled and made ament, Pan An, drinking the service water that is automatically served in every table.


    "You and Shu Xian just met for a week, yet you already know this much when ites to her food preference?"


    With that said, Pan An smiled, putting the ss down and replied to what the Chief Librarian had said.


    "Yes. She''s rather simple-minded. Not that I''m saying it''s bad, though. It''s easy to make girls like her happy."


    "Mh-hm¡­" Wang Fang arched a brow at him, further teasing him. "Would you rather make her happy, or other boys make her happy?"


    "Wang Fang," Pan An mumbled, furrowing his brows together. "You really tease me with every moment that you seem fit."


    With Wang Fang giggling on her seat, soon after, Shu Xian came, a smile on her face as she greeted them.


    "Good evening, Miss Wang Fang. Professor Pan An. Have you two already ordered?"


    "Yes, don''t worry," Wang Fang replied, "Professor Pan An has already ordered for you, too."


    With that said, she sat beside the professor, making Wang Fang make anotherment, teasing Shu Xian, too.


    "Aah¡­ with you guys sitting together, you''re so cute~!"


    A soft flush of pink came to Shu Xian''s face. With her not saying anything, Pan An rolled his eyes, already crossing his arms in front of his chest.


    "Come on, Wang Fang. Be serious now."


    "Alright, alright¡­ I''m sorry for teasing you two," Wang Fang started, giving Shu Xian a ss of water.


    "Thank you, Miss Wang Fang."


    With Wang Fang looking at Shu Xian, a smile appeared on her face, already getting down to business.


    "By the way, Shu Xian, you already knew briefly what this is about¡ªabout the house, right?"


    "Yes," Shu Xian answered, taking a small sip of her water. "Is there anything else, Miss Wang Fang, that I need to always remember when taking care of the house?"


    "Hmm¡­"


    Wang Fang contemted for a while, her brows slightly knitting together.


    "Nothing¡­ but I''d want to reiterate that you won''t need to pay for the bills and all since I''ll be handling that. You will just be watching over the house and cleaning it from time to time while you study!"


    "Oh!"


    Shu Xian scratched the back of her head, feeling slightly embarrassed.


    "Thank you so much, Miss Wang Fang. You and the professor are so kind."


    With a nod, Pan An then spoke, further helping Wang Fang talk about what they nned a while ago.


    "But since you are still struggling with money and all for food and such, we will still be having our n of doing groceries together and with you cooking and preparing for lunch. My meals too, please... since I am no good cook."


    When Shu Xian heard this, she couldn''t help but furrow her brows in wonder, thinking how this will work.


    "Wait¡­ how is this going to happen? I know the house is in the neighborhood, but are we close to each other?"


    "Oh!"


    When Wang Fang eximed, she let out a small chuckle, forgetting a small detail that she should tell Shu Xian.


    "I''m sorry! I forgot to tell you that the house where you''re staying is just the house that is in front of Pan An''s."


    "Oh, I see!"


    With Shu Xian''s eyes widening, she now remembered the familiar house, already knowing where she will stay.


    "What a coincidence that the house is in front of Pan An''s, Miss Wang Fang!"


    "I was surprised at first, too!"


    Wang Fang agreed, nodding as well.


    "So if people would see you together, it won''t raise a rumor since they will see that you two are just neighbors that are casually talking, no? Better than to be seen together. You could also say that Pan An is looking out for you, asked by a rtive."


    With that said, both of them nodded, already not worrying so much about their reputation.


    "Also, you will still be staying with Pan An for a week as of the moment," Wang Fang added, Shu Xian, further listening to her. "It''s because I still have to ask some people to fix the ce to make your stay easier and just maintain it."


    "Oh, thank you so much, Miss Wang Fang," Shu Xian thanked her, giving her a small bow of gratitude even though they were seated. "You are indeed so kind for thinking so much about my welfare," she added, Wang Fang, giving her a wink as she drank her water.


    "Of course! Like I told you a while ago: while you''re still being offered help, take it as it is not a question and matter of pride. Not all people can do this, offering help, I mean."


    Pan An nodded in agreement. With a smileing to his face as well, he spoke, further telling Shu Xian what he thinks.


    "If you want to repay us, just consider of paying it forward to those people who you think need it. Wang Fang and I aren''t expecting too much," he added, Shu Xian, feeling warm in her heart that she is getting this much support.


    "Thank you so much, Miss Wang Fang, Professor Pan An. I''ll never forget your kindness."


    At the same moment, their order already came. As the delicious and inviting scents made their stomachs grumble, they now started eating, the three of them having a light conversation as they ate.

 Chapter 130 - Might Be Getting Something

    They say that in Arabic, there are 12 levels of friendship.


    Most of our "friends" are level 5 or below, and many of us don''t have a single level 12 friend.


    1.   Zameel ¨C someone you have a nodding acquaintance with


    2.   Jalees ¨C someone you''refortable sitting with for a period of time


    3.   Sameer ¨C you have a good conversation with them


    Those are the first three levels of friendship, but from here on, it starts getting a bit more serious.


    4.   Nadeem ¨C a drinkingpanion (even with just tea) that you might call when you''re free


    5.   Sahib ¨C someone who''s concerned for your wellbeing


    From this point, the real "ranks" of friendship is now shown in the following levels.


    6.   Rafeeq ¨C someone you can depend upon and go on a holiday with them


    7.   Sadeeq ¨C a true friend, someone who doesn''t befriend you for an ulterior motive


    8.   Khaleel ¨C an intimate friend, someone whose presence makes you happy


    9.   Anees ¨C someone with whom you''re reallyfortable and familiar with


    10. Najiyy ¨C a confidant, someone you trust deeply


    11. Safiyy ¨C your best friend, someone you''ve chosen over other friends


    12. Qareen ¨C someone who''s inseparable from you and you know how to think (vice versa)


    Shi Lian always liked this concept when she read about it. In her life, she would see Shu Xian as in between 11 and 12, but for some reason, when ites to talking to Zhang Ren even though they just met¡­


    She found him being in level 9¡ªmaking her want to confide in him first before she tells the specific problem to Shu Xian.


    She thought that she would need to have a solution first, before telling Shu Xian everything what she''s worrying about.


    As Shi Lian pulled Zhang Ren away from the university, he couldn''t help but chuckle and wonder at the same time, not seeing her act this way ever¡ªpanicking as if there is a grave problem.


    "What''s wrong, Shi Lian?" he asked, Shi Lian, stopping in her tracks and looking at Zhang Ren with a blush on her face.


    With her letting him go and with her hands at the sides turning into tight fists, she sighed, looking straight into his eyes as she answered him shyly.


    "M-my mother is setting me up in a blind date as early as now and I¡­ I don''t want it."


    Zhang Ren arched a brow at her, already deducing what has happened.


    "And? You got me because¡­ you said you are in a rtionship with someone?"


    "Yes!"


    Shi Lian frustratingly ran her hand through her hair, Zhang Ren, not minding it. With Shi Lian furrowing her brows in worry, she looked at him, further telling him what happened.


    "So, you see¡­ my mother wanted me to marry by the time I graduate, yeah? And she says that even though I don''t push with business, being married to someone with a knownpany can be helpful and uh¡­ I don''t want to marry right after I graduate!"


    With Shi Lian now being too emotional, she walked back and forth in front of the car as the driver waited, the girl continuing to vent to Zhang Ren.


    "I have things I want to do! I want to travel the world! I don''t care if I have to do it alone¡ªI just want to enjoy life and not bound by marriage!"


    Zhang Ren crossed his arms in front of his chest.


    "Erm¡­ the family you''re marrying into will be rich, anyway. They will allow you to do anything that you want even after marriage."


    "Nooooo¡­"


    Shi Lian is teary-eyed at this point, surprising Zhang Ren for seeing her like this for the first time.


    "I don''t want to marry. I want to be a mysterious, rich aunt! Surprise my older brother''s children that they have such an aunt like me!"


    Zhang Ren couldn''t help butugh, shaking his head as he listened to Shi Lian''s frustrations.


    "You see, I don''t want to get married. I want to enjoy life and do work that I probably would enjoy, you know? To be honest, I''m still indecisive about the degree I took now¡ªbut at least I''m enjoying. But still, though¡­ I want to take things easy and not get married after graduation!"


    Zhang Ren nodded slowly, listening to Shi Lian ramble on and on.


    "I wouldn''t want to show my defiance during marriage, too, so I would have no choice but to help in the man''spany¡ªwhoever that person is¡­ but I really, really want to shove the thought of marriage aside!"


    "Well, alright, okay, I get it¡­" Zhang Ren chuckled, smiling at Shi Lian. "What do you want to do?"


    "I told my mother that I''m in a rtionship. We should show her how much we love each other¡ªmy brother will being to dinner with me to help me since I pleaded from him, too, to testify for me."


    "Oh, so you like¡­ told them that you told your older brother first that we''re in a rtionship? Alright. I can act this along."


    With a relieved sighing from her, she couldn''t help but knit her brows together, already feeling embarrassed towards Zhang Ren for asking so much from him when they just even met.


    "I''m so sorry you have to do this with me. It''s just that Shu Xian is my only friend and I don''t know other men so much¡ªI wouldn''t want to act this with a stranger, too¡­"


    yfully rolling his eyes, Zhang Ren patted her head, already seeing her desperation.


    "Alright, alright¡­ you don''t have to apologize¡ªI already see how much you don''t want this to happen," he said, making Shi Lian smile. "I can see that you trust me well enough to help you. Don''t worry¡ªI''m indeed willing to help."


    With that, Shi Lian hugged Zhang Ren suddenly, surprising him with the action, especially with what she said next.


    "Good! Let''s go! They''re already waiting at home."


    "What?" Zhang Ren widened his eyes. "It''s tonight!?"


    "Yes," Shi Lian answered, scratching the back of her head. "I''m sorry¡­ but you''ll still help me, right?"


    Zhang Ren couldn''t help but chuckle. With him already holding Shi Lian''s hand, it took her by surprise, both of them already walking towards the car.


    "I have no choice¡ªyou already asked this much, yeah? Get used to acting it now, then, since we''re going to meet your family tonight."


    As they both entered the car and with Shi Lian quiet with how Zhang Ren''s grip tightened, Shi Lian thought it was just a teasing gesture but at the back of Zhang Ren''s mind¡­


    He already knew that he might be getting something that he needed.

 Chapter 131 - Shi Lian, You Silly Girl!

    "This is ridiculous!"


    Zhao Chu Hua, Zhao Wang Lei and Zhao Shi Lian''s mother, walked back and forth in the living room, waiting for her daughter to arrive with her so-called boyfriend. She then turned to look at her son, Wang Lei, drinking tea as he surfed the.


    "Are you telling the truth that this Shi Lian is dating someone behind our back?"


    "Yours and dad''s, mother," Wang Lei said, helping her little sister since she begged him to help her since the afternoon. "She told me earlier until you guys knew now."


    With this said, Chu Hua rolled her eyes at him, crossing her arms in front of her chest.


    "Are you sure that she is really dating¡ªor are you helping her pretend so we could stop setting her up to blind dates?"


    "Hey, I''m telling you the truth," Wang Lei said, shrugging his shoulders as he put his tea down and pocketed his phone. "Shi Lian and I are close! She never keeps secrets from me because she''d rather tell me everything than tell you guys since both you and dad are most of the time, close-minded!"


    Chu Hua narrowed her eyes at her son.


    "You¡­"


    Not knowing what to say as what he indeed said was true, Chu Hua just sighed, now sitting on the couch as she pinched the bridge of her nose, as if having a headache.


    "I have nothing to say," she mumbled, enough for Wang Lei to hear. "But at least¡­ tell me that this man that she''s dating is a good guy?"


    "I don''t know," Wang Lei said, giving another shrug. "I know that she''s dating, but I don''t know about the guy since she has not told me too much about him."


    "Ugh¡­"


    Chu Hua groaned, already waving her hand as if she gave up on asking for something if the other person doesn''t have any more information known about it.


    "Fine¡­ we''ll just have to meet this boy."


    At the same moment, the door opened, revealing the driver and a house helper. With them bowing, they have announced their arrival, already telling them that Shi Lian has arrived with her boyfriend.


    "Miss Shi Lian is home with Sir Zhang Ren, Mrs. Zhao."


    "Mm," Chu Hua nodded, already standing up with her son standing beside her. "Bring them in."


    As the driver and the house helper gave a small bow, they then escorted Shi Lian and Zhang Ren inside the living room, the two already greeting Chu Hua.


    "Good evening, mama,"'' Shi Lian said, a nervous smile appearing on her face. "This is my boyfriend, Zhang Ren."


    "Good evening, Mrs. Zhao, Mr. Wang Lei."


    With Zhang Ren bowing to Wang Lei first, he then bowed to Chu Hua longer, the woman arching a brow at the man as she raised a brow at him.


    ''He looks like an ordinary man. What did my daughter see in dating a person such as him?''


    Wang Lei looked at his little sister. With a grin appearing on his face, both of themmunicated through their eyes, Shi Lian, ring at her older brother.


    ''How are you going to handle this, Shi Lian?''


    ''Just go with it! I''m already begging you!''


    Wang Lei arched a brow at her as if reading her thoughts.


    ''Oh? Then why the deathly stare?''


    ''It''s because if you act suspicious, mama won''t buy this act at all!''


    "Zhang Ren."


    With Chu Hua addressing to him, it snapped the siblings out of their thoughts, already looking at Zhang Ren who is still bowing before their mother.


    "Raise your body. Let me see your face."


    "Oh! Yes."


    With Zhang Ren proudly showing his face to Chu Hua, a smile crept to his face, further looking straight into her eyes, showing his confidence.


    He may not wear the best clothes, but he indeed does look handsome the longer you look at him.


    "Hmm¡­ if I may ask, Zhang Ren, from which prominent family did youe from?"


    "Mama!"


    With Shi Lian suddenly butting in, she widened her eyes in surprise, not expecting her mom to ask something so straightforward.


    "Aren''t you being too direct? Zhang Ren is¡ª"


    "Let me speak to him, Shi Lian," Chu Hua interrupted, a small smile appearing on her face as Wang Lei watched them talk. "I''m curious about Zhang Ren because you dated him without telling me and your father, and just told your older brother."


    With Chu Hua returning his gaze to Zhang Ren, she waited expectantly for him to answer her, Zhang Ren, opening his mouth to answer when suddenly, the house phone rang.


    With them quieting for a while as the house helper answered it, she widened her eyes, looking at Chu Hua with urgency in her eyes.


    "Oh! M-Mrs. Zhao, a call from Mr. Chen."


    "Mr. Chen?" Chu Hua widened her eyes, already going to the phone. "Why is someone like him suddenly calling, and why now?"


    With her already answering the call, Shi Lian looked at her older brother, arching a brow at him and asked, "Who is Mr. Chen?"


    "Wait, let me think."


    Wang Lei contemted for a while, knowing that he has heard the name somewhere from the business world. With Chu Hua letting out an excitedugh, she looked at Shi Lian and Zhang Ren for a brief moment, a wide smile appearing on her face.


    "Y-yes, Mr. Chen! I''ll hand the phone over to him right now."


    With Zhang Ren being beckoned toe over the phone, he smiled, already getting the phone from Chu Hua and greeted the person on the other line.


    "[1]Y¨¦y¨¦! I told you¡ªyou can call meter."


    With him talking to the caller and calling him grandfather as a chuckle came from him as well, Chu Hua approached her daughter quickly, pinching her thigh as if she was embarrassed, surprising her children with the gesture.


    "Mama! Why did you¡ª"


    "Shi Lian, you silly girl!"


    Chu Hua whispered in a scolding tone, her face having a blush as she expressed her embarrassment.


    "How could you not tell me that you are dating the grandson of Mr. Chen? His grandfather practically owns almost all of the businesses in Country S!"


    With that being said, even Wang Lei and Shi Lian couldn''t mask their surprise, already understanding why they can''t find any clues about him, already knowing why he has a ck card.


    ''Zhang Ren is¡­ the grandson of Country S'' legendary business man, the Chen n?!''

 Chapter 132 - Mr. Chen

    With him talking to the caller and calling him grandfather as a chuckle came from him as well, Chu Hua approached her daughter quickly, pinching her thigh as if she was embarrassed, surprising her children with the gesture.


    "Mama! Why did you¡ª"


    "Shi Lian, you silly girl!"


    Chu Hua whispered in a scolding tone, her face having a blush as she expressed her embarrassment.


    "How could you not tell me that you are dating the grandson of Mr. Chen? His grandfather practically owns almost all of the businesses in Country S!"


    With that being said, even Wang Lei and Shi Lian couldn''t mask their surprise, already understanding why they can''t find any clues about him, already knowing why he has a ck card.


    ''Zhang Ren is¡­ the grandson of Country S'' legendary business man, the Chen n?!''


    Shi Lian is obviously shocked as well! With Zhang Ren continuing to talk to his grandfather over the phone, Wang Lei spoke his opinions aloud, Chu Hua and Shi Lian listening to him.


    "In Country S, it''s as if every ce is owned by him so when you visit the country, you could see Mr. Chen''s face everywhere¡ªbut his family is aplete mystery."


    "However, I''ve heard from my friend in Country S who has them as partners, is that Mr. Chen is doting to his grandson and that his identity is unknown¡­ now I understand why he is living here and is being lowkey!"


    With Chu Hua and Wang Lei talking about Zhang Ren and his family, Shi Lian couldn''t help but arch a brow at her mother, remembering that both of them are doing this act so she can stop the blind dates.


    "So¡­ are you stopping the blind dates now?" Shi Lian asked, Chu Hua, scoffing.


    "Of course!"


    With a sighing from Shi Lian, what her mother had said next, however, made her widen her eyes, Wang Lei, chuckling with what they have heard.


    "Why would I set you up when you got someone who''s beyond the profiles I''ve seen!? Oh, Shi Lian, don''t be a fool now¡ªyou have to further make him fall for you! Make sure you stay with him until you secure yourself an engagement and marriage! Do you understand?"


    "Wha¡ªmama!"


    With Wang Lei snickering as Chu Hua smiled at Zhang Ren using her phone, Shi Lian looked at her older brother, alreadyining.


    "Help me!"


    "What do you want me to do? I already helped you but turns out that this man is the real and better deal!"


    Shi Lian narrowed her eyes at her brother.


    "At this rate, mother will keep bothering him and may ask him to visit anytime!"


    Wang Lei shrugged, "Then tell her after a few months that both of you broke up!"


    "Are you crazy!? She would set me up on blind dates again!"


    "Well, I don''t know what you''re supposed to do now. We have to see what happens next."


    "Ugh!"


    With them whispering to each other, Chu Hua furrowed her brows, wondering what they''re talking about.


    "What''s up with you two, Wang Lei, Shi Lian? Is there something that I need to know?"


    "Nothing!"


    Shi Lian immediately replied, smiling at Chu Hua.


    "Brother is just teasing me with how I found someone so great and I haven''t told him much about him. Right?"


    With Shi Lian elbowing Wang Lei, he nodded, supporting his little sister.


    "Yes. I told her to never let him go since he is better than what mother has been looking for."


    With what he said that came out as a tease to his little sister, Shi Lian rolled her eyes at him, Zhang Ren, now putting down the phone.


    As he approached the three of them again, Wang Lei and Chu Hua smiled at him, Shi Lian, looking at him with surprise and curiosity present in his eyes.


    "I''m sorry for taking a bit long¡ªI didn''t expect my grandfather to call. I only texted him that I am going to visit my girlfriend''s ce and he got curious about it¡ªalready wanting to know which family."


    As Zhang Ren scratched the back of his head, Chu Hua giggled and shook her head, replying to what he said.


    "Oh, don''t worry, Zhang Ren! I apologize instead for my behavior back then. It''s just that Shi Lian has never dated anyone and then I was curious why she suddenly started dating without telling me who!"


    With Shi Lian narrowing her eyes at their mother for suddenly changing her attitude, Zhang Ren got Shi Lian''s hand, surprising her with the gesture that he did as his fingers locked with hers.


    Seeing how this Mr. Chen''s grandchild is holding hands with his little sister, Wang Lei couldn''t help but feel a bit protective, his smile slowly disappearing from his face as he further observed the boy.


    "It''s alright. I understand the shock as well. My grandfather was the same¡ªwhich is why he immediately called the ce when I only gave him the address of where I was going. I''m sorry. He must have investigated your family quicker than I thought. I will have a word with him."


    "Oh, you don''t have to worry!" Chu Hua said with a giggleing from her. "You can search us anytime you want¡ªwe''re a good family anyway, not hiding anything bad~!"


    "Mama!"


    With Wang Lei and Shi Lian scolding their mother, Zhang Ren chuckled, reassuring the two that there is nothing to worry about.


    "Don''t worry, Shi Lian, Mr. Wang Lei. Our family won''t do such a thing in the future¡ªI assure you. I wouldn''t want that as well."


    With a smileing to his face as he never let go of Shi Lian''s hand, he then cocked his head to the side, already asking where they will be having dinner.


    "Umm¡­ I''m sorry if I might be sounding rude, but we are to have dinner in your wonderful home, Mrs. Zhao, yes?"


    "Oh, yes, yes!" Chu Hua said, already walking ahead as she clung her arm with Wang Lei''s. "Follow us! We''ll go straight to the dining room!"


    As they walked on ahead while Zhang Ren and Shi Lian followed them, Zhang Ren gave her a wink, Shi Lian, blinking her eyes a few times as a question kept repeating in her mind.


    ''Zhang Ren¡­ who are you?"

 Chapter 133 - That Zhang Ren

    They had French cuisine for dinner tonight¡ªmaking Chu Hua feel grateful that she requested this for dinner instead of having Chinese cuisine.


    With Mr. Chen''s grandson as their guest to night, she sighed in relief that they are having great dinner tonight, eating Lobster Thermidor and Bouibaisse.


    Lobster Thermidor is a French dish of lobster meat cooked in a rich wine sauce, stuffed back into a lobster shell, and browned. The sauce is often a mixture of egg yolks and Brandy, served with an oven-browned cheese crust, typically Gruy¨¨re. The sauce originally contained mustard.


    Bouibaisse was originally a stew made by Marseille fishermen, using the bony rockfish which they were unable to sell to restaurants or markets. There are at least three kinds of fish in a traditional bouibaisse, typically red rascasse; sea robin; and European conger.


    It can also include gilt-head bream, turbot, monkfish, mullet, or European hake. It usually also includes shellfish and other seafood such as sea urchins, mussels, velvet crabs, spider crab or octopus.


    To be honest, Shi Lian and Wang Lei would prefer Chinese cuisine or any other delicious cuisine over French cuisine.


    Well, yes, it is nice to eat something unique to the taste buds every now and then, but this specific French food is something that both of them personally don''t like.


    However, to show their respects to their chef, they still ate it, not wanting to waste food as well as this will make Chu Hua angry at them and it would seem to the guest that even the host doesn''t enjoy the food.


    With Chu Hua taking a sip of her champagne as they were now finished eating, Zhang Ren respectfullyplimented the food that they had for dinner, making Shi Lian and Wang Lei internally disagree.


    "Thank you so much for the delicious French dishes, Mrs. Zhang. I find it delectable."


    ''No, it''s despicable!'' ¨C Wang Lei and Shi Lian, while drinking their champagne to push the food down


    With Chu Hua giggling, she smiled at Zhang Ren, seeing that he is a good boy with good manners¡ªalready liking him for her daughter.


    "I''m d you enjoyed, Zhang Ren! You can visit anytime and we can have French cuisine once more."


    Hearing this, Shi Lian and Wang Lei''s head snapped to look at their mother, shaking their head as Wang Lei made another suggestion.


    "Maybe we can have something different! Since we had French now, why not other kinds of dishes?"


    "Yes, yes!" Shi Lian nodded her head enthusiastically. "Maybe Japanese food is alright. Right?"


    With Shi Lian bumping Zhang Ren''s leg with her leg under the table, Zhang Ren already got what the siblings were talking about, Zhang Ren, smiling as she agreed with the sibling''s suggestion.


    "Japanese cuisine is also a good suggestion. Since Shi Lian suggested it, I would want to honor her thoughts."


    With that said, Chu Hua grinned, already saying something that made Shi Lian blush, making Wang Lei feel uneasy.


    "Now, isn''t Zhang Ren so sweet towards my Shi Lian? I could see that you two are such a good couple! How long have you two been dating?"


    With Shi Lian not knowing what to say, she bit her bottom lip, Zhang Ren already speaking for the both of them.


    "We started for a few months. During semester break," he answered, Wang Lei, sipping his champagne as he looked at him from the corner of his eye.


    ''A good liar. He doesn''t bat an eye. I don''t know if this is a good sign or not.''


    "Oh, I see!"


    With Chu Hua smiling at Zhang Ren, Shi Lian now interrupted their conversation, reminding them of the time as they pretended that Zhang Ren needed to go home.


    "Oh, look at the time! It''s almost 9 PM! Zhang Ren, don''t you need to go home?"


    "Oh!"


    With Zhang Ren''s eyes slightly widening in surprise, he indeed needed to go home, this time, not acting his urgency as he shyly smiled at Chu Hua and spoke to her.


    "I''m sorry, Mrs. Zhao, but I indeed need to go. I still have homework to do and I have yet to talk to my grandfather before he turns in for the night."


    "Oh, alright!" Chu Hua replied, "I''m sorry to have dyed your stay!"


    "No, it''s alright. I would have stayed more if you want, but s, I have academics and talking with my grandfather to do."


    With a nod, Chu Hua looked at her daughter, already giving them permission to leave the dining table.


    "Be courteous now, dear! Walk him out of the house with your brother and ask the driver to drive him home."


    "Ah, that''s not necessary, mama," Wang Lei said, putting down his champagne as a small smile appeared on his face. "I want to talk to Zhang Ren alone¡ªI''d be willing to escort him home."


    When Shi Lian heard this, she couldn''t help but furrow her brows, wondering why her older brother suddenly suggested this.


    With a subtle smirk appearing on Zhang Ren''s face, he looked at Wang Lei, thanking him.


    "Thank you, Mr. Wang Lei. It would be rude of me to decline your suggestion. I''m not going to let this opportunity pass."


    As Wang Lei stood up, Shi Lian and Zhang Ren also stood up, Zhang Ren, giving a small bow to Chu Hua to say his goodbye.


    "Thank you, Mrs. Zhao. I was honored to have dinner with you and your family."


    "Pleasure! I apologize that my husband, Zhao Zhang Wei, couldn''t join us tonight. He is in another country as we speak, attending a conference with a business partner."


    "It is alright. Extend my regards to Mr. Zhao."


    As they were about to walk out, Zhang Ren stopped Shi Lian, what he said making her arch a brow at him.


    "You stay here, Shi Lian. It''s alright¡ªit''s cold outside. Your brother is going to take me home, anyway."


    "But¡ª"


    However, what he did that interrupted her surprised everyone, making Wang Lei feel uneasy, but Chu Hua, internally squeal in her seat.


    Shi Lian widened her eyes in surprise¡­ the moment she felt Zhang Ren''s lips smoothlynd on hers to give her a brief kiss of three seconds.


    "Wha¡ª"


    With Wang Lei unsure of how to react, Shi Lian blushed as she looked straight into Zhang Ren''s eyes, her heart racing in her chest with what he said along with her first kiss that he stole from her.


    "I''ll call youter if you''re still awake, yes? I''m going to miss you!"


    "Tsk!"


    Wang Lei clicked his tongue. With his hand now on Zhang Ren''s shoulder, he grabbed him, leaving Shi Lian dazed as Chu Hua was satisfied with what she saw.


    "Oh, Shi Lian! You''re a young adult now! You can have such moments with your boyfriend! It was not too much! Keep it going so you can secure your engagement, yes? He fancies you!"


    Shi Lian didn''t say a word. With her sitting down on her seat slowly, her hands on herp balled into tight fists, finding it difficult to breathe as she still felt the soft sensation on her lips.


    ''He kissed me! That Zhang Ren had the audacity to kiss me when this is all an act!''

 Chapter 134 - Dont Take Advantage

    The moment Zhang Ren and Wang Lei came out of the house, Shi Lian''s older brother immediately crossed his arms in front of his chest, arching a brow at Zhang Ren.


    "What are you doing?" he asked, his voice snappy. "My sister told me that she only asked a favor from you! What''s with the sudden kiss?"


    "Aaah¡­"


    Seeing the overprotective brother sideing out from him, Zhang Ren embarrassingly scratched the back of his head, apologizing to him.


    "I''m sorry, Mr. Wang Lei¡­ but to be honest, I just couldn''t help it."


    "What?"


    With Wang Lei taking a few steps closer to Zhang Ren, he red at him, not liking what he said.


    "Are you toying with her¡ªtaking advantage of this situation?"


    "N-no!"


    Zhang Ren widened his eyes, shaking his head.


    "I wouldn''t dare, Mr. Wang Lei! Your sister, Shi Lian, she is a great girl! I wouldn''t dare y around!"


    "Tsk!"


    Wang Lei clicked his tongue, still not convinced.


    "Then, why?" Wang Lei spoke under gritted teeth. "Why did you kiss her suddenly¡ªwhat do you mean when you just couldn''t help it?"


    "I¡­"


    Zhang Ren didn''t speak for a while. With him now looking down at their feet, Wang Lei felt that he intimidated the boy, now crossing his arms in front of his chest.


    "Look straight into my eyes, Zhang Ren. I want to know your sincerity."


    With Zhang Ren somehow scared with Wang Lei''s words and actions, he looked up to him slowly, staring straight into his eyes.


    "By what I couldn''t help it¡­ I mean¡­ I find myself being attracted to your little sister¡ªfinding her somehow irresistibly cute."


    Wang Lei arched a brow at him and asked, "Somehow?"


    "No¡­ not somehow, but¡­ really. Let me rephrase: really, irresistibly cute."


    When Zhang Ren said this, Wang Lei didn''t say a word for a while, now sighing as he got his keys from his pocket and opened the doors, gesturing for Zhang Ren to go inside.


    "We''ll further talk in the car. Get in."


    "Yes, right."


    As Zhang Ren entered in the passenger''s seat, he put his seatbelt on, Wang Lei, getting inside the driver''s seat and putting on his seatbelt, too. As the car then roared to life, Wang Lei started driving, both of them silent for a few minutes before Zhang Ren asked a question.


    "Put the address in the GPS."


    "Oh, yes."


    With him given permission to touch his GPS, Zhang Ren put his address in, making Wang Lei arch a brow and made ament as he saw how slightly far his house is¡ªeven living in an apartment.


    "You''re rich. Why live in an apartment that is far from the university?"


    "I have my reasons, Mr. Wang Lei. I want solitude," he answered, making Shi Lian''s older brother chuckle with what he heard.


    "I''m sorry for the questions earlier," he started, Zhang Ren, listening to him. "I have never met my sister interact so much with a guy¡ªyou may have been her first kiss."


    With this said, Zhang Ren blinked his eyes a few times, now feeling guilty.


    "W-wait¡­ she really meant it when she said that she had never tried liking someone? I thought that was a joke. I mean¡­ I didn''t believe her because she''s pretty and¡­"


    Not wanting to offend Wang Lei, he just stopped there, Wang Lei, sighing as he spoke for his little sister.


    "My sister has always been all y and discovering herself. If I''m not set on bing a CEO, then she would be unfortunate to have lived a life that she doesn''t want. So I''m d that this is my dream¡ªso Shi Lian could experience the things that she always wanted. But to her, love is out of her vocabry."


    Hearing Wang Lei say this, Zhang Ren couldn''t help but smile. With him looking straight at the road, hemented on what he said, making Wang Lei smile.


    "It''s rare for a family to be like this, Mr. Wang Lei. Shi Lian is lucky to have an older brother whom she can trust."


    Wang Lei scoffed, continuing to drive on the road that the GPS is showing.


    "I know. I spoil her rotten¡ªshe''s like our little princess."


    With that said, he looked at Zhang Ren briefly from the corner of his eye and said something that made Zhang Renugh.


    "And I don''t care if you''re the grandson of legendary Mr. Chen. If you yed my sister, I would crush you right here and then."


    Zhang Renughed with Wang Lei. With him now ceasing from hisughter, Zhang Renmented on what Wang Lei said, not minding it.


    "It''s alright. If I were in your position, I''d do that, too."


    The drive went silent for a minute. With Zhang Ren looking outside the window, he sighed, further telling Wang Lei what he thought of Shi Lian, reassuring him that he won''t ever take advantage of her.


    "You don''t have to worry, Mr. Wang Lei," he started, Shi Lian''s older brother listening to him. "Shi Lian and her best friend, Shu Xian, are the only friends that I have recently. I wouldn''t dare do anything bad to them," he added, Wang Lei, furrowing his brows as he wondered aloud.


    "Why are they your only friends when you stayed here for quite some time now?"


    Zhang Ren didn''t answer for a while. With him turning his head to look at Wang Lei, a sad smile appeared on his face, his answer slightly surprising Wang Lei, making him pity on Zhang Ren.


    "Depression made it hard for me, Mr. Wang Lei. It is the reason why I stayed away from Country S and came here to live peacefully. I''m trying my best to cope still¡ªand maybe making friends would help me."


    Wang Lei stopped driving. With him hearing this, he looked at Zhang Ren, finding sincerity in his words. With him reaching out to him to touch his shoulder, Zhang Ren blinked his eyes a few times, curious about his simple gesture.


    "Y-yes, Mr. Wang Lei?"


    "Call me Wang Lei," he replied, giving Zhang Ren a small smile. "It''s okay for you not to tell me this much. As long as your intentions are good and true, I won''t question your ways¡ªjust¡­ my sister, Shi Lian¡­ don''t take advantage of her naivet¨¦ in love."

 Chapter 135 - Did Such Lengths

    [TRIGGER WARNING: A topic about depression is briefly stated here. If you are ufortable about it, please skip the chapter.]


    ***


    Shi Lian took a shower, staying more than she should under it. With her head leaning against the bathroom wall, she sighed, closing her eyes as the song on her ylist yed next.


    She is the kind of person who cannot go inside the bathroom without taking her phone to y music.


    ***


    I''m mad at Disney, Disney


    They tricked me, tricked me


    Had me wishing on a shooting star


    But now I''m twenty-something


    I still know nothing


    About who I am or what I''m not


    ***


    The song "Mad at Disney" by Saleme Ilese yed, making her listen to the lyrics of the song as she continued scrubbing the loofa on her skin to furtherther the soap on her.


    ***


    So call me a pessimist


    But I don''t believe in it


    Finding a true love''s kiss is bullshit


    ***


    Shi Lian remembered the kiss that she had with Zhang Ren. With her grip tightening on the loofa, she opened her eyes, another blushing to her face since it is indeed her first kiss with a man.


    ***


    ''Cause I felt sad love


    I felt bad love


    Sometimes happy love (happy love)


    Turns into giving up (giving up)


    I felt hurt love


    By the word love


    What the hell is love supposed to feel like?


    What the hell is love? What the hell is love?


    What the hell is love supposed to feel like?


    ***


    ''Damn that Zhang Ren,'' Shi Lian cursed him in her thoughts, thest three lines of the chorus attacking her. With her furrowing her brows in annoyance, she threw the loofa from across the shower, the loofa hitting the wall.


    ''Why did he kiss me? When this is just an act? With me developing a crush on him¡­ this is dangerous for me as it is now making me think of him!''


    ***


    My fairy grandma warned me


    Cindere''s story


    Only ended in a bad divorce


    The prince ain''t sleeping when he


    Takes his sleeping beauty


    To the motel on his snow-white horse


    So call me a pessimist


    But I don''t believe in it


    Finding a true love''s kiss is bullshit


    ***


    "No, Shi Lian¡­"


    She now spoke, talking to herself.


    "It''s just a kiss, you can choose to ignore it and not think about it. It doesn''t have a meaning behind it. Don''t be na?ve since it''s just something that happened to keep the act together."


    With that said, a scoff then soon came from her, making her turn off the shower after she rinsed the soap from her body.


    With her getting her towel from the bathroom chair, she wrapped it around her body, already wrapping another towel around her head to dry her hair.


    ***


    ''Cause I felt sad love


    I felt bad love


    Sometimes happy love (happy love)


    Turns into giving up (giving up)


    I felt hurt love


    By the word love (word love)


    What the hell is love supposed to feel like?


    What the hell is love? What the hell is love?


    What the hell is love supposed to feel like?


    What the hell is love? What the hell is love?


    What the hell is love supposed to feel like?


    I''m mad at Disney, Disney


    They tricked me, tricked me


    No more wishing on a shooting star


    ***


    With the song finally ending, at the same moment, an unknown number was calling her, making her arch a brow at it, curious as to who is calling her around 10 in the evening.


    "It''s ratherte," Shi Lian mumbled to herself, already putting the phone against her ear as she leaned on the bathroom sink. "Who could be calling?"


    With the call now answered, Shi Lian spoke, immediately getting a reply.


    "Yes, who is this?"


    "Hello, Shi Lian."


    A man''s voice was heard, Shi Lian''s eyes widening in surprise as she unexpectedly heard who the person is on the other line as he introduced himself.


    "This is Mr. Chen, Zhang Ren''s grandfather. I''m sorry for calling so suddenly."


    "O-oh!"


    Shi Lian''s body stiffened, suddenly nervous of talking to such a big shot.


    "I-it''s alright. Umm¡­ is something the matter?"


    Mr. Chen did not answer for a while. With a sigh heard from the other end of the call, Shi Lian waited for his reply expectantly, her heart beating on her chest as she still wondered why he''s calling.


    "First of all, I''m sorry for calling your private phone number," he started, "It''s just that with my Zhang Ren now finally talking to someone, I''m happy and wanted to meet the people my grandson is with," he added, Shi Lian, discreetly letting out a sigh to calm herself before sitting on the bathroom chair.


    "I understand," Shi Lian said with a small smile appearing on her face. "Zhang Ren is a good person, and I''m d to meet him."


    "I''m happy," Mr. Chen said, his voice slightly changing as a sadder one came next. "Since he left the country to recuperate from the environment, I¡­ I-I''m d that he has finally made friends! When he told me that he will visit a friend''s house, reading the word ''friend'' surprised me¡ªI just had to call."


    Shi Lian didn''t know why, but when she heard the sadness in the tone of his voice, she couldn''t help but want to ask about Zhang Ren¡ªwith the information thrown that he is ''recuperating from the environment.''


    "If I may, Mr. Chen," Shi Lian started, getting the courage to ask him a question. "Did something happen to Zhang Ren¡­ that made you worry so much about him?"


    Mr. Chen didn''t answer for a while. With a heavy sigh heard from the other end of the call, he spoke, getting Shi Lian''s full attention.


    "Since you are the only friend of Zhang Ren that he mentioned, then I guess I could tell you this," he said, what he said next further surprising Shi Lian, even making tears pool in her eyes with how unexpected this information is.


    "You see¡­ Zhang Ren has depression and he almost attempted suicide until I caught him. He said he wanted to leave Country S¡ªdesperately¡­ that is why I did such lengths to hide every personal information about him and put him there in City S in Country C instead¡­ until he says he''s okay."

 Chapter 136 - Always

    [TRIGGER WARNING: A topic about depression is discussed here. If you are ufortable about it, please skip the chapter.]


    ***


    "You see¡­ Zhang Ren has depression and he almost attempted suicide until I caught him. He said he wanted to leave Country S¡ªdesperately¡­ that is why I did such lengths to hide every personal information about him and put him there in City S in Country C instead¡­ until he says he''s okay."


    Shi Lian still couldn''t believe what she has heard. With her talking about Zhang Ren with Mr. Chen, she was still in a daze in the bathroom even after the call had ended.


    Mr. Chen told her about Zhang Ren having a toxic family background back in Country S, his father specifically putting so much pressure on him since he is the only child, a male at that.


    Mr. Chen told him that at first, it was okay for Zhang Ren to be pressured by his father because he has his mother and his grandparents to back him up.


    But since an incident happened during a car crash that killed both his mother and his grandmother, only his grandfather is his ally.


    Since then, it made Zhang Ren difficult to fight against his father''s wishes. The death of Zhang Ren''s father''s wife and his mother had further made him harsh, as if no longer looking into the emotional well-being of his child.


    Because of that, it has pressured Zhang Ren to do self-harm on himself¡ªwanting to meet his father''s expectations but it overwhelmed him.


    Luckily, Mr. Chen said that he felt something off one night, Zhang Ren''s unusual kindness and affection towards him making him feel worried.


    The moment he visited his room, he was about to jump off from his balcony with a knife on hand, making him rush to him to hold Zhang Ren down.


    And all of this happened two years ago¡­ before he enrolled in the university here in City Sst year.


    Mr. Chen also told Shi Lian that since then, Zhang Ren only talked to him¡ªnot even his father. Even though this event made his fathere around, the trauma still stayed with him¡ªstill having the difficulty to even look at his father even in a picture.


    Zhang Ren is staying in an apartment far from the university. He does not live alone¡ªhe is apanied by his personal psychiatrist hired by Mr. Chen. Luckily, the psychiatrist turned out to be Zhang Ren''s confidant and friend before he met Shi Lian and the others.


    Mr. Chen reiterated his gratitude to Shi Lian. He said with him already talking to other people, and with him having friends, it made him think that he is getting better in City S, further asking a favor from Shi Lian to watch over Zhang Ren and continue to be with him.


    With that, Shi Lian''s tears in her eyes escaped, making her cry silently for him as she did not expect such a sad backgrounding from him.


    It''s indeed as she read¡ªthe happiest people turn out to be people having such a dark past, having traumas that they carry.


    Shi Lian sighed, already leaving the bathroom. With her absent-mindedly going to her wardrobe, she got an oversized sweater that she stole from her brother''s closet, making her wear it as a sleep wear.


    With her wearing her underwear next, she plopped on her bed face down, the pillows bouncing to her sides.


    She turned her body to face the ceiling, her forearm on her forehead as she nkly stared at the darkness, her throat painful as she stopped herself from crying.


    ''Zhang Ren¡­ what can I do¡­ to make you feel better?''


    Shaking herself from her own thoughts, her phone suddenly rang beside her. With her getting it as she turned to her side, her eyes widened to see Zhang Ren now calling, making her wipe her tears away even though he won''t see her.


    "Ahem¡­ ahem¡­"


    Shi Lian cleared her throat. She wouldn''t want Zhang Ren to notice that she is crying, not wanting to sound suspicious, too.


    She answered the call. With her putting the phone against her ear, she greeted him, sounding slightly cheerful so he won''t suspect a thing.


    "Zhang Ren. It''s almost midnight. Why are you calling?"


    Zhang Ren let out a soft chuckle. With him sighing, he then spoke, making Shi Lian''s heart race in her chest when he said something that made her remember what she had almost forgotten.


    "I''m sorry about the kiss¡­ it happened because I found you irresistibly cute."


    "Zhang Ren¡­"


    Shi Lian yfully rolled her eyes, slightly happy that Zhang Ren is happy this way.


    "Please don''t y with me. I will kill you."


    "Haha!" Zhang Renughed, "Of course, I won''t. With your brother somewhat scolding me a while ago, too¡­ how could I do such a thing?"


    Hearing this, Shi Lian slowly sat up, not believing what she has heard.


    "Wait, wait¡­ that idiot scolded you?"


    "Yes," Zhang Ren let out another chuckle. "Don''t be angry now! He''s only doing it as your older brother!"


    "Huh¡­"


    Shi Lian let out a scoff, a smirking to her face.


    "Turns out my older brother does care. I can further use him as my ve, then!"


    Zhang Ren keptughing since the call started. With their talk making Shi Lian worry for him if he''s faking his happiness or not, she couldn''t help but further furrow her brows in concern, asking Zhang Ren a question.


    "Hey, Zhang Ren¡­" Shi Lian called out, asking a question that slightly surprised Zhang Ren. "Are you really happy¡­ talking to me?"


    Zhang Ren didn''t answer for a while. With a light chuckleing from the other end of the call, he answered her question.


    "Yes. It''s why we''re friends, right? I like talking to you even though we just met."


    With that said, Shi Lian embraced both of her knees with her other arm. With her chin resting in between her knees, she said something so sincere¡­ that is capable enough to make Zhang Ren''s heart race in his chest.


    "Zhang Ren¡­ I know we recently became friends, but know that I''m here for you, alright? Always¡­"

 Chapter 137 - The Important Thing Now

    "Zhang Ren¡­ I know we recently became friends, but know that I''m here for you, alright? Always¡­"


    Even after the call, he could still remember what Shi Lian had said to him. With his heart unexinably beating in his chest, he couldn''t help but furrow his brows as his hand slowly go up to touch his chest.


    ''Why? Why is my heart racing?''


    What Zhang Ren is thinking, however, is why Shi Lian had suddenly said that.


    With the thought of his grandfather suddenlying to mind and with his connections that he could get at any time of the day, he got his phone and started to dial his number despite it being sote in the evening, 30 minutes before midnight.


    However, Mr. Chen picked up the phone immediately, greeting Zhang Ren with a cheery voice.


    "Zhang Ren, my boy!"


    His voice was full of love, so much doting every time they talk.


    "You''re not sleeping yet? Haiya¡­ you little boy. You better go to sleep!"


    Even though Zhang Ren is worrying with whatever he has ever talked about with Shi Lian, he let out a chuckle, taking to his grandfather¡ªhis only ally in the family.


    "I could say the same, yeye¡­ why are you still awake?"


    Zhang Ren sighed. With him hearing the question of his grandson, he knew he couldn''t lie, telling him the answer that he needed.


    "I have to be honest with you, boy," Mr. Chen started, "I have talked with Shi Lian, the girl you said was your friend and told her why you''re there."


    With this said, Zhang Ren''s eyes widened, already understanding why Shi Lian told him that she is always here for him.


    With Zhang Ren sighing and rolling his eyes as he did not want her to know the past that is shameful to him, he vented to his grandfather.


    "But, yeye¡­ why did you have to tell her? We just met and I didn''t want her to pity me."


    "Zhang Ren, boy¡­"


    Mr. Chen''s voice sounded soft, not understanding why Zhang Ren is adamant of not telling Shi Lian.


    "I thought you two met already for months?"


    "I was lying, yeye," Zhang Ren admitted, "Shi Lian is indeed a friend, yes, we just met for a few weeks. She needed my help and trusts me, that''s why I helped her, too."


    "Help her with what, boy?"


    Zhang Ren was hesitant for a while. However, he always felt bad when he lied to his grandfather so he told him the truth, a jovial chuckleing the moment the old man heard what his grandson had told him.


    "She didn''t want to be set up in a blind date so she asked me to pretend to be in a rtionship with her so her mother will stop."


    "Aiya, you naughty boy!"


    When Mr. Chen chuckled, Zhang Ren couldn''t help butugh along with him, happy that his grandfather is happy even without him there.


    "And? I think it will be more than a ruse, no?"


    "Oh, yeye¡­"


    Zhang Ren rolled his eyes, already sitting on his bed.


    "As if we''re going to continue this. Maybe she will, as long as it will keep her mother out of her goals. She likes to travel the world."


    "Travelling is a very good investment, indeed! If you want, you can travel with Shi Lian girl. She seems so sweet¡ªlistening to me during the call a while ago."


    "Yeye¡­"


    Zhang Ren felt embarrassed, running his hand through his hair.


    "What exactly did you tell her?"


    "What she needed to know about you. Zhang Ren, I''m happy that you''re having friends and since I worry without you here in Country S, I would rather give them a background check about you if you trust them this much of even going to her house!"


    Zhang Ren couldn''t say no to his grandfather. With him sighing as he nodded, a sudden thought passed his mind, making Mr. Chen quiet for a while.


    "Yeye¡­ have you¡­ searched anything about the deaths of nainai and mama?"


    There was silence for five seconds. With a heavy sigh suddenly heard in the other end of the call, Mr. Chen answered his question with an answer that he was not expecting.


    "Zhang Ren, child¡­"


    Every time that Mr. Chen called him child after his name, it would always be a serious talk thates after.


    "You do not need to worry on such things. The important thing now is your recuperation and you having fun in City S there in Country C. Please¡­ let yeye and your father handle this. You have nothing to worry about."


    Their family always believed that there is something behind the deaths of his grandmother and his mother during a car crash¡ªlike they were not just there because of coincidence.


    With a sighing from Zhang Ren, he furrowed his brows in worry, further stating his concern.


    "Yeye¡­ please rest, too. If father is investigating on this, then I think you should not stress yourself about this," he said, letting out another sigh and smiled even though Mr. Chen won''t see. "You have me, your grandson, to think of, yeah?"


    Mr. Chen chuckled. With him agreeing to what he said, he nodded, even though his grandson won''t see.


    "Of course, Zhang Ren. I hope you wille visit yeye soon? I miss you, boy."


    "Yes, yeye. I''lle visit¡ªespecially over semester break. I''m sorry for noting home this time."


    "It''s alright," Mr. Chen replied, "At least you made friends¡­ and possibly a new girlfriend soon, yes? I''m telling you honestly¡­ upon speaking to that Shi Lian girl, she seems to be a good-mannered girl!"


    Zhang Ren grinned, seeing how lively his grandfather is. With him now lying down on the bed, he ignored what he said and bid him good night instead so both of them, especially his yeye, could rest.


    "Good night, yeye. You need to rest."


    "En. Good night, Zhang Ren. Call me when you want to¡ªanytime, okay? Yeye is always here for you, too."


    "En. Good night."


    With the call now ending, Zhang Ren put his phone down to the side, sighing as he remembered what his grandfather had said about Shi Lian.


    With him being told that she is good and seeming to be rooting for her, Zhang Ren thought that if ever there wille a time that he''s thinking of love¡­


    Then he would definitely pursue Shi Lian.

 Chapter 138 - Such Coincidence Is Life, Right?

    Dinner with Pan An and Wang Fang went by smoothly. With them having such a light conversation as they ate, they were getting closer to each other, too, Shu Xian, already feelingfortable around them.


    "Goodness. I feel so bloated¡ªI might have to work out extra during the weekends," Wang Fang said as she patted her belly, making Shu Xian giggle as she made ament.


    "I think, Miss Wang Fang, that you don''t have to worry about your weight. It''s good to have a little fat in the body, right?"


    "I agree," Pan An said with a nod, smiling at the Chief Librarian as well. "Men like a little meat. You''re nearing your 30s and you haven''t found a boyfriend yet."


    "Oh, please¡­"


    Wang Fang rolled her eyes at what Pan An had said, crossing her arms in front of her chest.


    "You know, I don''t work out for men¡ªand I certainly don''t gain weight for them! If it''s about changes, I would definitely do it for me and not for others."


    "I agree!"


    With Shu Xian and Wang Fang doing a high five, Pan Anughed, seeing that they are indeed women who empower positivity of not doing it because of the standards of men.


    "And besides," Wang Fang started, now narrowing her eyes at Pan An. "I could say the same¡ªyou''re nearing your 30s and yet you don''t have someone."


    Pan An shook his head, already scoffing.


    "You got me, Wang Fang. Alright, I won''t say anything more, you witty woman."


    With thatment said, Shu Xian giggled a bit, asking Wang Fang a question.


    "If you don''t mind, Miss Wang Fang¡­ how old are you?"


    "Oh! I just turned 26 months ago."


    "Oh? Seriously?" Pan An arched a brow at her. "I thought that you''re around 27-28. I just turned 27."


    Wang Fang immediately rolled a ball of tissue and threw it towards him. With Shu Xian giggling, sheplimented Wang Fang so she would not feel bad with what Pan An had said.


    "Don''t worry, Miss Wang Fang. You''re still very pretty¡ªI really admire your mature demeanor! It is something that I want, to be honest¡­ I look¡­ monotonous."


    "Oh, Shu Xian, don''t say such a thing about you. Your young and mysterious look is good, too! You can take it to advantage."


    "Oh?" Shu Xian cocked her head to the side. "How?"


    Leaning in closer as if to whisper something to her and Pan An, what she said made Shu Xian blush, Pan An, not liking the idea.


    "Getting a man for you to date~!"


    Shu Xian shook her head, letting out a shy smile.


    "Dating? Oh, no, no¡­ I''m not thinking about this yet," Shu Xian replied, embarrassed that they are talking about this with Pan An beside her.


    "Yeah," Pan An chimed in, slightly surprising the girls since he butted in. "Besides¡­ Shu Xian is¡­ how old are you?"


    With that being asked, Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times, answering their question.


    "I''m 19."


    "Yeah, she''s 19," Pan An said, taking a quick sip of his drink. "She is a studious girl who focuses on her studies and goals. Right?"


    "Uh, yes¡­"


    With Shu Xian confirming what he said, Wang Fang shook her head, arching a brow at Pan An.


    "Oh, you act like her guardian! Or maybe¡­"


    As a smug grin appeared on her face, what she said next made both of them look at each other discreetly, Shu Xian, blushing with what Wang Fang had said.


    "You want Shu Xian to yourself, Professor Pan An?"


    Shu Xian grabbed her drink and sipped from the straw, Wang Fang, snickering as he saw difort on Pan An''s face.


    "Not that this is bad¡ªI mean, Shu Xian is a good girl! Any man is definitely lucky to have her!"


    "Enough, Wang Fang," Pan An scolded, "Anyway¡­ I think it''s best if we pay the bill and go home now?"


    "Oh, just a few minutes. I need to tell Shu Xian something."


    With Pan An and Shu Xian looking at Wang Fang as they waited expectantly for what she''s about to say, the Chief Librarian then spoke, announcing her ns for tomorrow.


    "I will be out of the library starting tomorrow. Since you and Zhang Ren are near the office, do handle the patrons that needed my signature for clearance. If it''s an important matter, I assigned another library staff to be the chief while I''m away."


    "Alright," Shu Xian replied, smiling.


    "You see, this Thursday will be my sister''s birthday. Well, she may not be here, but we visit her grave. She''s around your age, Shu Xian¡ªturning 20!"


    "Oh, I see!" With a nod, she understood what she''s going to do. "I will tell Zhang Ren about this tomorrow. Thank you for informing me, Miss Wang Fang."


    "Yes, I''m sorry¡ªwith the papers and with the interruption this professor gave me, I forgot to tell you and Zhang Ren. I will also text the morning duty student assistants about this."


    With that settled, Pan An already asked for the bill, already paying for the food.


    "It''s my treat, no pressure," Pan An said, smiling at Wang Fang. "I had a nice dinner with you guys."


    "Thank you," the girls said in unison, Shu Xian, especially happy that she got to save more for her allowance.


    As the three of them already went out of Molto Affamato, Pan An and Shu Xian started walking home after they saw Wang Fang ride a cab.


    "So Wang Fang will be out for three full days. Huh¡­ that''s a bit extra for a visitation."


    "Hey¡­"


    Shu Xian hit his shoulder, not liking what he said.


    "You don''t know the reason behind that. It may be a family tradition for her sister since she''s no longer here," she added, Pan An, apologizing.


    "I''m sorry¡ªI didn''t mean to sound mean, but I''m just surprised."


    "Yeah. I was surprised, too! Well, not by the fact that they do that for her sister."


    "Oh?" Pan An arched a brow at her and asked, "What were you surprised about, then?"


    Shu Xian giggled for a while. With her turning to look at Pan An, she answered his question, Pan An, not expecting what she told him.


    "Her sister and I have the same birthday¡ªI''m turning 20. With this being talked about, too, I realized I''m aging in a few days! Such coincidence is life, right?"

 Chapter 139 - A Few Days Left

    "Yeah. I was surprised, too! Well, not by the fact that they do that for her sister."


    "Oh?" Pan An arched a brow at her and asked, "What were you surprised about, then?"


    Shu Xian giggled for a while. With her turning to look at Pan An, she answered his question, Pan An, not expecting what she told him.


    "Her sister and I have the same birthday¡ªI''m turning 20. With this being talked about, too, I realized I''m aging in a few days! Such coincidence is life, right?"


    When Pan An heard this, he stopped in his tracks, Shu Xian, walking on ahead. When she realized that the professor is not following her, she turned back and cocked her head to the side, curious.


    "What''s wrong, Pan An? Did you forget something?" she asked, Pan An, blinking his eyes a few times as he looked at Shu Xian.


    "You¡­ why didn''t you tell me that your birthday ising soon!?"


    Shu Xian arched a brow at him and crossed her arms in front of her chest.


    "Why would I tell you about my birthday? Of course, I wouldn''t tell you about it¡ªwe''re not that close yet!"


    She let out a scoff and rolled her eyes at him, too.


    "Besides, Pan An¡­ wouldn''t it be awkward if I go like, ''Hey! My birthday is on ¡­''"


    With Shu Xian chuckling as she shrugged her shoulders, Pan An followed her, sighing at the same time.


    "Yeah, you do have a point¡­ but something like this, it''s something to look forward to, right?"


    "Hmm¡­"


    When Pan An said this, Shu Xian couldn''t help but furrow her brows. With her giving him a mncholic smile, she shook her head to disagree to what he said, further stating her point.


    "Since we live together and we''re sort of close now, I think I''d let you in on what I feel about birthdays," she said, both of them already in front of the house.


    Before they even entered, Shu Xian sighed, looking at the sky as she tried her best to cover the sadness that took over her even though they just had a fun dinner with Wang Fang.


    "Ever since my uncle raised me until I ran away, never have I ever celebrated my birthday. He just told me when I was born when I saw my papers and that''s it. Nothing else."


    She then looked at Pan An, the professor feeling sad for the girl as she continued telling him what she thinks about birthdays.


    "It''s like an ordinary day. But of course, Shi Lian knows my birthday¡ªshe celebrates with me in the simplest way of eating out and that for me is already okay because I don''t like celebrations¡ªit''d be kinda awkward."


    With Shu Xian forcing out augh, she then looked back at the professor, faking a smile as she said herst sentence before entering the house.


    "Birthdays¡­ it''s just a day tomemorate one''s birth. That''s all."


    As Shu Xian already entered the house, Pan An followed, closing and locking the door behind him.


    "Good night, Pan An! Thank you for the dinner with Miss Wang Fang."


    With a yawning from her, Wan Wan followed her, too, both of them already going inside the room. Once the professor heard the door close, he sighed, nkly staring at her door.


    Looking at the time, it is almost midnight. It only urred to him now that he ate and talked for almost three hours with Shu Xian and Wang Fang in Molto Affamato.


    As the professor went inside his room and with Shu Xian''s words still ringing in his mind, he couldn''t help but sigh, feeling sad that a person like Shu Xian is telling him that birthdays are nothing to her.


    He thought that since it''sing in a few days, if there is something that they could do¡ªeven at least a small celebration just so this year, it would make a difference to her.


    With that in mind, Pan An wanted to rx before he thought of what to do on Shu Xian''s birthday. Already removing the necktie that was given to him by Shu Xian, he looked at it and smiled, thinking of something right at this moment.


    ''Shall I give her a birthday present? If so¡­ what would I give her?''


    With Shi Lianing to mind and knowing that she has a yful personality like her older brother, Wang Lei, Pan An couldn''t help but roll his eyes, wondering how he could get information from her without her teasing him.


    As he heaved another sigh, he furrowed his brows, already undressing himself. He now only wore his boxers, putting his suit inside his hamper forundry.


    With him lying down on the bed, he wondered why he wanted to make a difference for Shu Xian''s birthday this year¡ªwhen they only met for a few weeks.


    "There''s nothing wrong with doing something for her, right? Well¡­ she did do something for me¡ªthe necktie," he mumbled to himself, looking at his phone.


    When he saw his wallpaper that Shu Xian changed when she was drunk, he couldn''t help but grin. Heughed as he remembered how childish and yful she was that time, making him think when would be the next time that he''d see her that way.


    However, when his mother suddenly texted him this night, he slightly widened his eyes when an idea came out of nowhere.


    The message from his mother read: How''s it going with Shu Xian?


    Not answering her question instead, Pan An replied to her message with something even better that made Cai Li feel excited.


    Pan An sent: Shu Xian''s birthday is this Thursday. Want to do something for her?


    The professor was expecting a text message from his mother. However, with him suddenly getting a call from her, he answered the call immediately, Cai Li not bothering to even say hi.


    "Of course! Let''s do something for Shu Xian on her birthday! Why tell me this now!? We only have a few days left to prepare!"


    With the call suddenly ending and with Cai Li not also saying good bye, Pan An yfully rolled his eyes, chuckling as he found his mother''s excitement unusual.


    However, his frown soon disappeared when he remembered Ruo Xi and how different his mother treated her and Shu Xian.

 Chapter 140 - The Middle Child

    "What?"


    The woman was on the phone. She had her natural ck hair in a messy bun, the woman wearing a bathrobe.


    In the ce where she is in Country M, it is already morningpared to the time in Country C that it is almost midnight.


    The woman stood up from her white leather couch, her left hand on her hip as she was talking to the person on the phone.


    "Mama¡­ you didn''t tell me that [1]xi¨£o d¨¬d¨¬ has a girlfriend! After what happened to that Ruo Xi, now he is living with this new girl?"


    "Ru Shi, dear," Cai Li''s voice resounded on the phone, Ru Shi, listening to her mother. "Please don''t say the name of that woman. It annoys the hell out of my ears."


    "Alright, alright," Ru Shi said with a sigh, looking out the window that overlooked the skyscrapers in Country M. "Well? Tell me about this girl?"


    "It would be such a difficult topic to talk about this time of night. Why are you suddenly calling this midnight? Don''t you want your mother to sleep?"


    With Ru Shi rolling her eyes at what she said, she sat back down on the leather couch and replied to what she said.


    "Mother, you''re so contradicting. You told me I can call you any time. Since I''ve not been calling for how many weeks already due to work, now that I''m calling you, you''re scolding me."


    When Cai Li heard this, she let out a soft giggle, Ru Shi, arching a brow at her even though her mother won''t see her.


    "Anyway, I will tell you about your brother''s new girl once youe home. Your flight back in Country C will be soon, yes?"


    "Mm," Ru Shi nodded, looking at the clock of her hotel room. "In three hours."


    "Alright," Cai Li replied, "I will be waiting for your arrival, then. And we''ll talk about it."


    With them being quiet for a while, Cai Li asked her a question that made Ru Shi hesitant, only Cai Li hearing a sigh from her.


    "How''s your husband¡ªLing Chia Hao?"


    Ru Shi didn''t answer her mother for a while. With her husband being asked, she just nodded even though her mother won''t see, answering her question briefly.


    "He''s alright. Busy with the business."


    "I see," Cai Li said, her tone getting serious. "If you want, we can talk about your marriage once you get home, Ru Shi."


    With this heard, somehow, Ru Shi''s eyes started pooling tears. As she forced herself not to cry, she just replied to what her mother had said, actually feelingfort in what she said because to Ru Shi, her best friend is her mother.


    She couldfortably tell her anything without her mother judging her.


    "Yes, please," Ru Shi replied, feeling a painful lump in her throat. "I¡­ Chia Hao is a good man, mama. It''s just that I feel too bad because he''s stuck with a woman like me. A woman who''s still stuck in the past. A woman who''s¡ª"


    "Ru Shi, dear¡­"


    With Cai Li interrupting her, she already knew that her daughter is about to cry.


    "You have a flighting soon. You will talk to meter, yes? Save your energy and sleep throughout your flight. I will personallye to pick you up at the airport, yes?"


    "Yes, mama¡­ yes."


    "Good girl," Cai Li said, a sad smile appearing on her face. "You will have a vacation here for a week¡ªwe''ll talk about what you want to talk about¡ªspend time with me and your little brother, yes?"


    "Please, mama," Ru Shi replied, letting out a soft chuckle as she liked the idea. "I miss you and little brother so much. With you telling me about a new girl, too, oh¡­ I''m so curious."


    With both of themughing in the call, it made Ru Shi feel slightly better, Cai Li, already telling her to prepare.


    "Now, let me sleep, dear. You have to prepare for your flight. Make sure you don''t forget anything."


    "Yes, mama. Good night. Sorry for calling sote¡ªbeing emotional this time of day."


    "No need for apologies, dear," Cai Li said, "Mama is here¡ªalways."


    With that, the call already ended. The moment Ru Shi put her phone down on the couch for a while as she nkly stared out the window of her hotel, she let out a sigh, closing her eyes for a while.


    Chia Hao¡ªRu Shi''s husband that was set up to her by their father¡ªhe''s indeed a great man, a very doting husband to his wife. He''s exceptionally handsome, too, and very gentlepared to other men that she had met.


    Anyone who would have Chia Hao would be a lucky woman indeed¡­ however, for some reason, Ru Shi couldn''t bring herself to love him.


    Yes, she appreciated him¡ªshe admired how Chia Hao is doing his duties as his husband and has indeed learned to love her.


    Although for Ru Shi, she couldn''t seem to reciprocate the love because of the past that kept haunting her¡ªthe past that she had with her first andst love.


    With her opening her eyes, her eyebrows knitted in worry, wondering if she''s hurting Chia Hao with how nonchnt her responses are when ites to him.


    Even after their marriage, both of them never touched each other¡ªChia Hao respecting that she doesn''t want to be touched¡­


    Nor even kissed.


    Three years already passed since their marriage, yet Chia Hao still treated her well, always being a kind and a gentle man that he is.


    Ru Shi felt suffocated¡ªshe knew that she didn''t deserve this if her heart still couldn''t let go of the other.


    She wanted to ask for a divorce¡ªshe wanted to give Chia Hao freedom and give him what he deserves¡ªtrue love.


    However, with her father deciding most of their life decisions, Ru Shi knew that she just wouldn''t stand a chance.


    She wanted to rebel, yes¡­ but she''d rather have this life than give more stress to her mother, Cai Li, who is already stressed with what Pan An''s doing in his life, who is also saddened by the fact of the older brother away.


    With her older brother gone, with his little brother doing as he pleases, Ru Shi thought how difficult must it be to be the middle child¡ªbeing forced to do things in favor of their father just because the two could not do what he wants.

 Chapter 141 - Blinded By Love

    Pan An couldn''t sleep. With him thinking about Shu Xian''s birthday and what to do in his own simple ways because he knew that his mother is going to exert more effort in this, Pan An got his phone and searched¡ªclicking at the first link he saw.


    It suggested 10 ways on how to celebrate one''s birthday and how to give surprises, making him read it.


    1. Balloons


    Nothing says birthday like balloons! As everybody especially girls love balloons. So, go for balloons. There are again many ways to surprise with balloons.


    A.   Attaching the beautiful photos of her or photos of you both to the balloon strings


    B.   Simply leaving all the balloons on the floor


    C.   Decorate ceiling with balloons


    2. Rose Petal and Candles


    There is nothing romantic than roses and candles. Roses are known as the symbol of love and beauty since ages. That is why they have always been an essential part of the surprise.


    But, the uses of this gorgeous flowers and candles are not just limited to expressing love or enhancing the beauty of a ce. Take a chance once again to propose her on her special day with rose petals and candles.


    3. Exclusive PVR Experience


    Everyone wants to enjoy the exclusive movie watching experience in PVR, for the right reasons of course. How about giving your better half the one? Take a chance to spend a quality time with your loved one on her special day by watching a romantic movie.


    4. Musical Surprise


    Things that cannot be expressed in words are better done with songs. Surprise her by sending home a professional guitarist and make the special day a little extra special with a musical surprise.


    At a time of your choice, a guitarist will knock on the special person''s door. The moment your loved one appears, the guitarist will break into songs of your choice and wishes your special one along with cake and rose bouquet.


    5. shmob Surprise


    How does it feel when the crowd is dancing for your special one? Take notes boys, this one is a sure shot winner idea if you are nning a perfect surprise for your girl. Or you can also join the crowd for dance to make it more memorable for her. Don''t forget to capture those moments.


    6. Private Flying Experience


    You can definitely sweep your girl off her feet and give her the cloud 9 feels, by taking a ride on a privately chartered flight. she''ll find themselves inside an aircraft, thousands of feet off the ground!


    7. Harley Ride


    Sweep her away from the monotonous daily life and surprise her by taking her to a long drive on Harley Davidson. Actually, most of the girls are obsessed with bikes and wanted to ride too. So, this would be a perfect surprise and also make her dreamse true.


    8. Drone Message


    If you are looking for a modern way to surprise then you''re in luck! Romantic tech-fans will now be able to surprise to their other half via a professionally piloted drone, which delivers the personalized message to a prearranged location on cue.


    9. Romantic Moonlight Dinner


    If you want to pamper her, take her for the most romantic moonlight dinner at the best hotel in the city.


    Imagine a dreamy set, soothing music, a chill in the air, exclusive wines to lift the spirit and beautifully created gourmet dishes toplete the evening in the moonlight. You will win her heart all over again, creating a special memory for life.


    10. Romantic Getaway


    Celebrate a special asion in a private stay that oozes out the luxury, within your budget constraint. Get the pure heavenly pleasure of soaking in the romantic jacuzzi jets in the privacy of your vi with glorious surroundings is an almost indescribable feeling.


    When Pan An read all of this, he couldn''t help but feel that the suggestions were too suggestive of romantic settings, making him furrow his brows.


    "Huh¡­ I only typed how to surprise one girl on her birthday, why did I¡ª"


    But the moment he scrolled up, he realized that he impulsively clicked the article entitled "10 Romantic Birthday Surprise Ideas to Melt Your Girlfriend," making his eyebrow twitch¡ªonly realizing now that he''s done reading what he has searched.


    Pan An knew himself as a person who would be aware of what he''s reading and what he''s clicking. However, oddly, he didn''t even realize the title of the article and even after reading the 10 items, did he realize that he actually read through all of it!


    "Geez, Pan An¡­"


    Pan An mumbled to himself, putting his phone aside as he stared at his ceiling, not believing himself.


    "Why are you so in a daze now?"


    Pan An wondered to himself why he suddenly searched that. What made him more wonder is the fact that he was in a rtionship before but he was searching this for Shu Xian, when he was dating Ruo Xi, he was not doing searches.


    "Nnngh¡­"


    With the professor groaning, he rolled his eyes at himself, not liking how he is already.


    "I''m like a kid," hemented, "Why am I worrying so much about this when before, I was a great romantic partner to a woman?"


    However, when he heard himself say thest part, his lips turned into a tight line, now thinking about Ruo Xi.


    Now he wondered to himself¡­ if he is indeed a great romantic partner, why did Ruo Xi leave without even saying good bye and why did she change a lot of her personal information?


    If he is indeed a great romantic partner, then they would have pushed through with the wedding and would have been married until now, right?


    Pan An sighed exasperatedly. With this already happening years ago, he knew that he should not dwell on it any longer and just focus on himself and nothing else.


    Ruo Xi is part of the past and if she chose to remove herself in everyone''s life, then it''s her decision and it''s no one else''s fault.


    Now he wondered if what his mother and what his best friend had said is true¡ªRuo Xi being a scheming girl that she is and that he''s just a fool to be blinded by love not to believe them¡ªbut still hold them in high regard as his family and best friend.

 Chapter 142 - Kinks Vary Per Person

    Before they knew it, it was already the next day. Shu Xian was already preparing breakfast, cooking spam that would go well with the garlic rice that she prepared.


    With her humming as she felt happy this morning the moment she woke up, she enjoyed preparation and cooking more than expected, Wan Wan, also sensing her owner''s happiness.


    Shu Xian now put the big bowl of fried rice in the middle of the table. With her now preparing their lunch, Shu Xian cooked marinated spicy chicken breast with buttered vegetables. She put more rice in Pan An''s lunch box since he eats more rice than her.


    With their lunch boxes now ready, at the same moment, Pan An came out of the room already dressed up, only to eat breakfast.


    "Oh, good morning!"


    Shu Xian greeted him, cheerfully removing the apron wrapped around her waist then hanging it on the side.


    "You''re just in time for breakfast! Let''s eat!"


    "En."


    Pan An smiled at her, already sitting on the kitchen chair as he got his bowl and chopsticks, putting rice and spam in it.


    "Thanks for cooking, Shu Xian. I like the breakfast today."


    "You''re wee," Shu Xian said, now giving Wan Wan dog food in her dog bowl and filling up her water bowl. "I''m actually d that you''re not a picky eater¡ªwe can cook anything," she added, Pan An, chuckling as he got Shu Xian''s bowl and put rice in it as well since she''s busy tending to Wan Wan.


    After taking care of her dog, Shu Xian now sat on the chair, smiling at the bowl that already has rice and spam.


    "Thanks, Pan An."


    "Sure."


    As they were having a yummy breakfast today, Pan An noticed that she is still not prepared, making her arch a brow at her.


    "You''re not going to the university earlier?"


    "No," Shu Xian replied, "I''m thinking of having a short morning exercise every other day before going to the university. Unlike you, you have to go earlier, right?"


    "Yes," Pan An answered, nodding as well. "Wow¡­ I never thought that you''d be the type of person to do exercise."


    Shu Xian let out a smallugh, taking a small sip of her water.


    "Come on, Pan An. You should exercise when you get the chance, too! Maybe in the evenings? It''s healthy for the body."


    Pan An immediately shook his head, not liking the idea.


    "No, thank you," hemented, "After checking papers and maybe other school work, I might be pooped¡ªI''d rather control food intake to maintain my health."


    Shu Xian rolled her eyes at him.


    "You could like¡­ do exercise on the weekends for only 20 minutes," she suggested, Pan An, grinning ear to ear as he shook his head to say no again.


    "No, I told you¡ªI''mzy. I wouldn''t want to waste my precious rest time."


    "Geez," Shu Xian giggled, what she heard next making her choke on her food.


    "Besides, the only physical exercise that I want would be on bed."


    Pan Anughed out loud with how innocent Shu Xian is. With her getting her ss of water and drinking it in one down so she could push the food down, Pan An apologized, speaking to her and saying that he''s kidding.


    "I''m sorry, Shu Xian. I''m kidding¡ªI just want to catch you off guard."


    Shu Xian narrowed her eyes at him as she put down the ss on the table.


    "Geez¡­ you''re so shameless. You''re not worried that you''re talking to a person who''s younger than you?"


    "Nope," Pan An said, chuckling. "Besides, you ought to know things like this. If you''re too ignorant about it, who knows¡ªyour future partner might take advantage of your innocence," he added, Shu Xian, shyly looking at Pan An.


    "A-As if I don''t see it in movies," she mumbled, Pan An, arching a brow at her.


    "You know, it''s different in moviespared to real life," Pan Anmented, a smirk on his face. "Each person has his or her own kinks."


    "K-kinks¡­" Shu Xian whispered, enough for Pan An to hear. "What do you mean?"


    "Well¡­" Pan An started, wondering how to discuss this to Shu Xian. "Like¡­ what you prefer when ites to sexual interactions."


    "Oh, like lights on, lights off?"


    Pan An couldn''t help but grin at Shu Xian''s innocence. With her sensing that Pan An finds her funny, she narrowed her eyes at him again,ining.


    "Geez¡­ what do I know? I have no experience in such things," she retorted, Pan An, further exining to her what he meant.


    "It''s not merely like lights on, lights off¡­ like what you want to see or what you want to feel when both of you are doing it, or about to do it," he exined, Shu Xian, all the more curious that sexual interactions are not as simple that she thinks it is.


    "I thought that people would just kiss and then it happens. Boom. Like that! Like in movies!"


    "I''m telling you¡­" Pan An started, yfully rolling his eyes at her. "It''spletely different," he added, Shu Xian, shrugging as she just got her chopsticks and continued eating.


    "Then, what are your kinks?"


    Hearing this, Pan An stopped eating for a while, distracted with what Shu Xian had asked him.


    "What?"


    "You say kinks vary per person. If you want me to understand, then tell me what you your kinks are."


    Pan An didn''t answer for a while. With him only looking at Shu Xian straight in the eyes as she waited for him expectantly to talk, Pan An blinked his eyes a few times, unsure of how to tell her instead without surprising her too much.


    However, even though he answered her briefly, Shu Xian''s face immediately reddened, now understanding what he meant by kinks.


    "I want the woman on top¡ªher taking control."


    *Cough* *Cough*


    With Pan An already finished eating as he drank his water in one go, he stood up, both of them not believing the type of conversation that they are having this early morning while they were eating breakfast.


    "S-See you in ss. Good bye."

 Chapter 143 - Just A Simple Question And Answer

    Shu Xian was already in ss. Even though an hour had passed since she had the conversation with Pan An, the conversation still lingered in her thoughts¡ªmaking her blush all throughout the lecture even though it is still ongoing until now.


    With them talking about kinks and with Shu Xian thinking about what Pan An had said to her afterwards, she couldn''t help but not focus on her lessons, Zhang Ren and Shi Lian noticing this.


    Zhang Ren and Shi Lian looked at each other. With them wondering why Shu Xian is acting this way, theymunicated through their eyes, both of them shrugging at each other, too.


    "What''s wrong with Shu Xian?" Shi Lian asked, Zhang Ren, shrugging his shoulders once more.


    "I don''t know. When I talked to her, she just tly said ''hey'' then I took a few minutes of nap before you arrived and ss started," he answered, Shi Lian now elbowing her best friend.


    "Hey," she whispered enough for Shu Xian to hear. Since she is in the middle, she can easily talk to Zhang Ren and her, making it easy for them to hear each other. "What''s wrong? Why are you in a daze?"


    With Shu Xian looking at Shi Lian now, she realized that indeed she is in a daze, blinking her eyes a few times.


    "N-nothing," Shu Xian whispered back, already shaking her head to snap her out of her thoughts. "I''m going to focus."


    She said that, yet the moment she looked at Professor Pan An who was doing their lecture, she slightly widened her eyes when her imagination suddenly went wild, making her imagine what Pan An had said.


    ''I want the woman on top¡ªher taking control.''


    ''I want the woman on top¡ªher taking control.''


    ''I want the woman on top¡ªher taking control.''


    With this statement repeating in her mind, she then imagined something way more absurd¡­ making her blush beet red.


    She imagined herself and Pan An on the couch, her sitting on Pan An''sp, facing towards him, the professor in between her legs. She also imagined him holding her in ce by cing his hands on her waist, having a smug expression on his face.


    With her further imagining that they were also kissing passionately and torridly, she silently swooned in her desk, her face on her notebook.


    Seeing Shu Xian act this way made Zhang Ren and Shi Lian look at her once more, now curious as to why she is out of her usual self this morning.


    As professor Pan An gave them an activity about making their own activity and making their own instructions about it, he then walked around the ss to see if the students are doing their activity and to see if they need assistance.


    "Shu Xian," Shi Lian called to her, her eyebrows furrowed. "What''s up with you, seriously? We already have an activity and then you''re acting this way?" she asked, Shu Xian, shaking her head against the table and answered in a mumble enough for the two to hear.


    "I want my imagination to stop," she said against her notebook, still audible enough for the two to hear. "I''m getting insane¡ªI don''t like what I''m thinking anymore!"


    "Huh?"


    With Zhang Ren cocking his head to the side, he arched a brow at Shu Xian, suggesting something.


    "Shi Lian, why not you go to thefort room with Shu Xian? You guys can talk about it briefly. She seems to be out of whack!"


    However, before Shi Lian could even tap Shu Xian''s shoulder, Pan An was already beside their table, wondering why Shu Xian is not doing the activity.


    "What''s wrong?" he asked, Shu Xian''s body stiffening when she heard his voice. "Is she not feeling well?"


    "Erm¡­"


    Shi Lian didn''t know how to answer, only nodding slowly once and tried her best to help her friend even though she doesn''t know why she was acting this way.


    "I think, yes?"


    With Shu Xian''s head slowly rising from the table, her hair was slightly disheveled, making her consciously fix herself as she couldn''t even stare straight into the professor''s eyes.


    "I-I''m fine," she answered, now opening her notebook to do the activity. "I was just¡­ at a loss for ideas," she reasoned, making the professor sigh.


    With him already turning his body to look at everyone, he announced something, making the others nod as they do the activity while Shu Xian''s body trembled in anxiety.


    "Everyone, continue doing your activity! I just need to talk to a student for 5-10 minutes¡ªwe''ll be right back."


    When Pan An said this, Shu Xian widened her eyes, already nervously looking at the professor.


    "In the next door empty ssroom, Shu Xian. Let''s go."


    With the professor already walking out of the ssroom, Shu Xian pouted her lips, Shi Lian and Zhang Ren now actually worried for her as they didn''t know what exactly is happening between them.


    "Hey¡­ you better tell me what''s upter, alright?" Shi Lian said, Shu Xian hesitantly standing up from her desk.


    "Yeah. We''ll listen to you if this is actually making you worry so much," he added, Shu Xian, walking out of their desk, on her way out of the ssroom.


    The moment she was already in the hallway, she was surprised to see Pan An waiting for her in the hallway even though she knew that she was already called out.


    With the professor crossing his arms in front of his chest, he arched a brow at her and gestured his head to the opened ssroom door, revealing the empty room.


    "Enter. We''ll talk."


    "M-mm."


    With Shu Xian nodding as she went inside the empty ssroom first, the ssroom was bright even though the lights weren''t turned on. The moment she heard the ssroom door closing, she felt her heart racing in her chest, what Professor Pan An asked next making her nervous.


    "What''s up? What''s making you so uneasy that it''s making you not do the activity? Is it because of the topic we had a while ago?"


    The moment the professor asked this, Shu Xian turned her body to look at him. With the blush on her face not going away, she nodded slowly, making Pan An''s heart race with what she said, too.


    "Yes¡­ I couldn''t keep it out of my mind."


    It was just a simple question and answer¡­ yet it was enough to make their heart beat fast as it synchronized with each other''s.

 Chapter 144 - 10 Minutes Are Over

    "What''s up? What''s making you so uneasy that it''s making you not do the activity? Is it because of the topic we had a while ago?"


    The moment the professor asked this, Shu Xian turned her body to look at him. With the blush on her face not going away, she nodded slowly, making Pan An''s heart race with what she said, too.


    "Yes¡­ I couldn''t keep it out of my mind."


    It was just a simple question and answer¡­ yet it was enough to make their heart beat fast as it synchronized with each other''s.


    As they both stared into each other''s eyes, Pan An and Shu Xian didn''t know how to further talk to each other. With them silent, they blinked their eyes a few times, already awkward with each other. They avoided each other''s gaze, Pan An, coughing to clear his throat.


    "W-well¡­ you don''t have to worry about that, Shu Xian," Pan An started, wanting her to focus on her studies. "I didn''t know that such a topic like this would bother an innocent girl like you so much. Ignore it¡ªwe won''t walk about it," he added, Shu Xian, nodding as her lips were in a tight line.


    However, with them suddenly bing quiet, Pan An now thought whatever could she be thinking of during ss that had distracted her so.


    ''Don''t tell me¡­ she imagined what my kink is this is why it''s bothering her so much?''


    With that thought in mind, Pan An discreetly looked at Shu Xian in the corner of his eye. With her silent as her hands were behind her back, he wanted to ask her directly since he wanted to tell her to forget about it¡­


    And at the same time, he''s absolutely curious about what she had imagined.


    "Tell me, Shu Xian¡­"


    Pan An trailed off, Shu Xian, now shyly looking at him.


    "Y-yes?"


    "If it''s alright to know, what were you thinking of?" he asked, Shu Xian, blinking her eyes a few times as she shook her head rather profusely, not wanting to tell him what it is.


    "Y-you don''t need to know," Shu Xian replied, another blushing to her face. "I¡­ I''m¡­ it''s such a shameful idea to say aloud," she added, Pan An, crossing his arms in front of his chest as he took a few steps closer to approach her.


    "But it''s worrying you too much. Whatever it is, since you don''t want to tell me, then you have to try your best to forget it. I don''t want this to hinder your studies. It''s your first subject¡ªI want you to focus on your next lessons. Alright?"


    With this said, Shu Xian nodded once, Pan An, sighing as he gave her a small smile.


    "Alright. Now that''s settled, let''s go back to ss, shall we? They might be waiting."


    As Pan An was checking his phone, Shu Xian watched him, her lips in a tight line.


    With her heart still beating in her chest as if it is in a marathon, she realized that right at this moment, she couldn''t keep the professor out of her thoughts. As she thought to herself why, she asked a rhetoric question,pletely getting the attention of the professor.


    "Why is it that nowadays¡­ I find myself thinking about you?"


    When Shu Xian said this aloud, Pan An turned his body to look at her. With what she said making him curious, she took a few steps towards her, asking her a question instead.


    "How am I supposed to answer that?" he asked, his eyes locked with hers. "You know yourself better."


    "I know," Shu Xian answered, somehow the fear and nervousness that she was feeling going away when the professor is near her.


    It made Shu Xian think how ironic it is that she was feeling scared of them being alone together but when he came near her, it all went away as if it wasn''t there.


    Why is that?


    As they both continued to look at each other straight in the eyes, Pan An also noticed that Shu Xian was no longer uneasy with him around, making him attempt to ask the question once more.


    "Shu Xian¡­ what were you thinking of a while ago?"


    Shu Xian didn''t answer for a while. With Shu Xian''s face heating up and with her eyes looking at his lips, she stared straight back in his eyes, this gesture slightly turning the professor on with how beautiful she is and with how suggestive the small action is.


    "Do you really want to know?"


    Her voice came out rather sultry¡ªalmost in a form of a whisper. With Pan An taking a few steps closer, Shu Xian already felt her back against the board, her hand softlynding on his chest to give them a small space.


    "Yes," Pan An answered directly, his breath fanning over his lips. "I want to know."


    With Shu Xian''s eyes showing a slight disy of shyness, she still answered the professor''s question, her voice almost in a faint whisper¡ªbut enough for Pan An to hear.


    "I imagined what you said¡ªabout your kink," she started, her lips slightly parted before she continued talking. "For some reason, I find myself imagining¡­ me and you¡ªand what it could''ve felt and¡ª"


    Without Shu Xian finishing her sentence, what Pan An did surprised the soul out of her body, his lips crashing hungrily on hers.


    With him sucking on her lower lip and with him licking her it as well, Shu Xian didn''t know why, but she granted him ess, the girl already wrapping her hands around his neck.


    Their tongues intertwined, both of them feeling their bodies heat up as there was no longer even a centimeter of space left between them.


    "Mmm..."


    With Shu Xian moaning against his lips when it was only a heated kiss, she ran her hand through his hair, feeling the pleasure.


    This, all the more, turned on the switch in Pan An''s head. With him now going to the crook of her neck to lick and suck on her skin subtly, it hitched Shu Xian''s breath, her grip on the professor''s arm tightening.


    "M-mm¡­ Pan An¡­ w-wait¡­"


    However, when Pan An felt his phone buzz in his pocket, his body stopped moving.


    He suddenly remembered that he put an rm in his phone of 10 minutes to indicate the end of the talk that he is going to have with his student, making him slowly raise his head from the crook of her neck.


    The moment their eyes met, Shu Xian was slightly panting in pleasure, Pan An, giving her a small, but disappointed smile as he said:


    "10 minutes are over¡­ we have to get back to ss."

 Chapter 145 - Indeed An Interesting Topic

    [Sorry for updating only 1 chapter today. I am not in my best self and I am very tired and drained, but I will make this chapter long so it''d still be worth it. Other than that, there is an announcement below so I hope you have time to read it. Thank you.]


    ***


    "Mmm..."


    With Shu Xian moaning against his lips when it was only a heated kiss, she ran her hand through his hair, feeling the pleasure.


    This, all the more, turned on the switch in Pan An''s head. With him now going to the crook of her neck to lick and suck on her skin subtly, it hitched Shu Xian''s breath, her grip on the professor''s arm tightening.


    "M-mm¡­ Pan An¡­ w-wait¡­"


    However, when Pan An felt his phone buzz in his pocket, his body stopped moving.


    He suddenly remembered that he put an rm in his phone of 10 minutes to indicate the end of the talk that he is going to have with his student, making him slowly raise his head from the crook of her neck.


    The moment their eyes met, Shu Xian was slightly panting in pleasure, Pan An, giving her a small, but disappointed smile as he said:


    "10 minutes are over¡­ we have to get back to ss."


    With the professor saying this, Shu Xian consciouslybed her disheveled hair with her fingers. With Pan An quickly fixing his necktie, he excused himself first, already leaving the ssroom so as to not make anything suspicious.


    As Shu Xian was left alone inside the ssroom, she blinked her eyes a few times, still feeling her heart beating crazily inside her chest.


    With the heated moment still making her face feel hot, her hand instinctively reached to her chest, her other hand on her lips as her fingertips touched her bottom lip, remembering how Pan An had sucked and licked it just a moment ago.


    Shu Xian couldn''t believe what had just happened. She didn''t know why, but oddly enough, she liked what happened between them, making her wonder why she allowed him to kiss her.


    She thought of their kiss for a while. She seemed to enjoy it herself, making her wrap her arms around his neck to further deepen it. With no space left in between them as well, she felt his body warm up, making her bite her bottom lip as she still felt the pleasure on her skin.


    Her hand touched her neck. With Shu Xian remembering how delicate and at the same time, full of want his kiss was, she wondered why Pan An had hungrily crashed his lips against hers and proceeded to further get a taste of her skin.


    Shu Xian''s lips slightly parted as if she was still experiencing the moment. With her now shaking her head as she noticed that she stayed in the room longer than expected, she hit her head subtly, snapping herself out of her thoughts.


    ''Focus on your academics, Shu Xian,'' she thought to herself, ''You have to get this out of your mind!''


    Shu Xian then walked back to the ssroom. With her suddenly appearing by the door, some of the students looked at her, making her walk quickly back to her desk.


    As Zhang Ren and Shi Lian watched her, both of them were obviously curious, wanting to ask her a question the moment she sat down.


    "Hey, what''s up?"


    Shi Lian asked first, her voice in a whisper so people in front of them wouldn''t hear her.


    "The professor came back earlier. What''s up with youing backter?" she added, making Shu Xian shake her head as she opened her notebook again, wanting to do the activity.


    "Don''t distract me for now, Shi Lian," she snapped, already writing down on the notebook. "I have to catch up on this activity," she added, Zhang Ren and Shi Lian, looking at each other as both of them heaved another sigh.


    "It''s as if you ran in a track and field with how red you are," Zhang Renmented, actually worried and at the same time, curious. "Did he lecture you in the other room and insulted you in any way?"


    "No," Shu Xian immediately replied, sighing at the same time. "It''s¡­ a bit difficult to tell you guys," she added, Shi Lian, rolling her eyes at her.


    "You know you can''t stop me and Zhang Ren from asking you," she replied, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "You''ve been out of it since this morning! You have to tell us¡­ now!"


    With Shi Lian now pressuring her, Shu Xian put her pen down. With her sighing at the same time, she stared at both of her friends, her face turning more red.


    Shu Xian made sure that Pan An is busy and that he isn''t looking at her¡ªor else he''d know that they''re talking about him!


    With a gulp, Shu Xian looked at both of them with warning eyes, the girl already typing on her phone so she would show it to them instead rather than say it to them even though it is in a whisper.


    She''s indeed shy to talk about this aloud¡ªeven silently¡ªwith Shi Lian and Zhang Ren.


    Zhang Ren and Shi Lian expectantly waited for Shu Xian. With them stopping in doing their written activity for a while, Shu Xian then finished typing, already showing them what she typed in her phone that made Zhang Ren and Shi Lian widen their eyes in surprise.


    "Pan An was telling me to focus in ss but we ended up making out."


    "You¡­ what!?"


    With Shi Lian almost shouting on her seat, Shu Xian elbowed her stomach rather harshly, making her wince in pain as she held her belly.


    "Y-you¡­ didn''t have to hit me so hard," sheined, Shu Xian, narrowing her eyes at her.


    "This is why I didn''t want to tell you! I know you''d react this way!"


    "But I couldn''t wait until lunch!"


    "Guys, guys!"


    With Zhang Ren stopping the girls as their voices were getting slightly louder, both of them silenced, Zhang Ren already shaking his head as he whispered to the girls.


    "Now, this is indeed an interesting topic¡­ but we have to focus! If you guys continue on like this, the professor might suspect us of talking about what had happened a while ago. Shu Xian would indeed not like this at all."


    As the three of them were already doing the activity on their notebook, Zhang Ren, however, couldn''t help but let out a soft chuckle, getting the two girls'' attention.


    "You better tell us more in detailter as we go to the next ss. But for now¡­ I have questions. How did it feel? Was it good?"


    With these questions thrown at her, Shu Xian couldn''t help but roll her eyes at him, ignoring Zhang Ren as they already continued doing their activity.


    ***


    ANNOUNCEMENT:


    Kind of a long announcement¡ªbut do have the time to read. Since the author''s note cannot amodate this long message, I''d have to put this at the end of the chapter.


    I''m sorry to announce, but this is thest week and month (as of this moment) since we are going to stop with the reward + priv system.


    Having it for three stories is difficult and what''s more is that I''m having difficulties when ites to writing already with the number of ongoing stories that I have now.


    Furthermore, I will be having a rest this July¡ªand what I mean by rest is that the rewards + priv systems will be on hold for a while since writing extra chapters is sometimes taking a toll on my mind.


    But don''t worry, there will be a monthly event that I will hold (it will be announced at the end of the month or next month along with the mechanics). It is for the top 10 readers of the book who will be getting 100 coins at the end of the month.


    It will start on July¡ªand the rewards are not as hectic as the one that we had in the priv reward + priv system.


    Also, there might be a change of update schedule in August onwards since I will be teaching in school again soon. Rest assured, however, that my updates will still be frequent. I won''t let you down. ^^


    I hope you understand my concern and I hope this won''t disappoint you too much. I want to unwind a bit starting next month since July is also my birth month. :3 It''s like a birthday gift to me¡ªresting from pressuring myself too much in meeting rewards. :D


    I''m grateful that you guys are very supportive and that yourments make me smile. It motivates me to continue writing, but writing 3 stories every day and with preparation for uing work soon and finalization of thesis is somehow tiring me physically, mentally, and emotionally. :'') I have to stop for a moment.


    But again, rest assured, I will still update. ^^ I will do my best. Thank you so much for the support and for understanding. So sorry for leaving a very long message.


    With love,


    MysticAmy

 Chapter 146 - She Did Like It

    [ANNOUNCEMENT: I''m sorry for updating only 1 long chapter yesterday¡ªI was not feeling well. Now, we go back to 2 chapters a day. Also, I''d like to announce that since we have reached 300+ stones before reset, we will be having an additional 2 chapters Monday midnight GMT+8, and another extra chapter midnight on Tuesday, also GMT+8. I hope you guys read the announcement in the previous chapter. Thanks so much. ^^]


    ***


    Zhang Ren and Shi Lian had no choice but to wait until lunch break. Even though they had three sses together and they were walking before they went to each ss, Shu Xian still didn''t tell them about what''s worrying her even though both of them begged her.


    "Now that it''s lunch time¡­ can we know about it now?" Shi Lian asked and reiterated, making Shu Xian roll her eyes at her.


    "Yeah, sure."


    As they went to the cafeteria, they sat in their usual ce, already at the far end table. Zhang Ren and Shu Xian brought out their lunchboxes. However, when Shi Lian brought out hers, both of them widened their eyes, not expecting that she brought herself a lunch box, too.


    "Since you two are bringing your lunch, I asked the helper to prepare me one every day, too," she exined without them even asking, making Zhang Ren smile as he looked at her opening her lunch box.


    "What''s your lunch? I''m curious!"


    The moment Shi Lian opened her lunch box, the three of them saw fish fillet with buttered asparagus. Her rice was also buttered, making it actually a delicious lunch that Zhang Ren and Shu Xian wanted to try.


    Zhang Ren and Shu Xian opened their lunch boxes. Zhang Ren showed tempura, and for Shu Xian, she had marinated spicy chicken breast.


    "Oooooh~!" Zhang Ren eximed, further stating his suggestion. "Do you think it would be nice that we''d talk about the lunch that we''re going to have the next day so we canplement it with each other''s food and we can share?"


    "Huh¡­ that''s actually a nice idea," Shu Xian agreed, a smile appearing on her face. "I''d be bringing veggies tomorrow."


    "Oh! I''ll be in charge with the rice and side dish," Zhang Ren volunteered, Shi Lian, letting out a smallugh.


    "Fine¡­ I''ll be the main. We''d do a rotation of what kinds of meals to prepare, yeah?"


    "Of course," both Zhang Ren and Shu Xian said, the three of them already starting to eat their lunch.


    "Alright, now should we talk about you making out with¡­ you-know-who?"


    With Shi Lian reminding them of the topic that has been bothering both her and Zhang Ren, Shu Xian sighed, already starting as she got rice inside her mouth.


    "Earlier this morning we were having a talk during breakfast," she started, the two listening to her intently.


    "And then¡­ suddenly, we don''t know how it happened, but we were talking about kinks," she added, making Shi Lian and Zhang Ren look at each other, then back at Shu Xian.


    "Why would you guys talk about kinks earlier in the morning?" Zhang Renmented, chuckling. "Anyway, I take it you don''t know anything about it?"


    "Yes," Shu Xian admitted, rolling her eyes at them. "Anyway, I asked what his kinks are so I could understand and then he did answer," she added, a soft blushing to her face.


    "Oh? And what did he say?" Shi Lian asked, Shu Xian, shyly looking at both of them as she answered in a whisper.


    "He said he likes it when the woman is on top of him."


    Shi Lian and Zhang Ren couldn''t help but snicker on their seats. With Shu Xian narrowing her eyes at them, she put down her chopsticks for a while and crossed her arms in front of her chest, curious.


    "Don''t tell me¡­ you guys know what kinks are?"


    "Shu Xian," Zhang Ren called out to her, shaking his head. "I''m a man. I know what those are. Boys are adventurous when ites to that."


    Shi Lian arched a brow at him and asked, "Oh, so you''ve experienced this?"


    "What?" Zhang Ren scoffed,ughing at Shi Lian. "No. You don''t need to experience it. Though, it''s another thing. I learned through curiosity¡ªsurfing the."


    "Nngh¡­"


    Shu Xian and Shi Lian scrunched their noses up in awkwardness, Zhang Ren, shrugging his shoulders.


    "It''s normal for men! Anyway¡­ I could ask the same: why is Shu Xian ignorant about this when you, Shi Lian, somewhat know what this is?"


    "Well¡­" Shi Lian started, letting out augh as well. "I read those smuttyics and read webnovels that have it."


    "Aha!" Zhang Ren grinned, finding Shi Lian interesting. "Tell me what you''re reading?"


    "Guys!"


    Shu Xian called out to them, getting their attention.


    "I thought you guys are curious about what I''m feeling. What''s this now about changing topics about what you guys are reading?"


    With this stated by Shu Xian, Zhang Ren and Shi Lian let out a small chuckle, apologizing to her.


    "Sorry," they said in unison, Shu Xian, continuing to tell her story.


    "Anyway¡­ since he told that, I find it weird that I imagined myself¡­ you know¡­ on top of him."


    "Ooooh~!"


    Shi Lian narrowed her eyes at her, teasing her best friend.


    "Naughty, naughty! So with you not paying attention, you and him talked about it¡­ and you told him what''s worrying you and then¡­"


    Shi Lian already knew what had happened¡ªbut with her stopping mid-sentence as she wanted Shu Xian to continue for her as another way of confirmation, Shu Xian sighed, further telling them.


    "So, yeah¡­ you get the picture. He asked me about it and when I told him, we suddenly¡­ made out."


    Zhang Ren and Shi Lian looked at each other, grinning ear to ear. With Shu Xian biting her bottom lip, she blushed once more, asking them a question.


    "So I wonder why¡­ this is happening. You know¡­"


    "Oh, Shu Xian..."


    Shi Lian reacted, rolling her eyes at her.


    "Do you need to know? Both of you are attracted to each other! From how you''re telling the story withoutints, I take it that you liked it, right?"


    Shu Xian didn''t answer her question, nor didn''t nod to confirm it.


    However, with her heart racing in her head and with the kiss still lingering in her thoughts¡­


    The answer to the question is: yes¡­ she did like it.

 Chapter 147 - Do Know This...

    [ANNOUNCEMENT: I''m sorry for updating only 1 long chapter yesterday¡ªI was not feeling well. Now, we go back to 2 chapters a day. Also, I''d like to announce that since we have reached 300+ stones before reset, we will be having an additional 2 chapters Monday midnight GMT+8, and another extra chapter midnight on Tuesday, also GMT+8. I hope you guys read the announcement in the previous chapter. Thanks so much. ^^]


    ***


    The three of them finished eating lunch. With them having 30 minutes to themselves before their duty in the library would start, the three of them decided to hang out in the university''s rooftop.


    The three of them were enjoying the breeze. With what Shi Lian had said still bothering Shu Xian, she turned her body to look at them, asking them a question.


    "So¡­ you think I liked it?" she asked, Zhang Ren, grinning as if Shu Xian had said something stupid.


    "Shu Xian, you''re the only person who could answer that question. If you reciprocated the kiss, then that''s already something, right?"


    "Yeah!"


    Shi Lian agreed, further elbowing Shu Xian to tease her.


    "Anyway, what''s it like? Did you like it?"


    Shu Xian blushed. With her describing how it felt to both of them, Zhang Ren and Shi Lian couldn''t help butugh.


    "It was¡­ wet and hot at the same time¡­ but¡­ uh¡­ it does make me feel nk for a moment, but not that I don''t like it. With us closer it actually felt¡­ intimate."


    "Oooh~! Do you think that if this goes on, what his mother wants you to do is going to be effective and would actually happen?"


    With this said, Shu Xian coughed, already excusing herself as she felt warmer by the second.


    "I¡­ I''d have to go to thefort room to calm myself down."


    With her dashing off as she walked down the stairs after she closed the rooftop''s door, Zhang Ren shook his head, now looking at the sky as he leaned on the railings.


    "Shu Xian is really innocent, huh?"


    "Well," Shi Lian started, letting out a smallugh as well. "I can''t me her. She grew up with a bad past¡ªthe ones who took care of her abused her and didn''t teach her anything. She only has me as a friend, and now, you, too."


    With this said, Zhang Ren smiled at her, tucking some tendrils of her hair behind her ear as the wind blew.


    "You''re really a nice friend to Shu Xian, you know that, right? Others would take advantage of her kindness and innocence."


    "I know," Shi Lian agreed, looking at Zhang Ren with a smile on her face. "This is also what I thought when I met her when we were in high school. I also feel protective of her, you know? But to be honest, Shu Xian''s pretty strong."


    With that said, both of them were quiet, looking at the sky as well. As Zhang Ren looked at Shi Lian, he also found her beautiful,menting about it aloud.


    "You''re beautiful, Shi Lian," he started, Shi Lian, turning her body to look at him. "And you''re pretty strong, too. I know it."


    Shi Lian blushed, giggling at what he said.


    "Zhang Ren, if you''re talking about strength, I admire you even more. Don''t ask why," Shi Lianmented, making Zhang Ren arch a brow at her as a smirk appeared on his face.


    "You know, Yeye already told me what you guys talked aboutst night," he said, Shi Lian''s smile slowly disappearing.


    "Oh¡­ I see."


    Zhang Ren smiled at her, not understanding why she suddenly frowned.


    "If you''re thinking that me knowing what you guys talked about would make me feel bad, do know that I kinda feel embarrassed¡­ but at the same time, I''m d you don''t see me as a person who''s weak. Because you know¡­ being pitied is what I hate."


    Hearing this, Shi Lian nodded slowly, understanding what he meant. With a small smile appearing on her face, she talked, continuing to look at their front as the wind blew.


    "I see beyond that, Zhang Ren," Shi Lian started, Zhang Ren, listening to her. "Because you know¡­ you picked yourself up and started to open up until you met us¡ªyour friends."


    Zhang Ren let out a scoff, shaking his head.


    "But it took me long."


    "That doesn''t matter."


    Shi Lian immediately replied, looking at him with a determined look.


    "You know, growth is not a race. It doesn''t matter if you''re fast or slow. As long as you feel better than you are before, that''s all that matters. You''re still you and you''re still here. Period!"


    Zhang Ren felt his heart racing. With what Shi Lian said, it had hit him like Cupid aimed an arrow at him, getting the point of her statement.


    As Shi Lian further smiled at him, it''s as if her beauty radiated a hundredfold, Zhang Ren unable to take his eyes off of her.


    "I may have only met you recently, Zhang Ren, but you''re a great guy. Shu Xian and I are especially here for you as your friend. Do know that."


    Hearing this, Zhang Ren didn''t know why¡­ but he reached out to her hand and held it, surprising Shi Lian with what he did.


    With her eyes widening in slight surprise as she looked at him with curiosity in her eyes, she asked him a question, making Zhang Ren smile.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Nothing," he replied, Shi Lian, cocking her head to the side. "Maybe Yeye is right."


    Shi Lian arched a brow at him, not knowing what he meant.


    "Right about what?"


    Zhang Ren let go of her hand. With him now reaching out to Shi Lian''s face, her body almost stiffened, feeling his right hand caress her left cheek with his thumb.


    With him nting a soft kiss on her forehead, Shi Lian''s eyes widened as her heart raced in her chest, not expecting what he said next.


    "That you''re a great girl. I''m d I met you and once I''m ready and better, do know this¡­"


    Zhang Ren cupped her face with both of his hands, Shi Lian seeing a reflection of herself in the man''s eyes.


    "I''m going to pursue you and make you mine¡ªso I can give you what you deserve: the best in the world."


    Shi Lian didn''t know what to say and she didn''t know why... but in the way she looked in Zhang Ren''s eyes...


    She looked more beautiful than how she saw herself in front of the mirror.


    Is this another meaning to the saying: "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder?"

 Chapter 148 - English Homework

    Zhang Ren and Shu Xian are already in the library¡ªdoing their duty. Shu Xian and Zhang Ren are encoding the abstract of the newly feasibility studies that was forwarded to the Theses and Dissertations library since there are quite a lot to encode.


    Shu Xian let out a soft chuckle when she noticed that Zhang Ren is typing quite a lot of feasibility abstracts. She made ament about it, getting Zhang Ren''s attention.


    "It''s like you have no intentions of leaving some for the morning duty," shemented, Zhang Ren, nodding his head enthusiastically.


    "Yes! Why would I even leave some for them when they don''t leave anything for us to do?"


    With that said, Shu Xian chuckled again, seeing that it''s already 3:30 in the afternoon. With her looking at the schedule of breaks that they have, she usually has her 30-minute break at this time before Zhang Ren would take his at 4 PM sharp.


    "I''ll be having my 30-minute break, then," Shu Xian said, already standing up from her seat. "I have bought a snack a while ago. I''ll stay in the student assistant''s lounge."


    "Sure! See youter!"


    As Shu Xian got her bag from the desk''s cab, she got her water bottle and her snack, a baozi, then headed to the student assistant''s lounge that is found near the Chief Librarian''s office.


    The moment she entered the lounge, she closed the door, noticing that she is alone yet again inside.


    The student assistant''s lounge is exclusively for the student assistants of the library. Of course, other library staffs can enter¡ªexcept for regr students who aren''t even assistants.


    This ce is for the student assistants to rest and to lounge. They can alsoe here beyond or before their duty hours just for them to hang out if they want to.


    Shu Xian actually thought that the university doesn''t have a ce like this for their student assistants. But actually when she learned about it, she was surprised to know that there is such a ce that can amodate them for their rest,fort, and enjoyment.


    Of course, it is also their responsibility to keep the ce clean and fixed. Since the university gave it to them, then they have to take care of it.


    The student lounge has the following: lockers for the student assistants, along with couches and tables where they can hang out and eat or do other stuff. They also have a water dispenser and also a microwave for them to reheat any food if they want to.


    Shu Xian decided to heat the baozi for 15 seconds. She wouldn''t want it too hot or too cold¡ªjust at the right temperature: warm.


    As she waited for her baozi to heat, suddenly, someone arrived in the lounge, making her turn her head to look at the person who entered.


    It was Zhong Li, her co-student assistant who works in their area in the morning.


    Shu Xian gave him a small smile.


    "Hey, Zhong Li."


    "Hey."


    With her greeting him as she got her baozi from the microwave, she sat on the single couch, already opening her phone with her free hand to watch a video to kill time.


    Both of them were not talking to each other. With them minding their own business as he sat on another chair so he could do his homework, Shu Xian is across him, watching videos on her phone as she ate her snack.


    Zhong Li got his English textbook. The moment he opened it, he furrowed his brows immediately when he saw that his assignments are about gerunds and infinitives, making him confused.


    Well, English is not particrly difficult to him since he does understand thenguage. However, when ites to grammar, he finds it confusing toprehend.


    As the video on Shu Xian''s phone loaded, she noticed that in the student lounge, the data signal is not that strong¡ªmaking buffering quite slow.


    The moment she raised her head, she noticed that Zhong Li had his eyebrows furrowed, making her ask what''s wrong.


    "Umm¡­ if you don''t mind me asking, are you alright?"


    With her suddenly talking to her, Zhong Li felt a bit awkward. As he gave her a nod, he honestly told her what he was doing.


    "I''m doing my English homework so I would only focus on my major subjectster when I get home."


    "Oh!"


    Feeling bored at the same time and wanting to know more about what''s worrying Zhong Li since it''s her field of specialization, she approached him, making Zhong Li''s body twitch since he rarely talks to women¡ªexcept for his co-student assistant in the morning.


    "You seem to be troubled! Want help? I''m an English major."


    Zhong Li didn''t answer her for a while. Shu Xian took his silence as a yes, making her grab a chair to sit beside him.


    The moment their arms bumped each other, Zhong Li''s body stiffened a bit, Shu Xian, not minding it as she looked at his homework.


    "Oh! So it''s about infinitives and gerunds. You have a set of activities here, too, that would let you identify which is a gerund and which is an action. It''s smart because gerunds are not actually verbs at most times," she said, making Zhong Li turn his head to look at her, confused.


    "What do you mean? Both of them have ¨Cing. It''s an action, right?"


    "Hmm¡­ no¡­ not all words with ¨Cing are verbs," Shu Xian exined, writing on a separate piece of paper that is found in his book.


    As Shu Xian got Zhong Li''s pen from him, she wrote two sentences, exining the difference to him.


    "Look at these two sentences," Shu Xian instructed, pointing at the two sentences.


    1.   I don''t like smoking.


    2.   Smoking is his vice.


    Shu Xian also underlined the word "smoking" in both sentences. With her turning her head to look at Zhong Li, she further asked a question, Zhong Li, not minding that she''s teaching him.


    "You see, it would seem like an action, but it''s not. In the two sentences, which one is pertaining to the action?"


    Zhong Li read the sentences again. With him contemting for a while, he said his answer, making Shu Xian nod.


    "The first one. The second one is talking about the vice."


    "Correct! So we could say that in the first sentence, smoking there is a verb¡ªwhile the second one, is a noun¡ªa gerund¡ªtalking about a vice!"


    With this exined by Shu Xian, Zhong Li widened his eyes as he finally understood it, now doing the gerunds activity as Shi Lian double checked for him.

 Chapter 149 - How To Smile And How To Be Kind

    Zhong Li and Shu Xian continued talking about his homework. With Shu Xian further exining to Zhong Li what a gerund is, it made doing his homework easier.


    "Gerunds are words that are formed with verbs but act as nouns. They''re very easy to spot, since every gerund is a verb with ¨Cing tacked to its tail," Shu Xian started, Zhong Li, nodding as he took note of it in his notebook.


    "Also," Shu Xian spoke again, Zhong Li taking note of what she said next. "Remember, they act as modifiers orplete progressive verbs. To find gerunds in sentences, just look for a verb plus ¨Cing that is used as a noun."


    With Zhong Li taking note of this, Shu Xian patiently waited, already looking at the next part of his activity. As she turned the paper that she wrote on a while ago, she wrote infinitives and wrote sentences again that would help Zhong Li understand.


    "It seems your professor made it difficult for you to understand?" she asked, Zhong Li, shaking his head to answer her.


    "To be honest, I was sleeping."


    Hearing this, Shu Xian couldn''t help but chuckle, grinning ear to ear with what he said.


    Herughter is like music to Zhong Li''s ears, slightly surprising him as he never heard something so melodious¡ªunlike the other girls which he thinks is just a normalugh.


    "How could you be sleeping during ss?" Shu Xian asked, Zhong Li, answering her honestly.


    "It''s my first subject in the afternoon. I get so sleepy after I eat lunch."


    "Aaah¡­ then I''d understand you," Shu Xianmented, letting out anotherugh. "I''d feel the same!"


    With both of them having a light conversation, Zhong Li had a small smile on his face, making Shu Xian smile back at him as she now refocused her attention on the paper that she has.


    "Now, let''s talk about infinitives," she started, Zhong Li, looking at her finger that is pointing on the paper. "This is actually pretty easy to determine since you''re only going to see the pattern of to plus verb in the sentence."


    With Shu Xian further exining it to Zhong Li, she wrote examples and underlined the to + verb phrases found in the sentence, and spoke.


    "An infinitive is a verbal consisting of the word to plus a verb in its simplest verb form and functioning as a noun, adjective, or adverb. However, the infinitive may function as a subject, direct object, subjectplement, adjective, or adverb in a sentence."


    As Zhong Li read the sentences provided to him by Shu Xian, he read the sentences and the function of the underlined to + verb phrases with its function written on top of it.


    Without asking further questions, Shu Xian could already see that he understood what infinitives are, Zhong Li already answering the activities.


    "Good! I''m checking as you go," Shu Xianmented, her eyes following the items that Zhong Li is answering. "No mistakes so far!"


    Zhong Li didn''t say a word. With him continuing to answer his homework, Shu Xian got her phone and looked at the video that was loading, already assured that Zhong Li won''t need further assistance.


    As she was watching the video on her phone, Zhong Li discreetly looked at her from the corner of his eye.


    Shu Xian was smiling as she was watching the video. With her obviously enjoying what she is watching, she didn''t even notice Zhong Li looking at her, making him look at her more.


    Zhong Li realized that the first time that they met, their meeting was not actually cheerful because he judged her the first time he saw her.


    But now that they talked even though it''s about their academics, Zhong Li noticed how kind and helpful Shu Xian is, despite him saying something mean to her the first time he saw her.


    Zhong Li doesn''t find himself getting close to girls¡ªexcept for YanYan, the one whom he''s working with in the morning.


    However, he couldpare the two together and he could say that thefort he has with YanYan is something that he got used to. But for Shu Xian¡­


    Oddly enough, he found himself interested in her¡ªmaking him think why he felt slightly drawn towards herpared to other girls that he is acquainted with.


    ''Well, maybe because we''re not interacting much that''s why I feel this way,'' Zhong Li thought to himself, further answering the activity. ''Maybe my thoughts will change if I get to know her better if ever we get the chance.''


    "Hmm¡­ I should have bought one more baozi. I''m kind of hungry."


    With Shu Xian mumbling to herself, Zhong Li actually heard her, snapping him out of his thoughts.


    As he was now finished doing his homework, Zhong Li closing his textbook and notebook got Shu Xian''s attention, making her turn her head to look at him.


    "Oh! You''re done already?"


    "Yes."


    "Nice! I''m d to be of help!"


    Zhong Li stood up the moment he closed the main zipper of his bag. However, he didn''t know how to say thank you since he rarely talked with people so what he did was get his favorite snack from his bag''s front pocket, and gave it to her.


    "Huh?"


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times. With her seeing that Zhong Li is handing her over a see-through bag containing three dumplings, she hesitantly got it, making her look at him.


    "Umm¡­ this?"


    "It''s yours," Zhong Li said, scratching the back of his head. "You said one baozi is not enough, right? Take it and eat it while you''re still on break."


    "O-oh! You heard me, huh¡­"


    Without replying to her, Zhong Li was already walking away from the student lounge. The moment Shu Xian stood up, she called out to him, thanking him for giving her food.


    "W-wait!"


    Zhong Li stopped, his hand on the door''s knob, listening to what Shu Xian is saying.


    "Thank you for the dumplings, Zhong Li! I appreciate it!"


    Zhong Li turned his body to look at Shu Xian. With Shu Xian seeing Zhong Li smile genuinely for the first time, it surprised her, not expecting what Zhong Li would say next.


    "No, thank you¡­ for helping me with my homework. Bye."


    With that, Zhong Li already left the room, leaving Shu Xian alone as she grinned ear to ear, making ament about him.


    "Well, what do you know!"


    She eximed, looking at the dumplings that were given to her with a wide smile on her face.


    "He knows how to smile and to be kind."

 Chapter 150 - Do You Really Mean It

    Shu Xian came out of the student lounge. The moment she arrived inside the work station, she drank her water, a smileing to her faceter when she sat down on her swivel chair.


    Zhang Ren arched a brow at her. He stopped typing the feasibility study that he was holding for a while and propped a hand under his chin, now looking at Shu Xian with curiosity on his face.


    "You seem happy! What''s up? Did you eat a lot of snacks?"


    "Well, yes," Shu Xian answered with a nod. "I only bought one baozi, but when I helped Zhong Li in his homework, afterwards, he gave me his dumplings."


    "Woah, woah, woah¡­"


    Hearing that Zhong Li had given her dumplings was something that he didn''t expect. Zhang Ren and Yan Yan knew that it''s his favorite snack and even they couldn''t get a bite of a piece when they wanted to!


    Zhang Ren narrowed his eyes at Shu Xian.


    "Are you sure that Zhong Li gave you his dumplings?"


    "Uuuh¡­ yeah!"


    Shu Xian then brought out the stic wrapper where the food was a while ago and then threw it in the trashcan.


    "The one I just threw was the packaging where the dumplings were a moment ago."


    "Woah¡­"


    Zhang Ren widened his eyes, really surprised.


    "And what did you exactly do that made him give you his dumplings?"


    Shu Xian noticed that Zhang Ren is unreasonably investigative about this. With her furrowing her brows in wonder, she still answered his question, still finding him weird.


    "I told you, didn''t I? I helped him with his homework."


    "Wow! You''re lucky, Shu Xian," Zhang Renmented, grinning ear to ear. "People who know him actually know that his favorite snacks are dumplings and he doesn''t want to give it to other people¡ªlet alone, share it!"


    "Oh, really?"


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes in amusement.


    "I didn''t know that Zhong Li liked dumplings this much¡ªand he even gave it to me. It makes me feel sorta bad."


    Zhang Ren chuckled. With him already standing up from his seat, he did a stretch, replying to what Shu Xian had said.


    "There''s nothing to feel bad about. If I were you, I''d feel happy because both of you are not that close, right? And then he gave you his favorite snack."


    Shu Xian yfully rolled her eyes at him and reminded him of the time.


    "It''s 4:03 already. Go have your break."


    "Right-o!"


    With Zhang Ren getting his wallet from the side of hisputer, he already went out of the work station, on the way to the small store that is near the library to buy some snacks.


    Zhang Ren pushed his way through the crowd. With it being kind of a rush hour since the bell just rang, a lot of people came out of the ssrooms and is now either going to their next ss, or buying some snacks in the mini stores found inside the university.


    As he already reached one of the stores that is near the library, he saw that there were some tuna sandwiches left, making him want to buy two.


    "Two tuna sandwiches, please," he requested with a smile, the vendor giving it to him as soon as he paid.


    When he got his snacks, he suddenly heard a familiar voice beside him, making him turn his head to look at her.


    "I''d like to have a baozi, please. Oh! And an orange juice."


    Zhang Ren smiled at the woman. When she noticed that someone was looking at her, she widened her eyes, surprised to see him, already greeting him at the same time.


    "Oh! Zhang Ren? Didn''t expect to see you here. Is it your break?"


    Zhang Ren didn''t answer for a while. With his smile still not leaving his face, he just nodded, actually happy that he saw her at this time.


    He didn''t know why, but seeing Shi Lian after doing three hours of work made him feel energetic all of a sudden.


    "You''re right," Zhang Ren said, getting Shi Lian''s attention. "It''s my break. Wanna hang out for 20 minutes?"


    A small blush came to Shi Lian''s face. With a nod replying to what he said, both of them then walked to the fifth floor''s veranda. There was no one around but them, making it a perfect ce for them to hangout even if it''s just for 20 minutes.


    "Is it your break? Or do you have an uing ss?" Zhang Ren asked, Shi Lian, taking a bite of her baozi.


    "My break. I''d have my next sster at five until six," she answered, Zhang Ren, taking a bite of his tuna sandwich, too.


    Both of them were silent as they looked at the trees that were before them. They were actuallyfortable in each other''s silence, making Shi Lian look at Zhang Ren from the corner of her eye.


    Shi Lian felt her heart slightly racing in her chest. She then remembered the moments that they had with each other¡ªfrom the kiss that happened in her house, to the talk that they had over the phone.


    She also remembered here and then what Zhang Ren had told her earlier, making her face slightly red.


    She actually couldn''t believe what she heard since no one had ever said that to her. Boys usually feared her even when she was young because of how straightforward she is.


    However, Zhang Ren is the only person who is capable of making her feel this way¡ªthe only person who''s capable of speaking out to her.


    It was then at this moment that she realized that she''s developing feelings for him faster than she expected, making her think that it''s the first time she ever felt this way towards a guy.


    Zhang Ren noticed that Shi Lian is looking at him. With a grining to his face, he extended his sandwich to her, shaking Shi Lian out of her thoughts as she took a small bite of it.


    "If you want to have a taste, then you could''ve said so," hemented, making Shi Lian look straight into his eyes.


    The moment they locked eyes, what Shi Lian said next made Zhang Ren feel surprised, not expecting the question she asked.


    "Zhang Ren¡­ do you really mean it¡ªwhat you said a while ago?"

 Chapter 151 - From Now On

    Zhang Ren noticed that Shi Lian is looking at him. With a grining to his face, he extended his sandwich to her, shaking Shi Lian out of her thoughts as she took a small bite of it.


    "If you want to have a taste, then you could''ve said so," hemented, making Shi Lian look straight into his eyes.


    The moment they locked eyes, what Shi Lian said next made Zhang Ren feel surprised, not expecting the question she asked.


    "Zhang Ren¡­ do you really mean it¡ªwhat you said a while ago?"


    Zhang Ren didn''t know how to answer her question. He knew that she was pertaining to what he told her back in the rooftop a while ago, making his lips turn into a tight line as he contemted for a while.


    His silence actually made Shi Lian feel quite nervous. With her taking another small bite of her baozi, she waited expectantly for him to answer, making Zhang Ren feel shy around her¡ªsomething that''s unusual to him.


    "Shi Lian," he started, the girl, discreetly looking at him from the corner of her eye as she continued eating her snack. "Do you think that I don''t mean the words I say?"


    Shi Lian didn''t know how to answer his question. She turned her body to look at him, already finished eating her baozi.


    However, she honestly answered his question with a nod, further exining what she meant.


    "Kind of¡­ like the thing that happened between us before in the dining room. You kissed me suddenly in front of my mother and brother. I''ve been meaning to ask you¡­ but was that just because both of us are acting?"


    Now Zhang Ren understood why Shi Lian is doubting his actions. With a sigh, he shook his head, a small smile appearing on his face as he rified what he did to Shi Lian.


    "You really think that it''s all an act, huh," hemented, Shi Lian, biting her bottom lip as she felt bad that she saw him that way, but she couldn''t help it.


    Both of them were in the house to show an act. How could she not think this way that it''s all just show?


    "Shi Lian," Zhang Ren started, putting down his second sandwich for a while as he already finished his first sandwich. "I don''t do things I don''t mean," he added, making the girl blink her eyes a few times.


    "So¡­ you wanted to kiss me, really?"


    Zhang Ren let out a small chuckle. He is not the type of person to lie so he nodded, further asking her a question.


    "Yes¡­ and do you know why?"


    Shi Lian shook her head. As Zhang Ren inched in closer to Shi Lian, she froze for a while, not expecting him to approach her.


    With him tucking a tendril of her hair behind her ear, he spoke further, making her heart flutter in her chest.


    "Like what I told your brother that night¡­ I find you irresistibly cute¡ªI just couldn''t help it."


    Shi Lian blushed. With the red blush appearing on her face, Zhang Ren couldn''t help but chuckle,menting about it.


    "Stop that¡­ you''re so cute, I might not hold myself back."


    Shi Lian smiled, "Hold yourself back from what?"


    Zhang Ren stared straight into her eyes. With him putting his forehead against hers, he answered her, his breath fanning over her lips.


    "From liking you more."


    Shi Lian couldn''t help but giggle. With Zhang Renughing along with her, he then took a few steps back, already giving them space as he opened his second sandwich and started talking.


    "I meant what I said back in the rooftop, Shi Lian," he started, talking as he chewed his food, but still coherent for Shi Lian to understand. "I''m going to pursue you¡­ once I know that I feel better."


    Shi Lian felt her heart race in her chest once more. With her smiling at what he said, she was actually curious as to what he meant by once he felt better, he would pursue her.


    "Zhang Ren¡­ if it''s okay to ask¡­ do you mean you feeling better from¡­"


    Shi Lian didn''t finish her sentence. However, it was enough for Zhang Ren to understand what she meant.


    With a nod confirming her unsaid question, Shi Lian nodded slowly as well, further talking to the guy beside her.


    "Why?"


    Zhang Ren blinked his eyes a few times.


    "What do you mean, ''why''? I mean¡­ I can''t pursue you if I''m still mopey about the past and still scared about my life when I go back to Country S. With me still doubting myself and with the past still haunting me, then¡ª"


    "Zhang Ren," Shi Lian interrupted, surprising him with what she said next. "Are you saying that you''re not worthy for me?"


    "Yes," he immediately answered, "I''m still less of the man I want you to have. You''re a great girl, and I promised your brother that I won''t ever toy your feelings so I have to improve myself and assure myself that I''m sure of you so it won''t seem rushed."


    Shi Lian felt the sincerity in his words. With her heart beating in her chest, shemented on what he said, making Zhang Ren''s heart beat fast, too.


    "You''re not less of the man that you think that you are. You''re the first guy whom I couldn''t get out of my mind and who is capable of making my heart race. How could you say that you''re not worthy?"


    Zhang Ren didn''t know how to answer. With a smileing to his face, however, he felt happy with what she said, making Shi Lian smile as well as he made ament about the talk that both of them are having.


    "Both of us are too honest with what we''re feeling, yeah? When we even just met recently. How amazing."


    Shi Lian nodded and chuckled in agreement. With Zhang Ren chuckling along with her, he then nted a soft kiss on her cheek, giving her a suggestion that Shi Lian immediately agreed to.


    "How about this¡­ the feeling''s mutual¡ªbut let''s take things slow, alright?"


    "Mm¡­ agree."


    With that, both of them had a light conversation with each other, agreeing that they would both spend Zhang Ren''s break time together from now on.

 Chapter 152 - The Timing Is Uncanny

    [ANNOUNCEMENT: This is the extra chapter! Thank you so much for the support! It may be thest time that we will be having the reward + priv system, do know that this is only temporarily stopped since I''m going to be busy with work soon! I''d still be updating daily! I hope this won''t stop you guys from sending stones! Just keep ''eming! :D]


    ***


    Pan An had a break at this time of day¡ª4 PM to 5 PM.


    Since he only told his students to do a research since most of them are in their third year, he only met his ss for 15 minutes after giving the instructions of the group research for curriculums in teaching per field of specialization.


    With that, he was actually bored inside the faculty room, thinking about what had happened between him and Shu Xian.


    It yed in his mind as if it were in fast forward, making him close his eyes the moment he remembered that he hungrily kissed her, the girl reciprocating as well as she ran her hand through his hair.


    The way she tugged his hair as they kissed actually felt good. It made Pan An think that it had been so long that he had kissed someone to make him feel this way¡ªas if he had experienced it for the first time.


    Pan An sighed and opened his eyes, pulled by his own thoughts.


    ''What''s wrong with you, Pan An?'' he thought, shaking his head. ''Shu Xian only told you what she was imagining and it turned you on like a switch!''


    It''s true¡ªPan An found what she said inviting. Who wouldn''t? A pretty girl like her saying she''s imagining herself doing his kink¡­


    Pan An''s hand on his desk turned into a tight fist. With his lips in a tight line as an idea that he didn''t like passed through his mind, he felt slight anger course through his veins.


    ''If Shu Xian said this to other men and he took advantage of her, I wouldn''t like it. What if we hadn''t met and she acted this way to some other men? I¡ª''


    Pan An stopped himself from thinking.


    Now that he realized that he''s thinking way too much¡ªthinking about her talking to other guys, he didn''t like how childish he was imagining, making him slump on his chair, his hand on his forehead as he let out an exasperated sigh.


    ''Her interactions with other guys before and after me are none of my business. Shu Xian isn''t mine.''


    When he thought of this, he closed his eyes as he calmed himself down, wanting to think rationally.


    ''Why do I find this so troublesome? Why do I worry myself too much?''


    Pan An then opened his eyes. The moment he sat back straight on his chair, he nkly stared at his desk that is piled with papers to check, sighing when he realized that he didn''t start checking.


    Since he had this free time, he decided that he''d check the activities he collected from the previous sses!


    But since he couldn''t keep Shu Xian out of his mind, he was obviously distracted, making him not even pick up his pen.


    "Gaaaah¡­"


    Pan An groaned, shaking his head. Thankfully he is alone in the faculty room at this time, making it easier for him to let loose of his frustrations without having to worry who''s around him.


    ''I think Wang Fang''s right,'' he thought to himself, thinking quite seriously this time. ''I think I''m attracted to Shu Xian.''


    Pan An''s lips turned into a tight line. With him shaking his head as he realized that this may be sudden since they only spent a few weeks together, he thought that it might only be a temporary feeling because both of them live in the same house.


    With him getting his phone, he immediately saw his wallpaper, a smileing to his face when he saw how pretty Shu Xian is.


    With his finger tracing her face, his smile disappeared slowly, making him put his phone down as another thought passed his mind.


    ''Since I kissed her all of a sudden¡­ does that mean that I really find myself getting attracted to her? What the hell am I thinking and why am I worrying so much about this? It''s like I''m not mature enough for my age to confirm.''


    Pan An only had one rtionship in his life¡ªhis love life with Ruo Xi.


    He had most of his firsts with her and the love that he had towards her is unforgettable since he loved her for how many years.


    However, with him suddenly having the attraction with Shu Xian, he couldn''t understand what he was feeling¡­


    If he''s using Shu Xian as a substitute for his unforgettable feelings towards Ruo Xi¡­ or if he''s really attracted to her without even knowing too much about her.


    Pan An sighed once more. He especially didn''t like the first idea.


    Shu Xian is a great girl and if he''s attracted to her because he couldn''t forget Ruo Xi, then it would be mean to Shu Xian since she had never fallen in love with someone else.


    Heck, Pan An could even be Shu Xian''s first kiss and he could be the first person whom she experienced having intimate interactions with!


    ''I should control myself or it may seem like I''m taking advantage of our closeness and with us living together,'' Pan An thought, his eyebrows furrowing together. ''I have to further confirm my feelings. I wouldn''t want her to get hurt because of me.''


    The moment Pan An was about to keep his phone, his screen lit up, showing that he had a text from Wang Lei.


    With his sudden text snapping Pan An out of thoughts, he immediately read the message, a smileing to his face when he read it.


    The text read:


    "Hey¡­ something''s driving me insane. I''ll pick you up for dinner."


    Pan An grinned ear to ear, thinking that the timing is uncanny for them to have something that''s driving both of them insane.


    He actually liked the suggestion of his best friend, making him reply to his message immediately.


    "Alright," he typed, "See youter."

 Chapter 153 - Anything You Want

    The nended on Country C. The moment that itnded, Ru Shi had already told her mother that she would be having lunch with her husband, Chia Hao.


    "There''s KFC nearby. Would you like to eat there?"


    Ru Shi politely gave him a smile. With her not saying a word for a moment as her husband pulled her luggage for her while they wait for Cai Li to arrive, Chai Hao was patient enough not to pressure her.


    Ru Shi thought that she would only be travelling back to Country C alone. Since Chia Hao unexpectedly had a change of meeting schedule in his work, he had to fly back to Country C so he booked a flight that is the same with his wife.


    Ru Shi was surprised at first. They may be married for years already, but still, since their marriage is only for formalities sake and they''re not that close, she found it awkward that they are travelling together since the longest time that they stayed together was only during their wedding.


    Heck, they even had separate bedrooms to sleep in! They never slept in the same room!


    "Ru Shi?"


    When Chia Hao called out to her, Ru Shi snapped out of her thoughts, turning her head to look at him.


    "I''m sorry, but you''re not replying. Would you like to eat somewhere else?"


    "O-oh!"


    Ru Shi blinked her eyes a few times. With her giving him another smile, she just shook her head, leaving it up to Chia Hao.


    "You can decide where to eat. Anywhere is okay," she replied, Chia Hao, giving her a smile, too.


    "Then, KFC it is."


    "KFC?"


    Ru Shi cocked her head to the side, wondering why someone as rich as them would decide to eat at KFC. She also knew that Chia Hao would rather choose an extravagant ce for them to eat¡ªso why suddenly eat in a fast food chain?


    "Yeah. You like KFC, don''t you? You love their super meal¡ªespecially their mushroom soup and their mashed potatoes."


    Ru Shi stopped in her tracks for a while. When Chia Hao noticed that his wife stopped, he stood still, arching a brow at her in wonder.


    "What''s wrong? Did I say it wrong? Or were you only craving them before when I saw you?"


    A soft blush came on Ru Shi''s face. With her blinking her eyes a few times in amusement, she asked him a question instead, making Chia Hao let out a soft chuckle.


    "We don''t usually talk¡­ but you already know my favorites?"


    "How could I not?"


    Chia Hao lovingly looked at her, making Ru Shi''s heart race slightly in her chest as what he said next was sort of cheesy¡ªsomething that she didn''t expect.


    "I pay attention to the likes of my wife. I have to take care of you, right?"


    Ru Shi didn''t know how to react. Somehow she felt rather guilty because she only saw this as a forced marriage¡ªnot giving too much effort in it since she doesn''t love the man.


    Chia Hao knew that¡ªon the night of their wedding, she told him how her heart is still with another person.


    She thought that their wedding would go downhill from there¡ªthat she would be treated coldly by Chia Hao.


    However, what she thought was wrong. Chia Hao throughout the years took care of her well. She could see how he learned to love her, but still, Ru Shi''s heart is cold as ice¡ªnot knowing if someday, it will melt for someone.


    "Do you want to eat somece else? I heard there''s a new Italian Restaurant in the city called Molto Affamato. You like three-cheese pizza, right? Would you like to visit? I think they also serve cannoli or panna cotta."


    Ru Shi is obviously speechless. It''s evident how Chia Hao is observant of what she likes, making her heart feel warm.


    Not answering his question, shemented about it instead.


    "You really¡­ do pay attention."


    "Of course," Chia Hao replied, now walking towards his wife. "It''s better than us being strangers, right? It''s okay if you don''t know me much¡­ as long as I know you so I can make you happy."


    "Chia Hao¡­"


    Ru Shi felt a tingling sensation in her heart. With Chia Hao treating her well and with them together which is rare, it made her feel her guilt more¡ªmaking it difficult for her to even look at him in the eyes.


    "Don''t think too much about it¡ªI''m alright."


    It''s as if Chia Hao read and knew what she was thinking. With Ru Shi''s lips turning into a tight line, Chia Hao kept smiling at her, reassuring her not to worry about anything.


    "You''re forced to do this¡ªI know. But I was not. I fell in love with you at first sight. Since you''re my wife, my sole duty is to protect you and to take care of you."


    Ru Shi still didn''t know what to say. With Chia Hao now using his phone to call the manager of Molto Affamato, he already secured a ce.


    He decided that it would be better for them to get better and healthier food than eat in KFC and since Ru Shi is also into Italian desserts, he thought that it would be better to eat in Molto Affamato.


    Ru Shi watched her husband talking on the phone. With her being treated well, she couldn''t help but think if there''s something¡ªeven a small gesture that would make him happy that she could do.


    As Chia Hao was still busy on the phone, the small gesture that Ru Shi did slightly surprised him, making him look at her from the corner of his eye.


    Ru Shi stood beside him and held his free hand with hers. She interlocked her fingers with him, making Chai Hao''s heart beat in his chest.


    It''s the first time Ru Shi touched him¡ªrather a cute and intimate gesture as well.


    When the call ended, he kept his phone in his pocket. He then smiled at her, asking her a question.


    "Yes?"


    "Th-thank you, Chia Hao," Ru Shi stammered, a blushing to her face. "If you want, we can walk until we hail for a cab."


    Chia Hao grinned ear to ear. With his smile brighter than the smiles that Ru Shi saw, now she found him exceptionally handsome, unable to leave her eyes on him.


    Chia Hao then kissed the back of Ru Shi''s hand. As Ru Shi watched him, their eyes locked with each other''s, both of them feeling that they are somehow getting closer after how many years had already passed.


    "Let''s go. I''ll get you anything you want."

 Chapter 154 - Get To Know

    Both of them arrived in Molto Affamato. When Ru Shi updated her mother that she is going to have lunch with Chia Hao before they meet, Cai Li purposely wanted to bete¡ªsaying that she would being for her an hourter.


    Ru Shi already knew that her mother would do this. Cai Li kept telling her before, too, to try to get to know her husband better so she could see his good sides other than observing him from afar.


    With a sighing from Ru Shi, Chia Hao cocked his head to the side, curious as to why his wife sighed.


    "What''s wrong? You don''t like seafood pasta and three-cheese pizza? Hmm¡­ I thought I was right with my observations."


    When Ru Shi heard what he said, she widened her eyes, shaking her head to say no to his action.


    "Oh! Nothing''s wrong, I swear! I was thinking about another thing¡ªmy mother and her yfulness."


    "Oh!" Chia Hao smiled at her, nodding to what she said. "Ma Cai Li is indeed young at heart. Even at her age, she''s this cheerful."


    Ru Shi giggled, agreeing to what Chia Hao had said.


    "You''re right. Mama is always like this. Not that I''mining too much about it, though. It''s good for her to be this happy," she replied, Chia Hao, smiling at her.


    With them now looking at each other, Ru Shi felt slightly awkward, noticing only now that they are facing each other on the table.


    At the same moment, the waitress came with their drinks. Chia Hao ordered a caramel mhiato and for Ru Shi, she was given a chocte milkshake with a strawberry on top, making her taste the whipped cream first with her straw.


    "I could say the same about you, Ru Shi," Chia Hao spoke, getting his wife''s attention.


    "About what?" she asked, already getting the strawberry with a smile on her face as she dipped it in whipped cream and ate it.


    "You''re also young at heart¡ªenjoying drinks like this."


    A soft blush came to Ru Shi''s face. It made Chia Hao chuckle, making Ru Shi reply to what he said.


    "H-hey¡­ drinking milkshakes is not childishness," she mumbled, enough for her husband to hear. Chia Hao just nodded, his smile not leaving his face.


    "As long as you''re happy, I''m d about it."


    With that, Ru Shi wanted to change the topic. With her remembering here and then about her little brother, he opened about it with Chia Hao, slightly surprising him.


    "Mama told me that Pan An is living with a girl."


    "Oh?" Chia Hao widened his eyes, not expecting this. "After the issue with Ruo Xi¡­ now he is living with someone?"


    Ru Shi nodded, furrowing her brows.


    "I wonder what has gotten into his mind. He''s pretty rebellious against the family. But at least he still listens to me and mama. But to our father¡­"


    Chia Hao understood what Ru Shi meant even though she didn''t finish her sentence.


    Chia Hao knew about their family from talking with Cai Li. The three children aren''t very close with the father, especially when the eldest disappeared.


    Their father is known to be the best CEO in the city. He is also well-known in boosting the country''s economy¡ªmaking him one of the people whom they look up to in the business world.


    Chia Hao thought maybe his position had made him so uptight even to his family¡ªthat it made his children hate him. He always controlled their lives and even his wife could not stop him at most times.


    However, if Cai Li would continuously argue with her husband, he would soon sumb to what the wife wishes. But s, he''s still too hard-headed to handle.


    With Ru Shi sighing just now, it snapped Chia Hao out of his thoughts, making him look at her. With her taking a sip of her chocte milk shake, she spoke afterwards.


    "I want to talk to that little brother of mine. With him suddenly living with a woman, I don''t know if he''ll have another heartbreak."


    With a light chuckleing from Chia Hao, Ru Shi looked at him, curious.


    "What? Did I say something funny?"


    "No, you didn''t," Chia Hao answered, smiling at her. "It''s just that I saw a new side of you. You''re actually a caring older sister. I like learning new things about you."


    Ru Shi didn''t know what to say. She just blinked her eyes a few times, nodding slowly as she took another sip of her sweet drink.


    "The meal is not yet here¡­ but you''re about to finish your drink," hemented, making his wife narrow her eyes at him.


    "Oh,e on¡­ are you scolding me?"


    Chia Hao grinned ear to ear. With them finally having the longest conversation that they had since they were married, he didn''t answer her question and instead,mented about how they are spending time with each other.


    "I''m pretty happy about today, Ru Shi. I really am."


    Ru Shi silenced for a while, listening to him. As Chia Hao continued to talk, he then held her hand that was on the table, Ru Shi, not pulling away from him as she allowed him to.


    "We''re talking for the longest time ever. We''re also getting to know each other, even having a meal where we can talkpared to before when it''s only silence."


    Ru Shi really felt the happiness in the tone of his voice. With her giving him a sincere smile, she nodded, no longer finding it awkward between them.


    "I didn''t expect this either," Ru Shimented, "It''s¡­ really making you excited and happy, isn''t it?"


    "Yes," Chia Hao immediately answered, his thumb caressing the back of her palm. "I''m really d about it. I hope we can have more moments like this."


    At the same moment, their order had already arrived. The moment the pizza and pasta were being served in front of them, both of their eyes lit up, realizing that they are actually hungry at this time.


    "Wow! Now I could see why this ce is quickly popr," Chia Haomented, already putting pasta and a slice of pizza on Ru Shu''s te. "Just a look of the food, you already know it''s delicious!"


    Ru Shi watched her husband dote on her. With her waiting for him to finish putting food on her te, she thought to herself, something different from her being mopey about the past.


    ''Maybe I''ll try my best to get to know my husband¡­ since he''s indeed taking care of me so well.''

 Chapter 155 - Couldnt Get Something Off Your Mind

    [ANNOUNCEMENT: I''m sorry¡ªbut will only be posting 1 long chapter today for Fancy Me, Professor! Work had texted me earlier and I have to prepare for the needed documents since I''ll start getting busy by July. I hope you guys understand!]


    ***


    Wang Lei put his phone down after he had texted Pan An that they''d meet up. With him sighing as he ran his hand through his hair, he was eager to actually wait for work today to end so he could rx.


    The thing that''s making Wang Lei insane is the fact that he is swamped with work and his mind is going elsewhere. He usually can get it done since he prefers working under pressure¡ªbeing forced to do it in one go.


    However, every time he would finish a document, the thought of Yu Yan kept lingering in his thoughts even though she is also busy attending meetings and also summarizing the other documents for him.


    Wang Lei stood up from his swivel chair. When he walked towards the window, he crossed his arms in front of his chest and looked beyond it, making him sigh once more as he now thought to himself.


    ''I don''t get why I''m thinking of Yu Yan so much,'' he contemted, nkly staring at the view outside. ''By this time, I would have been looking for women that I''d fancy and fool around but seemingly enough, I''m not having the energy and interest to do it anymore.''


    Wang Lei rolled his eyes. With him sitting down on the leather chair, he wanted to try again if someone would indeed get his fancy, opening his Weibo to see the prettydies who are following him.


    He saw some artists, some singers, some renowned female gamers, too! However, none of them got his attention even though some of them sent private messages to him of their suggestive photos, too!


    Wang Lei furrowed his brows, throwing his phone to the side as he pinched the bridge of his nose.


    He found himself stupid to think that this is such a big problem¡ªwhen this should be a problem of a person who''s desperate to have a love life.


    Wang Lei knew that he''s a sessful and handsome guy. He could get any woman that he wants if he wanted to! But then, with him suddenly losing the interest, why would he suddenly get frustrated about it?


    Is it because he already got used to having "affairs" every month and now that he''s not involved with anyone; he found it unusual for him to be inactive?


    ''This¡­ this seems like a stupid reason no matter what angle you look at it.''


    Suddenly, Wang Lei heard a knock on the door. With the door opening and now closing, it showed Yu Yan already holding a cup of coffee, a small smile on her face as she walked towards the coffee table to put down his drink.


    Wang Lei''s eyesnded on her. As Yu Yan sped her hands together, she greeted and spoke to him, further getting her boss'' attention.


    "Good afternoon, Mr. Wang Lei. I already sorted the documents ording to importance. Also, I have ced sticky notes on it about the information shared in the meeting that should be taken into consideration before you finalize on signing it," she informed, making the CEO nod.


    "Alright. Thank you, Yu Yan."


    With Yu Yan giving him a small bow, she was about to leave the room when suddenly, Wang Lei called out to her.


    "Wait¡­ are you already leaving?"


    Yu Yan blinked her eyes a few times. With a nod, she slightly furrowed her brows, confused by their boss'' little disy of surprise.


    "Erm¡­ yes. You did tell me that I would be leaving an hour earlier than my usual time-out, yes?"


    "Oh¡­ right, right¡­"


    Wang Lei closed his eyes, realizing that he had forgotten changing his secretary''s schedule. With a wave of his hand, he gestured for her to carry on with what she was about to do, actually making Yu Yan worry.


    "Is everything alright, Mr. Wang Lei?"


    When Yu Yan asked this, Wang Lei opened his eyes to look at her. The moment their eyes locked, Yu Yan was unfazed by the re¡ªas if she was already used to him acting this way.


    "Nothing," Wang Lei said tly, forcing out a smile so Yu Yan won''t further question him and won''t further stay in the room. "Go. Your son might be waiting for you."


    "Thank you, Mr. Wang Lei," Yu Yan replied, a brighter smile now stered on her face. "I''d be going and will be arriving at work tomorrow earlier than usual."


    Without saying anything, the secretary already left the room. The moment he was left alone, Wang Lei let out another sigh, his head now tipping up as he stared at the office ceiling.


    "What''s up with you, Wang Lei?" the CEO spoke to himself, obviously not liking how he''s acting recently. "You just handled the issue of your secretary and helped her. Why can''t you get her out of your mind since then?"


    Not wanting to not do anything (and also, not wanting to do his other remaining documents left on his table), he decided to have an earlier time out today, too, thinking if he should pick up his little sister and then dropping her off by their house before he would go out for dinner with Pan An.


    As he stood up from the couch, he called his sister''s number, aware of her schedule since she also sent it to him for future reference. Wang Lei knows that 4 PM - 5 PM is herst ss, so since it''s almost 5 PM, he thought if he''d immediately pick her up.


    The moment the call connected, Shi Lian immediately spoke, not even greeting him hi.


    "What do you want?"


    Wang Lei narrowed his eyes, not liking the tone of his sister.


    "Watch your tone. It''s as if I disturbed you when I know that your ss ended."


    Even without seeing his little sister, he knew her too well to know that she may be rolling her eyes at him. With a sigh heard at the other end of the line, Wang Lei spoke again, surprising Shi Lian with his suggestion.


    "Since your sses ended, want me to pick you up and drop you at home? I''ll be having dinner with Pan Anter afterwards."


    "Hmm¡­"


    Both of them were pretty close since they were children. When Wang Lei heard his sister let out a smallugh, he furrowed his brows together when he heard what Shi Lian had asked him.


    "What''s up with you? Couldn''t get something off your mind?"


    Wang Lei didn''t answer her for a while. With anotherughing from Shi Lian, she spoke again, further exining what she noticed.


    "I know you. If you couldn''t get your mind off of something, you do something other than paper works just so you can''t think about it. You''d like to get yourself busy on other things besides work."


    Wang Lei couldn''t help but grin. With his sister understanding him pretty well, he reiterated his intentions.


    "If you know this, then what''s your answer? Will Ie to pick you up or not?"


    Shi Lian chuckled again, saying her answer to her older brother.


    "Fine. Pick me up. Let''s go on a drive thru, too, please! I''d like to have fries and something to drink. We can have a short chat about what''s worrying you, too, if you want!"


    With Wang Lei''s smile not leaving his face, he actually liked the idea, already ending the call as he quickly made his way to his car so he could pick up his little sister.


    ***


    ANNOUNCEMENT:


    Tomorrow will be July¡ªand I''d like to make a rification that even though the reward + priv system will be on hold, I will still be doing chapter dedications to those people who had participated in the events for the month of June. I already listed down the names and categories in my notebook. ;)


    Also, updates will still be daily for my stories. ^^ Thank you so much for the support! I love thements that you guys are leaving and I definitely love the stones and the gifts that you''re sending! :D


    Furthermore, let me be shameless. XD To those of you who are feeling generous¡ªand to those generous giver of gifts who want to further extend their generosity, do visit my ko-fi page! Link: https://ko-fi/mysticamy and send me a ko-fi! :3


    Being shameless since July is my birth month¡ªJuly 6 is my birthday actually. :3 If you guys want to send me gifts, I''ll shamelessly, dly, and gratefully ept it. X3


    If you want to show your support in other ways like fan art etc., you can do so, too! You can message me in Discord: MysticAmy#4614, or intsa: @mysticamyyy, or FB page: @MysticAmyyy.


    Do follow me in ko-fi, FB page, and insta, too! Furthermore, we will be also having a Discord server, too, where we can chat and brainstorm! ^^ Excited to post the link of it sometime soon¡ªmaybe tomorrow!


    Anyway, this is it for the announcement. Thank you so much for the support! Do keep showing the love! You guys rock¡ªblessed to have loving and supportive readers such as you all! ^^

 Chapter 156 - Now Let It Go...

    [This chapter is dedicated to vanz30 for being the top 10 fan of my story for the month of June! Thank you so much for showing your support! ^^]


    ***


    The moon was brighter tonight as the girl with red hair looked at it with expectant eyes. She was swirling the wine inside the wine ss that she was holding, a smirk slowly creeping to her face as she was talking to someone on the phone.


    "What?" she asked, letting out a maliciousugh. "You''re telling me that Pan An is now with a girl and is living with her? Who is this girl?"


    The girl with red hair leaned on the table behind her. It was a rather chilly evening in the country, yet she was wearing only a bathrobe that covered her body. She was barefoot in the kitchen, continuing to listen to the person whom she''s talking with.


    "Her name is Shu Xian?" The woman''s eyebrow twitched. "If you know her name, why can''t you search about her background? Don''t tell me that you''re ipetent of doing that. You''ve been doing great in your job!"


    "But Ms. Ruo Xi," the man on the other phone called out, guilt evident in his tone of voice. "I know that I have never failed you, but I''m sorry¡ªI really can''t get even a single clue about this Shu Xian. It''s as if she has a strong backer behind her," he added, making Ruo Xi sigh.


    Her hold on the wine ss tightened. With her biting her bottom lip, she furrowed her brows in frustration, asking more about Shu Xian.


    "Didn''t you tell me that this Shu Xian looked like an ordinary person? How can an ordinary person have a secretive background?"


    The man on the phone didn''t know how to answer. With another sigh heard from Ruo Xi, she just put it aside, and spoke again.


    "Never mind. I will pay a visit anyway soon. I''ll try to get information on my end myself."


    "Ms. Ruo Xi¡ª"


    Due to frustration, the woman ended the call in annoyance. With her rolling her eyes as she put her phone down on the table, suddenly, a man came inside the kitchen to talk to her.


    "Ruo Xi¡­ are you done? You told me you''d spend time with me."


    Ruo Xi looked at the man who was talking to her. With a smileing to her face, she observed him, a cheeky grining to her face as she stared straight into his eyes.


    He was also wearing only his bathrobe, his chiseled body taking a little peek¡ªespecially his abs. His hair seemed wet, like he had just gotten out of the shower and immediately looked for her.


    "Jiao Long¡­"


    Ruo Xi said his name with a soothing tone to her voice. The man before her is Hao Jiao Long, one of the people who''s famously known for his businesses outside the country.


    Also, he is¡ªrather, was¡ªone of the best friends of Pan An and Wang Lei until a falling out happened since he suddenly went overseas without saying anything.


    Ruo Xi put her wine ss down. She then approached Jiao Long, the woman wrapping her arms around his waist as she rested her head on his chest.


    "I told you I''d being to bed soon after this. You don''t have toe here."


    Jiao Long smiled at her. With him kissing the top of her head, he flirted with Ruo Xi, making the girl let out a chuckle.


    "How could I wait for you so long? Don''t you know I miss you immediately the moment you''re away?"


    Ruo Xi rolled her eyes at him. With her arching a brow at the same time, she told him what she has learned about Pan An so far, slightly surprising Jiao Long with what he had heard.


    "Pan An is living with a girl, they said. Her name''s Shu Xian¡ªbut her background is unknown."


    "Huh? Why can''t we search about someone''s information? Have you tried putting more money?"


    "Yes," Ruo Xi replied, sighing. "But still, nothing. It''s like I wasted money for nothing."


    Jiao Long sensed her frustration about not finding anything about the girl. With him sighing, hemented about her searching Pan An, getting Ruo Xi''splete attention.


    "I don''t know why you''re still searching about that man," he started, obvious hurt in the tone of his voice. "You''re already married to me¡ªwe didn''t even make it public."


    Ruo Xi already knew where this is going. With Jiao Longining about her searching about Pan An and with him saying that she''s married to him, Ruo Xi sensed that he may be jealous¡ªthinking about the past.


    "Jiao Long, honey," Ruo Xi got his attention, her hand on his face. "I only want to get revenge on that man and his family for driving us away from the country."


    Jiao Long''s eyebrow twitched, not liking what he''s hearing.


    "Is this why you''re so adamant about going back to the country? Didn''t'' you tell me that you were missing your family? Ruo Xi¡­ we also wronged them¡ªthey caught us for using them. I no longer want issues. I want us to have a peaceful life and¡ª"


    "Aren''t you ashamed that you were driven out of the country just to be with me?"


    With Ruo Xi interrupting him, Jiao Long couldn''t speak, his wife further talking to him as she reminded him of the past.


    "Remember¡­ we were dating first¡ªand you wanted more connection and money from them, too. But we were caught by that wretched woman."


    "But Ruo Xi¡ª"


    "Enough," Ruo Xi interrupted once more, now pushing him away.


    Jiao Long didn''t dare to fight back. With him backing away until he fell on the couch, Ruo Xi straddled on him, tugging his bathrobe free, revealing him naked before her in all glory.


    Jiao Long wanted to have a serious talk with her¡­ but if his wife is acting this naughty towards him, how could he initiate conversation?


    With a smirking to Ruo Xi''s face, she bent down, whispering as her breath fanned over his lips.


    "Now let it go¡­ and fuck my brains out."


    As if something snapped in Jiao Long''s brain, his hands roughly held Ruo Xi''s waist, turning the tables as she is now beneath him. He then passionately kissed her as his hand roughly pulled Ruo Xi''s robe, revealing a goddess'' body.

 Chapter 157 - Felt Bliss—Ecstasy

    [ANNOUNCEMENT: This chapter contains detailed mature R-18 content. If you''re ufortable, do skip this chapter. ;) But since this prompt is interesting to you guys, enjoy! Also, our first smut in the story. XD Also, I referenced this smut from my other story, The Soul Eater''s Possession. ;) If you want to check it out, you can!]


    [Also¡­ this chapter is dedicated to Queen_Nweke for being the top 9 fan of my story for the month of June! Thank you so much for showing your support! ^^]


    ***


    "Ruo Xi..."


    Jiao Long whispered her name against her ear, his breath fanning on her neck further turned the woman on.


    Ruo Xi gasped when he cupped her breast, giving it a small squeeze. A smile flickered on her husband''s face as he rubbed his thumb over her nipples, making her moan.


    "Mmm..."


    "Well, aren''t you slutty," Jiao Longmented as he pressed his body against hers, his dick pressing against her entrance. "I think I don''t need to ask for another round from you," he added.


    Ruo Xi gave him a seductive smirk, liking what Jiao Long had said.


    "Oh, you don''t need to," she trailed off as she reached for his hard cock. She circled the head with her fingers and slowly stroked to the base. The guy tilted his head in pleasure as he bit his lips. "Once I''m done with you... I would have you begging for more."


    Ruo Xi continued as she pulled him closer¡ªher lips seeking him hungrily as their tongues wildly intertwined with each other.


    Breaking away from the kiss as he sought for something more, Jiao Long trailed kisses down her neck. Pleasure coursed through Ruo Xi as he licked and sucked her breasts.


    "Ah!"


    She moaned, running her hand through her husband''s hair.


    "Ruo Xi¡­"


    Smirking, Ruo Xi pushed the man''s chest strongly, making him lie on his back on the couch. Slowly, she crawled on him, facing away from him in a way that her vagina was lined up with the guy''s mouth, with his dick poised at her face.


    With that, Ruo Xi lowered her head towards his dick and licked the tip slowly, seductively, as the man below her pussy started flicking his tongue and asionally delving his tongue in, making the girl moan as she engulfed his erged, hard dick in wet heat.


    "Ah, damn! Mmm!"


    Ruo Xi stopped sucking his shaft when she felt the man put his finger in and started fingering her as he licked her fleshy pink flower, enjoying the woman''s wetness.


    Feeling satisfied and pleasured, Ruo Xi dipped her tongue into the slit then slowly, gave the man the best blowjob of his life as she put his dick further inside her mouth, giving him a deep throat.


    "Fuck!"


    Jiao Long inhaled sharply as he made a strangled noise, suppressing his pleasure.


    Surprising Ruo Xi, the man pushed her body strongly, making her lie on the bed in all glory.


    Ruo Xi''s legs were parted and both of her arms were on top of her head exposing her breasts. Her curly, red hair was disheveled, making her look more seductive as her face was flush red with pleasure.


    The man observed her body as his eyes traveled from her face, to her chest, to the curves of her body, to her torso, to her legs, then to the gap between her thighs, exposing her entrance.


    Seeing how her husband marveled looking at her body, Ruo Xi parted her lips as she seductively spoke, her words triggering a switch on the man''s brain.


    "I will let you feel my name burning on your skin for days... and you will continue begging for me every night."


    Jiao Long felt a rush in his blood as he quickly mmed himself inside Ruo Xi, making her gasp as she dug her fingers into his shoulders with every thrust he gave her.


    "I''ll make you beg for me instead, Ruo Xi," the man grunted against her ear as the girl wrapped her legs around his hips, making him emphasize his every thrust as she thought to herself the moment she closed her eyes in pleasure.


    ''Fuck¡­ he''s a better fucker than Pan An. This is what I want¡ªrough and raw!"


    Ruo Xi felt bliss¡ªecstasy, as her husband was pounding his hips, setting their rhythm in a quicker pace.


    "Ah! Fuck, yes!"


    Jiao Long passionately kissed his wife as he felt her fingernails wing on his back in satisfaction. His thrust was already losing the rhythm as both of their climax approaches.


    "You''re insatiable¡ªirresistible," the Jiao Long eximed while with hisst energy, thrust the inside of her pussy hard, making Ruo Xi arch her back, sending shockwaves throughout her whole body.


    "A-aah! Jiao Long! Jiao Long!"


    The Earth stuttered on its axis as both of them dissolved into pleasure. It was as if a spring was coiling tightly and then being released. Ruo Xi felt the man''s dick pulsing inside her as she felt fire pooling low in her abdomen.


    "You''re divine," her husband whispered against her ear and copsed on top of her, his every ounce of energy drained from his body.


    With that, Ruo Xi pushed him off of her body as her eyes were slowly closing.


    However, even though she wanted to sleep with her husband on this very couch where they fucked, her mind lingered elsewhere¡ªthinking about the time when she was still with Pan An.


    They sayparing your past rtionship to your current is bad¡ªsince it would make you think that you may be unsatisfied with what your current partner is giving you.


    The only difference that Ruo Xi liked when ites to having sex with Pan An despite Jiao Long being better in bedpared to him, is the fact that Pan An is sweeter and he would rest for a while and would give her a cup of coffee for them to have a little chat before going to sleep.


    ''Stupid,'' Ruo Xi thought, already embracing her husband as he wanted to forgetparing Jiao Long to Pan An. ''You married Jiao Long. Don''t think of the past with Pan An now.''


    With that, Ruo Xi already closed her eyes, already sleeping with Jiao Long on the couch as they never even bothered getting a nket or even wearing their robes.

 Chapter 158 - Rather Than Worry

    [This chapter is dedicated to Annieh_Tzuma for being the top 8 fan of my book for the month of June! Thank you so much for the support!]


    ***


    Pan An just had a call with Wang Lei, saying that he would be picking him up by the university''s entrance.


    With Shu Xian still probably busy as 7 PM is her time out, he sent her a quick text, telling her that she doesn''t need to cook or save food for him since they are going to eat outside.


    He then kept his phone in his pocket. The moment he did, he let out a sigh, still remembering the kiss that they had in the morning.


    ''Why am I worrying so much about this?'' he thought to himself, ''I will only act as if nothing has happened. No need to make it a big deal once I see her.''


    At the same moment, when a familiar BMW stopped in front of him, the window opened, revealing his best friend''s smug face.


    "Come on in, dude. I''m famished!"


    With a grin on Pan An''s face as he is indeed excited to hang out with Wang Lei, he immediately entered the car, putting his bag on the backseat. He then fastened his seatbelt, greeting his best friend.


    "Yo! Where are we going to eat?"


    "I''m in the mood for hotpot," he suggested, Pan An, grinning at him ear to ear.


    "First time having a hotpot with you¡ªwhy not! Is it because it''s the influence of someone whom you can''t get out of your mind?"


    When Pan An said this to tease him, Wang Lei yfully rolled his eyes at him, replying to what he said.


    "You want me to leave you here instead?"


    Pan An didn''t say a word and justughed with him instead. With Wang Lei already driving off, he decided that they''d eat at his mall¡ªsince he did enjoy the hotpot there thest time he tried it.


    "Anyway, what''s up?" Wang Lei asked as he drove. "With you suddenly agreeing to my suggestion when you''d usually reject just to check your papers¡­ I''m guessing that you couldn''t get something off your mind, too?"''


    With a smirk, Pan An nodded, both of them indeed understanding each other.


    Also, he thought that it''s better to tell Wang Lei in the car since it''s more private¡ªrather than talk about it while they''re eating.


    "I''ll get straight to the point," Pan An said, Wang Lei, listening to him. "Shu Xian and I kissed in one of the empty ssrooms."


    What happened next was something that he didn''t expect. With Wang Lei suddenly hitting the breaks, both of themunched forward a little, the CEO obviously shocked with what he heard.


    "What the hell, Wang Lei?! Do you want us to die!? Let me drive!"


    However, Wang Lei just ignored him. With him looking at him, he asked him a question, confirming what he just heard.


    "Let me get this straight¡­ you and Shu Xian kissed?"


    Pan An scoffed and answered, "Yes."


    Wang Lei narrowed his eyes at him and asked, "What kind of kiss?"


    Pan An didn''t answer for a while. With him looking straight as he said his answer softly, Wang Lei couldn''t help but grin ear to ear, not expecting to hear this from Pan An.


    "The heated one."


    "Pan An!"


    Wang Lei eximed rather excitedly, making Pan An close his eyes in annoyance.


    "I didn''t expect that you two are already hitting it off! You guys are not under the influence of alcohol, even!"


    With thement made, it made Pan An blush slightly, regretting to talk about this with Wang Lei while he''s driving.


    It made him think that it might be better telling him over dinner rather than in the car where they almost had an ident¡­


    "Just¡­ continue driving."


    "Oh, right, right!"


    As Wang Lei continued driving, he further talked about what Pan An has said, really curious about it.


    "Look at you! Here I am thinking that you might be a hopeless case¡ªnot forgetting about your ex! Turns out that you''re developing your rtionship with Shu Xian! She may have listened to my suggestions pretty well!"


    Hearing thetter part made Pan An snap his head towards him. With him remembering whatever they could be talking about, now that they''re together, he wanted to seize the moment and talk about it with him.


    "What did you tell Shu Xian? Why did she ask you tips on how to seduce a man?"


    Wang Lei chuckled as he shook his head.


    "You may be my best friend, Pan An, but I respect a girl''s request from me. I won''t tell you why."


    Knowing that when Wang Lei says something and that he always meant it, Pan An knew that he definitely won''t get anything from him even though he forced him in various methods.


    Even bribes!


    "Anyway¡­" Wang Lei trailed off, snapping Pan An out of his thoughts. "What prompted you guys to kiss? In the ssroom even! You two should be careful. The room may be empty, but what if a wandering eye suddenly passed by? Take it at home!"


    Pan An grinned, slightlyughing with what Wang Lei had said. However, he still answered his question, making Wang Leiugh out loud.


    "We were talking about kinks this morning. It distracted her during lessons then when I talked to her privately to tell her to forget it, she then tells me she imagined us. It turned me on¡­ then it happened."


    "Pan An, Pan An¡­"


    Wang Lei shook his head, stopping the car for a while when he saw that the traffic light showed red.


    "From that, I could say that both of you are attracted with each other. What''s the point of you guys holding back?"


    Pan An sighed and replied, "It may just be physical attraction. We''re always together. Doesn''t that happen?"


    "Well, true," Wang Lei nodded, understanding what he meant. "But you couldn''t keep her out of your mind, right? Might as well confirm what you''re feeling. If this goes on¡ªyour interactions with her, then it''s saying something. You''re interested in the girl. You''re not stupid in this."


    With Pan An smiling, talking to Wang Lei about it made him feel better.


    He''s right even¡ªhe would have to confirm it first and take things slow, rather than worry about it too much.

 Chapter 159 - ASAP

    [This chapter is dedicated to Q_elleson for being the top 7 fan of my book for the month of June! Thank you so much for the support!]


    ***


    The moment they arrived in the mall to have hotpot, both of them immediately started eating as they were famished.


    Since it is Wang Lei''s hotel, the manager of the restaurant prioritized their order, giving them the best seat with the best view even so as for them to enjoy their dinner privately.


    Since Pan An has already told him what''s worrying him back in the car, now it was his turn to ask what''s bothering his best friend.


    "So¡­ with you suddenly calling me out for dinner, you want to tell me more of this person who introduced you to hotpot?"


    Wang Lei couldn''t help but smile at Pan An. With him getting meat inside his mouth, he chewed for a while then swallowed, now answering his question.


    "You guessed it right," he started, "It''s about Yu Yan."


    "And what about Yu Yan?" Pan An asked, getting more meat in his bowl along with the savory broth. "I mean¡­ she''s a good woman. You settled her issue for her, right?"


    "Well, yes," Wang Lei confirmed, putting more meat in the hotpot for it to be cooked. "It''s just that since I settled her problems and since I''ve beenmunicating with her more frequently other than business, I can''t seem to get her out of my mind."


    "Oho¡­"


    Pan An grinned ear to ear, wanting to tease Wang Lei since he has never heard him talk this way about a woman.


    "Can I safely say that you are falling in love for the first time?"


    Wang Lei couldn''t help but scoff. With him shaking his head as he didn''t like the idea, hemented about it, making Pan Anugh.


    "Are you saying that I''m starting to fall for my secretary?"


    The professor shrugged, further asking him questions to help him understand what he''s feeling.


    "Do you find her attractive?"


    "Yes."


    "Do you worry about her more than you should?"


    "Uh¡­ yes."


    "Do you find yourself acting so kind towards herpared to when you treat other girls?"


    "Oddly, yeah."


    Pan An nodded slowly, narrowing his eyes at him.


    "And you couldn''t get her out of your thoughts, correct?"


    "Yes."


    Pan An put his chopsticks down and reached Wang Lei''s shoulder, patting it a few times and told him something that Wang Lei just couldn''t ept.


    "You''re starting to have deeper interests towards her. Not that you''d call love, but you''re developing and getting there."


    Clearing his throat, Wang Lei brushed his hand off, making Pan Anugh as he shook his head to eat more of the food from the hotpot, adding some vegetables, too.


    "You know¡­ I think I could guess that you''re no longer finding the interest in the things you usually do like looking for women to fool in bed with?"


    Hearing this, Wang Lei stopped chewing. With a smirk appearing on Pan An''s face, it''s as if he had hit bull''s eye, making him shake his head as he put more pieces of meat on Wang Lei''s bowl.


    "Haiya¡­ yes, yes, you''re now maturing into a man who''s no longer into fooling around with random women. I''m proud of you."


    Pan An was intentionally teasing him. However, even though he knew that Wang Lei would be pissed off and would retort, oddly, he didn''t do it, his lips turning into a tight line as he stared seriously into his best friend''s eyes.


    "Do you think," he started, Pan An, listening to him. "that I''m developing feelings for my secretary?"


    Pan An nodded, telling him what he thinks.


    "Like how you think I''m developing feelings for the girl I saved, yes. Like what you told me, all I could say is to confirm while you interact with her. Both of you are always together at work, too. The difference is you guys were not this close three years ago until today."


    With that pointed out, Wang Lei nodded slowly, putting his chopsticks down. He then sighed, foreign to the feeling of falling in love since he always yed around.


    "Falling in love¡­ what does it really feel?"


    Pan An blinked his eyes a few times. He didn''t know how to answer Wang Lei without sounding so cringey, since this is something that men usually don''t talk about.


    It''s awkward to talk about it even!


    "Well¡­ for starters, you feel your heart race for no reason even though you''re just looking at her¡­ and you can''t help getting her out of your mind. Somehow, you also start to get possessive¡ªthe idea of her being with another man bothering you from time to time."


    Wang Lei scrunched his nose up in disgust. With his shoulders shuddering, Pan Anughed at his reaction, Wang Lei furthermenting about it.


    "And you felt this¡ªsorry to include her¡ªwith Ruo Xi?"


    Pan An didn''t answer for a while. With him nodding once, he confirmed his question, further telling about it with him.


    "Yeah¡­ and from there, it branches off. From wanting to give everything that you have, from imagining a future with her together¡­ from wanting to have her for the rest of your life."


    With him already having a mncholic expression on his face, Wang Lei felt bad asking about her to him, making him sigh as he already changed the topic.


    "Anyway, thanks for telling me."


    He changed the topic, the two of them continuing to eat.


    "I''ll just have to prove it to you that I''m not actually in love," he added, making Pan An scoff as he shook his head, not believing what he said.


    "If you didn''t fall in love, I''ll bet my prized car to you."


    "Woah!"


    Wang Lei eximed, both of themughing out loud.


    "I''ll hold on to that!"


    As they were already having a nice dinner, suddenly, Pan An felt his phone buzzing, making him get his phone from his pocket. The moment he looked at the unknown number sending him a text, he cocked his head to the side, curious.


    He opened the message. When he saw the content, he widened his eyes, making Wang Lei get his phone to read what he just read.


    The moment he also read it, he swallowed the meat he was chewing,menting about the surprise message.


    "Your sister''s home? When?"


    "I don''t know," Pan An replied, knowing that he has to visit her soon before she bothers him incessantly. "But I do know that I have to visit her at mother''s ce¡ªASAP."

 Chapter 160 - Drive Towards Cai Lis Home

    [This chapter is dedicated to Shelby_Venters for being a top 6 fan of my story for the month of June! Thanks so much for showing your support!]


    ***


    The message that he got from Ru Shi read:


    "Hey. This is your sister. If you don''t believe me, ask mother. I''m already at home and waiting for you. What''s up with you living with a woman? You don''te here in half an hour, I''ll barge myself in your home."


    Pan An rolled his eyes when he read the message again. Even though it''s an unknown number, he wouldn''t dare to doubt the content of this message.


    He knew that it''s already her sister with the way the message was typed¡ªalready hearing her sister''s voice as he shuddered.


    "Dang¡­ is your sister really home? Why? All of a sudden?" Wang Lei asked, Pan An, sighing as he put his phone down and continued eating.


    "Probablying here to pry since my mother has told her something about Shu Xian," he replied, Wang Lei getting his phone to talk to Chia Hao.


    The two of them are also friends with Ru Shi''s husband. Even though they have three years of gap, they were still close with each other, Wang Leifortably calling Chia Hao at this time of night.


    As the phone was ringing, Wang Lei put his phone on loudspeaker. The moment the call connected, they heard Chia Hao''s voice, both of them greeting him as well.


    "Wang Lei! What''s up? You rarely call."


    "Chia Hao, hey!" Wang Lei greeted, a smileing to Pan An''s face. "I''m eating hotpot with Pan An. We just thought we''d call?"


    "Dang!" Chia Hao eximed, a chuckleing afterward. "I wished I told you guys that I arrived in Country C earlier! With the meetings I had, I didn''t have the time to even text," he added, further confirming that the message Pan An received is indeed true.


    "My sister," Pan An started, "Is she with mother?"


    "Yeah," Chia Hao replied, aughing after. "Don''t tell me Ru Shi didn''t tell you that she''sing home? Haiya¡­ she really ns on surprising you," he added, making Pan An yfully roll his eyes.


    "We''ll catch up with you soon, aight?"'' Wang Lei said, making Chia Hao feel excited. "We''ll call you over the weekend and we''ll have a boy''s night out."


    "I''ll make sure to free my schedule before we go back to country M," Chia Hao replied, the boys smiling at the thought of them making time for each other. "Take care¡ªI have to fix up documents for tomorrow''s meeting."


    As soon as the call ended, Pan An shook his head and looked at Wang Lei.


    "I guess I really need to ask a favor from you."


    "Sure," Wang Lei already guessed, drinking his ss of water. "I''ll drop you by to your mother''s house."


    With that, both of them ate the other remaining food that they have on the table. As soon as they were finished, Wang Lei got the attention of the manager, already indicating their leave.


    Since he owns the ce, he need not to pay for the bill, already leaving the restaurant with Pan An following behind him.


    As they were walking towards the parking lot, Pan An got his phone from his pocket. With him dialing Shu Xian''s number, the call connected on the third ring, a girl''s voice heard at the other end of the call.


    "Pan An," Shu Xian greeted, her voice soft as she was still shy with them talking over the phone despite living together. "What''s up?"


    "I might being home a little bitte," he said, making Shu Xian furrow her brows.


    "Oh! I see. You and Wang Lei deciding to drink?"


    Pan An and Wang Lei chuckled when they heard what Shu Xian said.


    "How could you associate us with alcohol, Shu Xian?" Wang Leiined, Shu Xian,ughing. "It hurts!"


    "I''m sorry," Shu Xian apologized, already feeling less awkward with Wang Lei joking around. "Anyway, is it?"


    "No."


    Pan An replied, both of them already getting inside the car. They fastened their seatbelts, Wang Lei about to drive.


    "There was an urgent news of my sistering home¡ªso I have to visit her and talk with her. It might take me long since she rarelyes home," he added, Shu Xian, surprised."


    "Oh! I see!" Shu Xian eximed, embracing both of her knees. "Alright, then. You have your keys with you, right? I''ll lock the door."


    "Good," Pan An said, reminding her of her safety. "Wan Wan''s there with you and the neighborhood is safe. I''ll not disturb you when I get home."


    "Better than youing home drunk, yes?" Shu Xian joked, making both of the boysugh. "Alright, I get it. Umm¡­ send me my regards to your sister," she added, making Pan An nod even though she won''t see.


    "Alright. Bye."


    With that, Wang Lei grinned,menting about Pan An.


    "You update her like your wife, ey?"


    "Oh, stop it," Pan An retorted, "We live together. She has to know my whereabouts, too."


    "Yeah, yeah¡­" Wang Leimented, still curious about his older sister.


    "With your sister here and with Chia Hao here, too¡­ do you think that they got closer in their marriage?"


    "Who knows," Pan An shrugged, both of them knowing that they only married because of family''s sake. "Neither of them aren''t saying anything," he added, Wang Lei, sighing.


    "Sad¡­ to be honest, Chia Hao is good. I mean, I have nothing against your sister but Chia Hao treats her well."


    "I know," Pan An agreed, letting out another sigh. "But I sort of get her¡­ in a way," Pan An added, making Wang Lei silent as he further told him what he meant.


    "My sister has long loved someone secretly¡ªonly mother and I knew about her past rtionship before with the man. When father knew¡­ well¡­ you know what happened."


    "Yeah," Wang Lei nodded, no longer saying a word. "I''m stupid in this topic so I''ll just keep it zipped."


    With Pan Anughing at Wang Lei''s joke, the drive towards Cai Li''s home is now quiet, Pan An already expectant of what''s to happen next.

 Chapter 161 - The Last Straw

    [This chapter is dedicated to BedheadBookworm for being a top 5 fan of my story for the month of June! Thanks so much for showing your support!]


    ***


    "Pan An''s¡­ older sister?"


    An hour had already passed since the call. Shu Xian is obviously curious about Pan An''s family, still thinking about it now.


    "What is Pan An''s older sister like? I don''t know much about his family¡­ should I ask Shi Lian?"


    With this thought, Shu Xian sat on her bed in an Indian seat, already dialing her best friend''s number. The call immediately connected in the first ring, Shi Lian''s lively voice already heard.


    "Yo, yo, yo! What''s up!?"


    Shu Xian couldn''t help butugh. With her greeting Shi Lian, she arched a brow, wondering why she''s extra happy today.


    "You seem very joyful right now. Is there something up?"


    "Hehe¡­"


    With Shi Lian letting out a chuckle, Shu Xian immediately knew that she hit right, making her roll her eyes as she guessed correctly.


    "I''ll tell youter," she answered, making Shu Xian roll her eyes with her reply. "You tell me why you called first!"


    Shu Xian found it fair. With her lips in a tight line, she then asked a question.


    "I heard from Pan An that her sister came and that he would visit her. What is she like¡ªher siblings in general?"


    "Wait a second¡­"


    With Shi Lian quieting for a while, Shu Xian waited for her until she heard a shout, making her put the phone away from her ear.


    "Wang Lei! Get your ass down here and talk with us!"


    "What?"


    Shu Xian heard Wang Lei''s distant voice.


    "What about?" he asked, now his voice near as it indicated that he may be sitting beside his sister.


    "Shu Xian asked me about how Pan An''s siblings are like. Answer her question for me."


    With a chuckleing from Wang Lei, Shu Xian felt slightly embarrassed, a soft blushing to her face.


    "Do you have to ask your brother to chime in to the conversation when you can''t answer a question? You could just tell me that you don''t know!"


    "Naaah¡­" Shi Lian replied, a lightughing from her. "Better to know from my brother. I''m curious, too! So of course, I''ll let you in on with what I''ll know."


    With the siblingsughing, Shu Xian found theirughter infectious, alreadyughing along with them.


    "Well, you do know that they are three siblings, right?" Wang Lei started, Shu Xian, not aware.


    "I don''t know much¡­ Pan An only told me he had a bad family background¡­ but didn''t go into detail about this," Shu Xian said truthfully, the tone of Wang Lei''s voice now serious.


    "Well, don''t tell I told you this," he started, a sighing afterwards. "You girls better not¡ªbut I''d also like you to understand my best friend when ites to topics about family," he added, Shu Xian and Shi Lian now very curious about Pan An''s family.


    Both Shu Xian and Shi Lian are quiet. With them waiting expectantly for Pan An to speak, both of them waited patiently until a word came out of his mouth.


    "You see, their father, is one of the greatest CEOs who is helping the country''s economy, right? A lot of people look up to him¡ªincluding me."


    With that said, the girls nodded, further listening to Wang Lei.


    "Though, he is a very controlling father. He always had high expectations from his children. The eldest, Zi Wei, the second, Ru Shi, then the youngest, Pan An. The three of them have a great rtionship and their gap is 3 years each."


    "Oh, so the eldest and the youngest, they have six years gap?" Shu Xian asked, Wang Lei, confirming.


    "Yes," he said, nodding as well. "So, the father¡­ since it is customary that the eldest will inherit thepany next, he was so strict to him when the eldest had another dream¡ªbing an engineer. From him, it''s also where Pan An got the love for cars."


    "Oh! So where is his older brother now?" Shi Lian asked, Wang Lei, quiet for a while. With a sigh, Shu Xian sensed the sadness in the tone of his voice, the girls surprised with what they heard next.


    "Due to their father asking too much from him¡ªmeeting his expectations and with him against Zi Wei''s dream, hemitted suicide."


    The girls were silent. They didn''t know what to say next, Shu Xian immediately pulled into her own thoughts when she remembered the topic that she had with Pan An before they were meeting Cai Li.


    Pan An told him about his family¡ªnot wanting to talk about it too much as it is a sensitive topic. Now she understood why he didn''t want to further tell her the details¡ªnow getting why Pan An is also away from the family.


    "From then, Ru Shi is expected to inherit the familypany, right? But she rebelled. The two siblings hated their father because of Zi Wei''s death. Even the mother had no control of her husband and even threatened him that if he continues to push their children, she''d divorce him and take them away."


    "Ma''am Cai Li''s family is this strong for her to almost push through with divorce and getting the children, huh," Shi Lianmented, making Wang Lei agree.


    "Yes. So because of that, their father toned it down a bit."


    Shu Xian sighed, thinking that their father is really extreme to control his children''s lives.


    With them continuing to listen, what they heard next about Pan An''s older sister made the girls pity her.


    "However, when their father knew that Ru Shi, is dating another man that doesn''t meet his standards, he forced Ru Shi to marry another man¡ªthen bribed the man she dated to get the money he needed for his mother''s surgery. Their father then gave it to him when the man broke up with Ru Shi."


    "That''s horrible!"


    Shi Lian couldn''t help but exim, scoffing as she rolled her eyes.


    "And what about Pan An?"


    With another sighing from Wang Lei, he then spoke, the two girls now understanding why Pan An opted to live far away from his family.


    "It was thest straw. With both of his siblings controlled, he threatened his father that if he''d do the same to him, Pan An not hesitate to take his own life like Zi Wei. Of course, knowing that he''s the only one next who''s going to inherit thepany, their father had no choice but to let Pan An be."

 Chapter 162 - Tell Me All About It

    [This chapter is dedicated to Maryann_Babyangel for being the top 4 fan of my book for the month of June. Thank you so much for the support!]


    ***


    "And what about Pan An?"


    With another sighing from Wang Lei, he then spoke, the two girls now understanding why Pan An opted to live far away from his family.


    "It was thest straw. With both of his siblings controlled, he threatened his father that if he''d do the same to him, Pan An not hesitate to take his own life like Zi Wei. Of course, knowing that he''s the only one next who''s going to inherit thepany, their father had no choice but to let Pan An be."


    Shu Xian didn''t know how to take this in. With Pan An willing to take his own life because of how their father is controlling their lives, now she understood why he didn''t want to talk about it and would always have a sour expression on his face if his family is brought up.


    With this in mind, Shu Xian now asked another question, getting the attention of the siblings on the other end of the call.


    "Then, how about why Pan An hates his mother? Is it because of his ex-fianc¨¦e, really?"


    When Wang Lei heard Shu Xian''s question, he nodded, even though Shu Xian won''t see.


    "Pan An and Ma''am Cai Li were always close. However, he felt hurt when suddenly, their mother forced them not to get married. It surprised him because Cai Li is always on the side of her children. So with her not agreeing to the wedding suddenly, that''s when both of them¡­ you know."


    Without Wang Lei further exining to Shu Xian, she got it, making her furrow her brows. She then thought about it, wanting to understand why Pan An acts this way towards their mother.


    He''s both¡ªobedient and respectful to her. However, when he remembers the past, he also couldn''t help but be angry at her for stopping the wedding.


    "But you know," Wang Lei spoke again, snapping Shu Xian out of her thoughts. "I agree with Ma''am Cai Li¡ªher stopping their marriage. She was not the only one who saw something suspicious that night. Remember when I told you about Jiao Long? He was frantically escaping that night, too."


    "So both of them were cheating on Pan An. It''s obvious," Shi Lianmented, quick to catch on.


    "Yes¡­ though Pan An. Even though he''s smart, he''s blinded by his love towards Ruo Xi! Even though I told him what I saw, he just wouldn''t believe me. He believed that Jiao Long only left because he had another reason."


    "Wow¡­" Shi Lian scoffed, Shu Xian still hearing the siblings talk. "Sorry to say this, but Professor Pan An is kinda idiotic. If I were him, I would suspect my friend for suddenly leaving the same time with my fianc¨¦. It''s just not right!"


    "I know, right?"


    Wang Lei agreed, Shu Xian not saying a word as she listened to them.


    "He said Jiao Long is a good friend. Ruo Xi is a woman with principle. But Ma''am Cai Li and I¡­ we think there''s more to that¡ªboth of them are hiding something," he added, this time, Shu Xian, chiming in to the conversation.


    "Even how many years had passed, he still not wondered about it?" she asked, Wang Lei answering her question.


    "I know that he thought about it," Wang Lei said, "He searched the whereabouts of the two and despite having great backers and people to help him, still, he couldn''t get anything¡ªeven a single clue," he added, making Shu Xian bite her bottom lip as she contemted to herself.


    ''Maybe this is why Pan An''s mother is desperate to ask help from me¡ªwanting Pan An to forget about her and fall in love with me instead¡­''


    As if the siblings read her mind, Shi Lian spoke to her, remembering what Shu Xian had told her and Zhang Ren.


    "Now, we know more on why Ma''am Cai Li wants you to make Pan An forget about the girl. The man is such a hopeless case!"


    With Wang Lei chuckling, he made ament, making Shu Xian blush with what she heard.


    "Don''t worry. I think Shu Xian is indeed going to give good results to Ma''am Cai Li. Something did happen between them inside an empty ssroom, no?"


    "Wha¡ª" Shu Xian eximed, widening her eyes in surprise. "Big brother Wang Lei, you¡ª"


    "Ahahaha!"


    With Shi Lianughing out loud, Shu Xian heard her hitting her older brother on the back a few times, making Wang Lei chuckle with what his little sister had said.


    "Don''t tell me Pan An has told you about it?"


    "Oh? You know it, too?"


    As the siblings wereughing as they already knew what they are talking about, Shu Xian''s eyebrow twitched in annoyance, wanting to change the topic already.


    "You two¡­ if you know something and you guys know what you''re talking about, both of you better shut up or else!"


    Shi Lian and Wang Lei stifled theirughter. With the CEO now standing up from his seat, he already told his goodbye, waving his hand to his little sister.


    "Anyway, I''ll go take a shower and sleep. Enjoy yourte night talk,dies!"


    With that, Shu Xian rolled her eyes, seeing that both of them are really siblings with how good they are at teasing other people.


    "Now that you''re alone¡­ tell me what you promised me to tell after I told you what''s bothering me," Shu Xian reminded, making Shi Lianugh.


    "Alright, alright! Geez¡­ as if I''d run away from you," shemented, Shu Xian already expectant of what she''s about to say. "Let me go to my room first."


    Shu Xian went quiet for a while. As she heard Shi Lian walk upstairs and the moment she heard the door close, she then spoke the moment she plopped down on her bed, swooning as she is excited to tell this to her best friend.


    "You know¡­ Zhang Ren and I have mutual feelings¡ªhe said we should take it slow."


    "What!?"


    Shu Xian stood up from where she was sitting, surprised with what she heard.


    "Why tell me this now?! This started since you guys ran away from me when I was having dinner with Miss Wang Fang and Pan An! Tell me all about it!"


    With that, the girls started talking about the forming rtionship with Zhang Ren, Shi Lian obviously happy as heard by the tone of her voice.

 Chapter 163 - Dont Worry

    [This chapter is dedicated to Fe_Roberts for being the top 3 fan of my book for the month of June. Thank you so much for the support!]


    ***


    "You know¡­ Zhang Ren and I had mutual feelings¡ªhe said we should take it slow."


    "What!?"


    Shu Xian stood up from where she was sitting, surprised with what she heard.


    "Why tell me this now?! This started since you guys ran away from me when I was having dinner with Miss Wang Fang and Pan An! Tell me all about it!"


    With that, the girls started talking about the forming rtionship with Zhang Ren, Shi Lian obviously happy as heard by the tone of her voice.


    Shu Xian listened to Shi Lian tell her what happened from her dilemma of almost dating someone because of her mother, to inviting Zhang Ren to dinner to act as her standing boyfriend.


    From that part, too, Shi Lian told Shu Xian that Zhang Ren is actually the grandson of the famous Mr. Chen¡ªa powerful man who is known to own most of the businesses in Country S.


    Shi Lian trusted Shu Xian enough as well to tell her that Zhang Ren is struggling and that the reason he''s here is to recuperate.


    Hearing this particr part made Shu Xian see Zhang Ren as a powerful person for being able to pick himself up in a ce that''s far away from his family.


    From this point on, Shi Lian told Shu Xian about the talk that she had with Mr. Chen and the phone call that she had afterwards with Zhang Ren.


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but tease Shi Lian with how they are progressing despite them only getting close recently!


    Shi Lian giggled as she narrated what happened next to her best friend. She then told her further about the sudden kiss that happened between them during dinner, too, making Shu Xian swoon as she didn''t expect this.


    Every time they are talking, it''s as if they are following a tangled string, not knowing the direction as they go back and forth in their topic.


    However, when Shi Lian now narrated the part of what happened earlier this day of them spending Zhang Ren''s break together, Shu Xian couldn''t help but squeal in happiness for her best friend when she told her that both of them felt mutual and agreed to do things slow.


    "Wow!" Shu Xian eximed, grinning ear to ear. "I didn''t think that Zhang Ren would be a romantic¡ªyou know, saying such words towards you!"


    "Me, too," Shi Lian agreed, her smile not leaving her face. "I mean¡­ I thought he would be the type of person who''s awkward in rtionships despite him knowing how to use pickup lines," she added, Shu Xian,ughing at what she said.


    "It''s nice of him to want to be better before he pursues you, Shi Lian," Shu Xianmented, genuinely happy for both of her friends. "I mean¡­ you''re right, he is a great person! But I like how he said it because it shows how he''s serious about you, you know?"


    "You''re right," Shi Lian agreed, biting her bottom lip as she thought aloud. "I can''t help but think that¡­ you know¡­ he may be good at talks like this because he may have experienced falling in love with other women?"


    With that said, it also got Shu Xian to think. With her already sitting up and did an Indian seat on her bed, she remembered the conversation that she had with him¡ªabout giving tips on how to woo a man.


    "Hmm¡­ to be honest, Shi Lian, maybe he could be experienced?"


    "Really?"


    Shi Lian sighed, thinking how inexperienced she ispared to Zhang Ren.


    "Why do you say so?"


    "Well," Shu Xian started, scratching the back of her head with her free hand. "I don''t know¡­ but there was a time I was surfing the on how to make a man fall in love with you and¡ª"


    "You searched about that?" Shi Lian interrupted her, scoffing. "Why do you need to search that? You have me, Zhang Ren, and my lunkhead brother!"


    Rolling her eyes with what she said, Shu Xian pushed what she said aside, returning to the topic.


    "Anyway, enough about me¡ªit''s already over," she reiterated, going back to what she was about to say earlier. "For all we know, he could be experienced with how much he has given me tips. He debunked what I searched and even searched something for me and told me if it''s effective."


    "R-really?" Shi Lian asked, stammering on her words as well.


    She didn''t know why, but she felt nervous that Zhang Ren may be a person who''s experienced love many times and it worries her that she''s ignorant about it and only knew what love is through what she''s watching, reading, or ying through dating games!


    "Are you worried about this?" Shu Xian replied, snapping Shi Lian out of her thoughts. "I mean¡­ both of us could ask him since we''re friends anyway," she added, Shi Lian, shaking her head as she did not like the idea.


    "Maybe not just yet," she replied immediately, sighing at the same time. "To be honest, I don''t even know why I''m worrying so much. If he did experience love in the past, then it''s all in the past!"


    "Well, uh, yeah¡­ I guess," Shu Xian reacted, not knowing what to say as she is foreign to the topic about love as well. "Just follow what you guys decided in the beginning¡ªto take things slow. Besides, it''s also the time to further get to know each other, right? You''ll know the answers to your questions soon."


    "Yeah," Shi Lian nodded, a small smile appearing on her face as she felt better now. "You''re right. We can talk about this whenever. Like we both agreed on¡ªwe''ll take things slow and get to know each other."


    "Yeah!" Shu Xian chuckled, "Don''t worry. Regardless, obviously, Zhang Ren is a very good guy!"


    "True," Shi Lian agreed, teasing Shu Xian, too. "Like me, you''re going to get to know Pan An, too, right? There will be more than kissesing soon?"


    "Oh, stop," Shu Xian scoffed,ughing as well. "Good night, Shi Lian. I''ll see you tomorrow."


    "Mm¡­" Shi Lianid her head on her pillow, preparing to turn in for the night as well. "Good night, Shu Xian."


    With that, both of them already stopped the call, excited to see each other tomorrow.

 Chapter 164 - Need To Ask Help

    [This chapter is dedicated to Queenebunoluwa15 for being the top 2 fan of the story for the month of June. Thank you so much for the support! ]


    ***


    The moment Wang Lei dropped Pan An in front of his mother''s home, it''s as if Ru Shi and Cai Li knew that he''s already here, opening the gate immediately for entrance. The moment he came inside, both of them were already waiting.


    "Pan An, dearie!"


    "Mother."


    Cai Li pulled him in an embrace as a greeting. With Pan An returning the embrace, Ru Shi then looked at him with a smile on her face as she crossed her arms in front of her chest.


    "My little brother," she greeted, already opening her arms for an embrace. "Come here and give me a hug."


    With a chuckleing from Pan An, he did give her an embrace, actually happy to see his older sister after how many years.


    "What''s up with you suddenlying home? I think you don''t have anything important to do here¡ªonly your husband?"


    "Why?" Ru Shi broke away from the embrace and arched a brow at him. "You think I''m not allowed to go home here and visit? You''re so rude."


    Both of them chuckled. With Cai Li looking at her children, she had a wide smile on her face, asking Pan An a question.


    "Have you eaten?"


    "Yes," he answered, nodding as well. "I had hotpot with Wang Lei."


    "What?" Ru Shi couldn''t help butugh, shaking her head at the same time. "Since when did Wang Lei start to eat hotpot?"


    "Recently," Pan An answered, a grin on his face. "Maybe it''s because of the girl whom he can''t keep out of his mind," he added, Ru Shi arching a brow at him as the three of them now went inside of the house.


    "And here you are talking about that when you yourself are living with a woman! Why didn''t you tell me this?"


    Pan An''s unstated question was already answered. With him rolling his eyes, he talked to their mother, the three of them already sitting in the living room''s couch.


    "I knew it... you told big sister about this," he said, making Cai Li shrug.


    "How could I not? She said you''re not talking to her recently to catch up and she has asked about you. Your sister is worried, alright?"


    "Yeah, yeah," Pan An said, waving his hand as well. "And what is it that you heard from mother, big sis?"


    "Well, I could see nothing wrong," Ru Shimented, "She seems to be a good gal based from her story and despite her sad and mysterious background."


    Pan An furrowed his brows, wondering why his sister is pouting at him.


    "Then why are you feeling like this? If there seems to be no problem, why don''t you seem to approve of it?"


    "Because¡­" Ru Shi trailed off, narrowing her eyes at him. "You didn''t tell me anything about it."


    "Ha!" Pan An scoffed, yfully rolling his eyes at his older sister. "So childish¡ªpouting like this because I don''t tell you about it."


    "You think I''m that shallow?" she asked, further narrowing her eyes at her little brother. "Remember Ruo Xi? Don''t tell me that you''re using the girl to forget her."


    Hearing what his sister had said made Pan An quiet. With the atmosphere getting heavier around them, Cai Li talked to the two to push the topic aside.


    "Now, now¡­" she started, looking at her children. "Both of you just saw each other today! Aren''t you both going to catch up over on desserts?"


    The siblings didn''t say a word. It''s as if their mother was not around when Pan An spoke, going back to the topic.


    "I''m not using Shu Xian as a substitute¡ªnor am I using her to forget about Ruo Xi. She just needed a ce to stay temporarily. Furthermore, if you''re worried about that, she will be moving out soon and will be taken care of by the Chief Librarian of the university, her boss."


    "Oh?"


    Cai Li blinked her eyes a few times, curious of what she''s heard.


    "Why didn''t I know about this?"


    "We just talked about it recently," Pan An answered, "And besides, the house is just in front of mine¡ªthat empty house," he added, making Cai Li nod as she sighed in relief.


    "Oh, good. I see."


    Seeing how her mother sighed in relief, Ru Shi arched a brow at her, asking her a question.


    "Why the sigh of relief? Don''t tell me that you have asked something to the girl when ites to taking care of my brother?"


    Hearing this, Pan An snapped his head to look at their mother. Knowing that Cai Li doesn''t hide anything from Ru Shi, he knew that she will answer her, making Cai Li look at her daughter nervously.


    "Ru Shi, we can talk about this some other time. You, your brother and I will have to catch up!"


    "Sis," Pan An said, his eyes not leaving their mother. "Ma''s hiding something."


    "Indeed," Ru Shi agreed, a teasing smile appearing on her face. "You better tell me when we''re alone, yes? When brother''s home?"


    Hearing this, Pan An widened his eyes as he looked at his sister with disbelief in his eyes.


    "Y-you¡­ hey! Why are you suddenly on mother''s side!? Aren''t you going to side with me?"


    Ru Shi and Cai Li chuckled. With Pan An feeling singled out, he crossed his arms in front of his chest, finding it unfair.


    "Why can''t I know what you guys have talked about? I can''t even get anything from Shu Xian," he mumbled, enough for them to hear.


    "Anyway," Ru Shi started, their eyes on her. "Since we''re talking about her, let''s put the kidding aside. Tell me, brother¡­ all about her in your perspective?"


    Pan An didn''t answer her for a while. With Cai Li already standing up to get a tub of ice cream for them to eat, he then sighed, answering his sister''s question.


    "Maybe some time when we''re alone. I need to ask help from you and mother instead."

 Chapter 165 - Dont Overthink

    [This chapter is dedicated to Zeno98 for being the top 1 fan of the story for the month of June. Thank you so much for the support! ]


    ***


    The moment Cai Li went back with the tub of ice cream, one for each person, they dly took it. Ru Shi made ament the moment Pan An opened his share with a big smile on his face.


    "I thought you just had hotpot. You can finish this?"


    "When ites to desserts, I have anotherpartment in my stomach."


    Hearing this, the three of them grinned, already starting to each their ice cream.


    "Anyway, what is this help that you want us to do?" Ru Shi reminded, Pan An, answering her question.


    "Oh! You see, Shu Xian''s birthday ising soon, the day after tomorrow. And I''m wondering if you two can help me organize something for her?"


    "Wow¡­"


    Ru Shi eximed, getting a spoonful of ice cream inside her mouth then spoke with her mouth full.


    Since she is indeed in her own house surrounded by people she trust, she can act this wayfortably without having to worry her own image.


    Heck, she can''t be this way even in her own house with Chia Hao!


    "You know, I never saw you as a guy who would worry about this because you were in a rtionship with a woman before. Why would you think about this with this Shu Xian now?"


    Cai Li was the one who answered her instead. With her getting the attention of the two, she spoke, briefly telling about the background of Shu Xian once more.


    "Ru Shi, how could you not do something for her? She has never celebrated her birthday before because of her evil uncle!"


    "Oh, this," Ru Shi nodded slowly, understanding why Pan An wants to do something exciting for Shu Xian. "A big surprise is good, right?"


    "I don''t want to overwhelm her," Pan An stated, letting out another sigh. "She told me she only celebrates her birthday with Shi Lian and eats outside. I want something that''s not too big, but not too small either."


    "Hmm¡­" Cai Li thought for a while, an opinioning to mind. "I guess what I thought first is okay. What if we surprise her with a house celebration instead? We can be there for her and ask for her friends, too!"


    "Hmm¡­ like what kind?"


    "Oh, Pan Aaaaan¡­"


    When Ru Shi groaned, she rolled her eyes at him as she stabbed her spoon in her ice cream tub.


    "You can just throw her a simple party and surprise her! The usual like greet her the moment she opens the door! That is simple and it won''t scare her since it''s not an extravagant party, either! Why are you worrying about this when you''ve thrown a big party for Ruo Xi?"


    Pan An narrowed his eyes at his sister.


    "You know, this is pretty annoying. You keepparing Shu Xian and Ruo Xi¡ªboth of them arepletely different."


    "Yeah, I don''t like her being included in the topic either," Cai Li said, Pan An, now slightly irritated by the fact of their mother hating Ruo Xi.


    Not wanting them to argue as well, Ru Shi just sighed, shaking her head as she now got her ice cream and started eating.


    "Alright, I won''t bring her up. Anyway, what you want to exert effort on is the type of gift that Shu Xian would like," Ru Shi suggested, making Pan An furrow his brows.


    "I don''t know much about her. But she doesn''t seem to be the type of person who would like clothes and essories," he replied, making Cai Li look at Ru Shi.


    "I think it''s okay to give her a simple jewelry¡ªlike a ne or bracelet, right?"


    "I agree," Ru Shimented, looking at her little brother. "Don''t overthink¡ªI think something simple like this is appreciated. Maybe her initials engraved on it is good," she added, making Pan An nod slowly.


    "Besides¡­" she started off again, wanting to tease Pan An as well. "With you thinking about Shu Xian so much, I could see that you''re starting to like her?"


    Pan An only narrowed his eyes at his sister. With Cai Li stifling her giggle, Ru Shi continued, wanting to intentionally get on the nerves of her little brother.


    It''s one thing that she actually likes¡­ pissing off his little brother but since Pan An respected her, he wouldn''t dare act mean towards her.


    "I want to meet Shu Xian someday! If he''s making my brother act like an inexperienced lover boy when he had experienced being in a rtionship before, then I could say that she is amazing!"


    A soft blush crept on Pan An''s face. With him only eating his ice cream, the girls giggled at him, Pan An mumbling to himself.


    "You two just say whatever you want¡­ I genuinely just want to make her birthday worthwhile since she''s never celebrated before."


    "We know, we know," Cai Li said, already ceasing from herughter. "Now, where do we celebrate her birthday? Should wee to your ce earlier to prepare so that when both of youe home, it won''t be suspicious if you bring her to somece else?"


    "Yes, that''s good," Pan An agreed, smiling. "Thanks, mother."


    "Not at all!" she replied, "I like Shu Xian girl! She''s such a sweet gal!"


    Ru Shi then let out a small sigh. With a smileing to her face she then chimed in to the conversation, wanting to help his little brother out on this.


    "I just got home to spend time with my family¡­ but turns out we''re nning for his future girl''s birthday~!"


    Pan An yfully rolled his eyes at her.


    "Stop teasing me, sis¡­ anyway, I have to go home soon. I can''t disturb herte at night. I can''t stay here, too, because I''d have to work earlier."


    "Oh, alright¡­" Cai Li said, Pan An, taking a few spoons of ice cream in his mouth. "You take care! Ask someone to drive you!"


    "En."


    With that, he bode both of them farewell, already talking to their family driver to take him home.

 Chapter 166 - As If They Read Each Others Thoughts

    [This chapter is dedicated to K_Larson_3236 for being one of the generous giver of gifts to my bookst month of June. Thank you so much for the support and for the generosity~!]


    ***


    Yeah, I doubt, I doubt myself


    And I''m too proud to ask for help


    When you see me beside myself


    I don''t have to exin it, baby


    Yeah, I''m over picking fights


    And trying to mend it with a heart


    Don''t want to know that I''m not right


    I know that I''ve been needy, needy


    ***


    Shu Xian was actually not sleeping yet as she found her mind thinking too much. With her listening to one of her favorite songs, "Feel Good" by Gryffin and ILLENIUM, she decided to let her mind wander, thinking that it may help her sleep easierter on.


    ***


    Yeah, sometimes I need someone to pick me up


    Overdose my mind with the things I love


    You can take me there


    When my heart beats


    When my heart beats free


    ***


    Shu Xian remembered the conversation she had with her best friend, Shi Lian.


    With both of them talking about what has happened to them recently, she suddenly contemted about the moments she shared with Pan An, making her blush as she listened to the next stanza of the song.


    ***


    Take my hand in the middle of a crisis


    Pull me close, show me, baby, where the light is


    I was scared of a heart I couldn''t silence


    But you make me, you make me feel good


    I like it


    ***


    Shu Xian remembered right here and then the moment when she had a heated moment with Pan An. With her putting both of her hands on her face, she couldn''t help but blush, remembering how the kiss felt.


    There is something eternal about the lips as much as the eyes, for they too are a passing point of soulfulmunications.


    Shu Xian never quite figured out if the beauty of his lips was more their softness of their association with the words he spoke.


    However, when Shu Xian felt his kiss, it''s as if electricity coursed through her body, making her bite her bottom lip as she remembered how it felt.


    ***


    Take my hand in the middle of a crisis


    Pull me close, show me, baby, where the light is


    I was scared of a heart I couldn''t silence


    But you make me, you make me feel good


    I like it


    You make me, you make me feel good


    ***


    Shu Xian felt irritated with the part of the song which said "you make me feel good, I like it." With her already stopping the song, she couldn''t help but groan, already getting one pillow and embracing it.


    "Geez¡­ why am I thinking so much about this?" she talked to herself, now her index finger touching her lips.


    She found herself unable to forget the kiss that she shared with Pan An. She remembered how she was against the board a while ago, Pan An hungrily crashing his lips onto hers.


    She remembered how her hand ran through his hair¡ªtheir tongues dancing in each other''s mouth. Suddenly, she thought and imagined how she looked like. With seeing how hot kisses are in movies, she thought if both of them looked the same.


    It''s the first heated kiss that she had with a guy. With them also not under the influence of alcohol, it made her feel embarrassed as the kisses that they had before were because of them being drunk!


    "Aaaaah¡­"


    Shu Xian stifled her groan with her pillow. With her sighing as she turned her body to look at sleeping Wan Wan on the floor, she couldn''t help but feel her heart beating in her chest, further talking to herself.


    "What if I''m physically attracted to the professor? Isn''t this going to be difficult since we both live together?"


    Shu Xian continued to think. With her turning to her other side, she closed her eyes and sighed, not talking to herself in her thoughts.


    ''I''m shy about the concept of love¡­ and I''m obviously inexperienced about this. But why am I suddenly allowing Pan An and I to have these moments when we''re not even in a rtionship?''


    At the same moment, Shu Xian snapped out of her thoughts. She heard the door opening, making her sit up abruptly, holding her breath as if she''s afraid of being heard.


    Sooner orter, she heard the main door close again, a man groaning heard afterwards as he spoke to himself.


    "So much for a family reunion," Shu Xian heard, her room''s door still slightly open that''s why she could hear it.


    ''Oh, it''s Pan An,'' Shu Xian thought, looking at the time. ''It''s almost midnight in a few minutes. He really dide homete.''


    As she stood up to close the door, she saw a glimpse of his eye looking through her door, both of them surprising each other the moment they looked at each other.


    "P-Pan An!"


    Shu Xian eximed, now opening the door to formally greet him. "


    You''re home," she added, making the professor nod and give her an awkward smile, greeting her as well.


    "Yes¡­ and you''re still awake?" hemented, Shu Xian, nodding at him once.


    "Yeah, uh¡­ I couldn''t sleep," she answered, both of them staring at each other''s eyes.


    Both of them had not said a word. Pan An looked at her and saw that she''s wearing a fitted spaghetti strap and ck dolphin shorts, showing her legs'' wless skin. With him averting his gaze away from her, he remembered how they lusted on each other a while ago.


    "A-anyway¡­ rest well," Pan An said, making Shu Xian conscious as she realized how Pan An looked at her. "It''ste."


    "Uhh¡­ yeah, you too."


    However, both of them were standing still. Even though both of them already bode each other to rest well, they can''t seem to avert their gazes on each other, making their heart race in their chest.


    Looking at each other this way, made their hearts beat crazily in their chest. With Shu Xian''s lips slightly parted, it made her look attractive with that soft blush on her face captivating Pan An.


    With that, the professor took a few steps, Shu Xian, wondering why she isn''t backing away. With both of them remembering the same memory of them kissing this morning, they looked at each other with longing in their eyes.


    As if they read each other''s thoughts, both of them inched in closer, Pan An now softlynding his lips on hers.

 Chapter 167 - Because I Liked It

    [This chapter is dedicated to chuks_okpani for being one of the generous giver of gifts to my bookst month of June. Thank you so much for the support and for the generosity~!]


    ***


    "A-anyway¡­ rest well," Pan An said, making Shu Xian conscious as she realized how Pan An looked at her. "It''ste."


    "Uhh¡­ yeah, you too."


    However, both of them were standing still. Even though both of them already bode each other to rest well, they can''t seem to avert their gazes on each other, making their heart race in their chest.


    Looking at each other this way, made their hearts beat crazily in their chest. With Shu Xian''s lips slightly parted, it made her look attractive with that soft blush on her face captivating Pan An.


    With that, the professor took a few steps, Shu Xian, wondering why she isn''t backing away. With both of them remembering the same memory of them kissing this morning, they looked at each other with longing in their eyes.


    As if they read each other''s thoughts, both of them inched in closer, Pan An now softlynding his lips on hers.


    Pan An kissed her and the world fell away. It was slow and soft¡ªgentle in ways that words would never be. His hand rested below her ear, his thumb caressing her cheek as their breaths mingled.


    Shu Xian felt electricity course through her body once more. With her heart racing with the shared unexpected kiss, she thought to herself why both of them allowed this to happen, now the kiss sweeter unlike before.


    She felt her heart racing in her chest. She remembered how good the kiss was earlier this morning, Pan An, thinking the same thing.


    The professor didn''t want to scare her since he knew that she''s innocent when ites to this. However, with her not stopping this, he couldn''t help but think that Shu Xian may be into this as well¡ªnot bothered that they kissed again.


    Shu Xian wanted to pull away before she lost control of herself for missing the feeling but she can''t seem to. In this minty moment, her senses have been seduced and she can no longer think straight.


    Without thinking of her actions, it''s as if Shu Xian''s body had acted on its own. She ran her fingers down his spine, pulling him closer until there was no space left between them. She could now feel the beating of his heart against her chest.


    It was beating fast¡ªas if his heart resonated and was in sync with her crazed heart.


    Soon after, Pan An''s tongue brushed her lip, slightly surprising Shu Xian. It was like a tease but it was hot, fiery, passionate, and at the same time... quite demanding.


    Pan An couldn''t understand why, but with Shu Xian''s action of pulling him closer to her, it had made him act in the same manner of stepping it up.


    Unexpectedly, his hand drifted to her hip. It settled there and pulled her closer as well. She hitched a breath as she felt the warmth of his body against hers, sending shockwaves throughout her whole body.


    Shu Xian syed her hand against his perfect, chiseled chest, intending to push him away. But instead, she left it there.


    Both of them thought that the kiss was only going to be brief but why did it feel so good? It''s as if they didn''t want to stop...


    But they had to.


    They had to¡ªbecause they don''t even know why they suddenly kissed in the first ce and why they allowed it to happen.


    With that, the two broke away from the kiss at the same time. Their foreheads were against each other as their eyes were locked in their gaze. Their quickened breathing fanned on their lips, their heart having no intention of slowing down.


    Even though their foreheads were against each other''s, both of them not saying a word as they stared into each other''s eyes. They know that their hearts were beating crazily in their chest, a soft blushing to their face as they realized that they were this close to each other.


    With their breaths fanning on each other''s lips, the one who spoke first was Pan An, surprising Shu Xian with what she heard.


    "I''m sorry."


    Pan An apologized. With him now breaking away from their close proximity, Shu Xian still looked at him straight in the eyes, wondering what he''s apologizing for.


    "For what?"


    Pan An didn''t know how to say it. With him sighing, he said what he thought was best anyway, making Shu Xian understand what he meant.


    "For suddenly kissing you. You may think that I''m taking advantage of you," he added, making Shu Xian blink her eyes a few times.


    With her face turning more red, she looked at the floor and spoke, mumbling to herself that was enough for Pan An to hear.


    "Why are you apologizing¡­ when I actually liked it?"


    Pan An didn''t expect that Shu Xian would say something as daring as this. With what he heard slightly surprising him, he looked at her again, taking a few steps closer as he made her face him with the way he tipped her chin up.


    "Say that again."


    Shu Xian shyly looked at him in the eyes. With her blushing, she said it again, making Pan An smile as he caressed his thumb on her cheek.


    "You don''t have to apologize," Shu Xian said, Pan An, listening to her every word. "Because I liked it."


    Without saying another word, Pan An gave her a soft peck on the lips, surprising Shu Xian with how brief it was and with how he kissed herfortably.


    "Do you want me to do it again?"


    Shu Xian started coughing profusely. With this reaction making Pan Anugh out loud, Shu Xian narrowed her eyes at him, thinking that he''s doing it on purpose.


    "Don''t you dare tease me this way when you don''t mean it when you kiss me!"


    "Hey¡­" Pan An stifled hisughter, grinning ear to ear. "Don''t think that way¡ªit''s not true!"


    With that, Pan An made her face him again. With him cupping her face with both of his hands, he brushed his thumb on her bottom lip, making her heart beat fast with what he said.


    "I feel the same way¡­ I like it when I kiss you."


    As if Pan An is abusing this moment, he gave Shu Xian another kiss on the lips, this time longer as both of them closed their eyes and did it one more time.

 Chapter 168 - Ill Try My Best

    [This chapter is dedicated to xoxochelle for being one of the generous giver of gifts to my bookst month of June. Thank you so much for the support and for the generosity~!]


    ***


    After sharing a kiss with each other, both of them decided to talk in the living room. With them sitting on the couch, Shu Xian had her lips in a tight line, Pan An sitting beside her, silent as well.


    As both of them had not even said a single word, Pan An was the first one to break the silence, getting Shu Xian''s attention.


    "We should talk about this," he started, making Shu Xian face him.


    "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice soft as she was shy talking to the professor.


    "Why are we acting like this?" he started, now looking at her. "It''s clear that both of us like what we were doing," he added, Shu Xian, nodding slowly as she didn''t want to lie about that.


    "Y-yeah," she stammered, unsure of what to say. "I don''t know why, but I allow myself to allow you."


    With both of them looking at each other straight in the eyes, Pan An let out a small sigh, further talking to Shu Xian.


    "I really do hope that you aren''t thinking that I''m using you to¡­ you know¡­ forget the woman who broke my heart," he said, making Shu Xian arch a brow at him and asked him a question instead.


    "So what do you think is the reason why you also liked it?" Shu Xian asked, Pan An unable to answer her directly.


    His heart started beating fast in his chest. He immediately had an answer in thought but he didn''t know how to say it to Shu Xian without scaring her.


    However, with her waiting expectantly for him to answer, Pan An just said another question as a reply instead, further surprising Shu Xian with what she heard.


    "What if I told you that I''m slowly starting to get attracted to you¡­ what would you do?"


    Shu Xian widened her eyes in surprise. With her lips slightly parted as she was about to speak, it''s as if her words stuck in her throat, unable to reply.


    ''What if I told you that I''m slowly starting to get attracted to you¡­ what would you do?''


    The words of Pan An kept repeating in her thoughts. With her still looking at him directly in his eyes, the professor just sighed, shaking his head as he was embarrassed to tell her what he felt because it was like a confession already.


    "Never mind, Shu Xian," the professor said, going silent for a while. "It''s okay if you don''t want to answer."


    However, as he was about to stand, Shu Xian caught him by the wrist, stopping him. With the professor looking down to stare straight into her eyes, Shu Xian then answered his question, surprising him instead as he didn''t expect what she would say.


    "What if I told you that I think I like you, too¡­ would it be too fast and too much?"


    Shu Xian then stood up from the couch. With them before each other, it''s as if time stopped for the both of them, Shu Xian further telling him what she meant.


    "I have never tried liking someone¡­ but from what I heard, this is what having a crush is like¡ªnot able to take them off your mind and being attracted to them. I don''t know if this is only for a short while because we''re always together and with the agreement that we had, but still¡­"


    Even though Shu Xian didn''t finish her sentence, Pan An understood what she meant. With him clearing his throat as he isn''t unsure of what to say, he just gave her a small smile, answering her in the best way he thought is good.


    "So, the feeling''s mutual," he started, taking a few steps closer towards her, a smile appearing on his face. "How quick it is that we both feel the same way when we just recently met and don''t know each other yet," he added, making Shu Xian scoff as she let out a smallugh.


    "Yeah," she agreed, yfully rolling her eyes at him. "Even though we''re talking about this, still, I feel like there''s something missing," Shu Xian added, Pan An, nodding in agreement.


    "I think the same. It''s too sudden, isn''t it? What if we''re only driven by our desires? Shouldn''t we take time to assess our feelings?"


    "True," Shu Xian agreed, smiling at him at the same time. "We should."


    With that, the grandfather''s clock found in the living room started to sound. As both of them looked at the time, they noticed that it was already 12 AM of Thursday, making Pan An widen his eyes as he now returned his gaze to Shu Xian.


    "Shu Xian," he started, grinning ear to ear. "It''s your birthday," he added, making her blink her eyes a few times.


    "Oh!"


    Shu Xian couldn''t help butugh, appreciating that Pan An remembered her birthday.


    "It is, isn''t it? I never think birthdays as something important so¡­" Shu Xian shrugged, further stating her point. "I just nonchntly acknowledge it, not to the point of being excited about it."


    Feeling sad with what she said, Pan An sighed. With him now going to the kitchen suddenly, Shu Xian arched a brow at him, watching him with what he''s doing.


    "What are you getting?"


    Pan An didn''t answer. With him getting a cupcake from the cupboard, he opened it and set it on a small tter. With him opening a kitchen drawer, he got a used blue candle, putting it on the cupcake. He then got a match in the same drawer, lighting it up.


    Seeing him prepare this made Shu Xian blush and smile at him. As the professor now approached her, he extended his arm towards her, saying something that made her heart race once more.


    "This may not be much¡­ but let''s greet your birthday together, okay? Happy 20th birthday, Shu Xian."


    With that, Shu Xian felt warm in her heart. As she yfully rolled her eyes at the professor, she then blew the candle on the cupcake.


    "Thank you," Shu Xian thanked him, the professor still having a grin on his face. "I''ve never greeted my birthday with anyone before," she added, the professor now patting her head to cheer her up.


    "Then you don''t have to worry," he said, remembering what she told him before. "If you don''t celebrate and don''t greet your day because of your uncle, I''ll try my best to at least wait for your day with you."

 Chapter 169 - Just Ended The Call

    [This chapter is dedicated to Fe_Roberts for being one of the generous giver of gifts to my bookst month of June. Thank you so much for the support and for the generosity~!]


    ***


    After talking, Shu Xian already bode Pan An good night. However, when the professor entered his room, he thought of talking to Shi Lian, plotting with her a birthday celebration that will soon happen since she is Shu Xian''s best friend.


    As Pan An was dialing for Wang Lei''s number, he immediately answered it, the CEO still awake.


    "What''s up?" Wang Lei asked, Pan An hearing a girl giggling with him. "Shi Lian, if you n on hanging out with me in my room just to y with myputer, then shut up! I''m on the phone!"


    Pan An rolled his eyes when he heard the siblings talking to each other. Not wanting toment about it, he instead told Wang Lei directly what his ns are,pletely getting the attention of the siblings.


    "I''m nning to have a birthday party for Shu Xian," he started, soon after, Shi Lian approaching her brother to listen to their conversation.


    "Woah! You''re going to throw a party for Shu Xian? Why?"


    Wang Lei now put his phone on loudspeaker. With the siblings listening to him, Pan An further spoke, answering Shi Lian''s question.


    "Shu Xian told me that she never celebrated her birthday and that she''d only eat with you, right? Well, I actually felt bad about it and I want to throw her a simple celebration. I already asked my mother and my sister about helping me."


    "Woah, indeed," Wang Lei eximed, a grining to his face as he talked to Pan An over his phone. "What amazed me is the fact that your older sister Ru Shi is agreeing on this."


    "Well," Wang Lei started, scratching the back of his head with his extra hand. "She wanted to meet Shu Xian and somehow, mother has told her about her and it made a good impression. She''s willing to help," he added, Shi Lian, now replying to what he said.


    "If this is going to happenter on, how do you want us to help? Because I agree¡­ I long want to give Shu Xian a surprise birthday party, but it didn''t ur to me to hold it simply and that it would be a surprise still. I always thought of extravagant ones."


    "She wouldn''t like that," Pan Anmented, making Shi Lian scoff.


    "You talk as if you know my best friend more than I do. Of course, I know she doesn''t like something extravagant! I just didn''t think of having a simple party, that''s all!"


    "Yeah, yeah¡­" Wang Lei teased, narrowing his eyes at her. "Now let''s listen to what Pan An is going to say. This is indeed for Shu Xian," he added, the siblings now going quiet.


    "This is what I thought," the professor started, further telling them his ns. "My family and I discussed that the party will be held in this very house. Preparations will be started by them the moment Shu Xian and I leave."


    "Alright," Shi Lian nodded even though Pan An couldn''t see her. "And then what?"


    "I need your help to help them prepare ording to what her preferences are. Since her time out is 7 PM from her duty from the library, you will have the time to decorate with my family, right?"


    "Of course," Shi Lian answered proudly, already excited of what they''re going to do for tomorrow. "Leave it to me!"


    "Thank you. Tell Zhang Ren that since they''re working together, he will distract Shu Xian for the meantime¡ªmake it seem that people have forgotten her birthday," Pan An added, the siblings furrowing their brows in worry.


    "I think that would hurt the girl," Wang Leimented, Shi Lian, agreeing with him.


    "Yeah! Shu Xian may not see her birthday as something important, but I always greet her at least! I would feel bad not saying anything to her, too!"


    Pan An understood their point. However, with wanting to surprise Shu Xian with everyone preparing a simple celebration for her, he thought that it would only be for this year so that she would be at least surprised.


    "Only for now, guys. Don''t worry¡ªshe''ll love our surprise after," he added, making the two sigh as they still agreed on what they said.


    "Alright," Wang Lei said, scratching the back of his head. "But I wonder if Shi Lian can keep it in since it''s difficult for her to lie to her best friend."


    "Yeah, I don''t disagree on my brother on this one," Shi Lian chimed in, Pan An, further convincing them.


    "Come on¡­ only for this year! Let''s try to make a difference and surprise her even though it''s a small kind of surprise," the professor said, the two now sumbing to his decision.


    "Fine, then¡­ any other thing that you have in mind?"


    Pan An contemted for a while. With him remembering what Ru Shi has told him when ites to presents, he asked Wang Lei for a favor.


    "Tomorrow, apany me to buy something simple for Shu Xian¡ªlike a ne or a bracelet or something."


    "Ooooh~!"


    Shi Lian eximed, a teasingughing after.


    "I didn''t know Pan An has something like this hidden in his sleeve! She may not be using essories much, but this is something cute and thoughtful to receive! She''ll definitely learn to wear it!"


    With Wang Lei chuckling with what his little sister had said because it''s unusual for his best friend to ask him a favor when ites to looking for a present to give for a girl, Pan An couldn''t help but call for their attention as they were both chuckling at him.


    "Come on, guys¡­ I''m serious here," he scolded them, Wang Lei, nowmenting on Pan An''s small change.


    "With you worrying about this too much, it''s as if you never had a girlfriend at all!"


    Pan An rolled his eyes at the siblings even though they couldn''t see him. With Shi Lian and Wang Lei continuing tough, the professor just ended the call, pissed at them with how they''re teasing him.

 Chapter 170 - Becoming Such A Great Distraction

    [This chapter is dedicated to Zeno98 for being one of the generous giver of gifts to my bookst month of June. Thank you so much for the support and for the generosity~! Ti amo, amore mio!]


    ***


    Shu Xian had to be honest¡­ because of what happened between her and the professor a while ago and with the talk that they had, she still couldn''t sleep.


    The way the professor surprised her for her birthday still lingered in her mind, along with the words he told her a while ago saying that he is getting attracted to her.


    With Shu Xian smiling at the thought, she bit her bottom lip as she felt happy that both of them feel the same.


    However, both of them were indeed right¡ªit''s as if something is missing¡ªlike what is happening between them is so sudden, like they want to expect something more.


    Maybe what''s missing is the sincerity of what they meant. Somehow, both of them doubt that how they are acting towards each other is nothing but physical attraction and they wouldn''t want this to be the only reason.


    With that, Shu Xian sighed as she sat up, remembering her homework that she had in one of her majors, forgetting to do it.


    "Oh, right," she mumbled to herself, looking at the time. "It''s already midnight but I only realized now that I forgot to do the poetry analysis," she added, sighing as she got her bag from the chair beside her bed and got her notebook.


    She opened her phone and then searched for the poem in one of her English sses, already reading it and doing an analysis about it.


    The professor in the English major subject asked the students to study two poems namely, "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" by Christopher Marlowe, and "The Nymph''s Reply to the Shepherd" by Sir Walter Raleigh.


    The first poem read:


    The Passionate Shepherd to His Love


    BY CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE


    Come live with me and be my love,


    And we will all the pleasures prove,


    That Valleys, groves, hills, and fields,


    Woods, or steepy mountain yields.


    And we will sit upon the Rocks,


    Seeing the Shepherds feed their flocks,


    By shallow Rivers to whose falls


    Melodious birds sing Madrigals.


    And I will make thee beds of Roses


    And a thousand fragrant posies,


    A cap of flowers, and a kirtle


    Embroidered all with leaves of Myrtle;


    A gown made of the finest wool


    Which from our pretty Lambs we pull;


    Fair lined slippers for the cold,


    With buckles of the purest gold;


    A belt of straw and Ivy buds,


    With Coral sps and Amber studs:


    And if these pleasures may thee move,


    Come live with me, and be my love.


    The Shepherds'' Swains shall dance and sing


    For thy delight each May-morning:


    If these delights thy mind may move,


    Then live with me, and be my love.


    Shu Xian didn''t know why¡­ but reading the first poem made her eyebrow twitch.


    With the theme of it being a love poem and with the speaker of the poem asking for her lover to live with him, she thought of reading the next poem instead, hoping that it''s not a love poem.


    The second poem read:


    The Nymph''s Reply to the Shepherd


    BY SIR WALTER RALEGH


    If all the world and love were young,


    And truth in every Shepherd''s tongue,


    These pretty pleasures might me move,


    To live with thee, and be thy love.


    Time drives the flocks from field to fold,


    When Rivers rage and Rocks grow cold,


    And Philomel beth dumb,


    The restins of cares toe.


    The flowers do fade, and wanton fields,


    To wayward winter reckoning yields,


    A honey tongue, a heart of gall,


    Is fancy''s spring, but sorrow''s fall.


    Thy gowns, thy shoes, thy beds of Roses,


    Thy cap, thy kirtle, and thy posies


    Soon break, soon wither, soon forgotten:


    In folly ripe, in reason rotten.


    Thy belt of straw and Ivy buds,


    The Coral sps and amber studs,


    All these in me no means can move


    Toe to thee and be thy love.


    But could youthst, and love still breed,


    Had joys no date, nor age no need,


    Then these delights my mind might move


    To live with thee, and be thy love.


    "Aaah, this¡­"


    Shu Xian mumbled to herself, closing her eyes as she let out another sigh. She then put her phone aside for a while, nkly staring at her notebook as she furrowed her brows together.


    She now understood why the professor asked them to study the two poems.


    It''s because both of them are replying to each other and the professor wanted them to interpret what it could have meant and what the ending is all about since the other poem now replied to the shepherd!


    With her cringing at the poem as she skimmed them the second time, she couldn''t help but scrunch her nose up in disgust.


    "Why is this about a love poem? I mean, I get that we are studying and doing a poem analysis but with things happening with me now¡­ nnngggh¡­ love is the least thing I want to think less about right now.''


    However, she took things maturely this time. With her shoving her personal feelings aside, she started dissecting the two poems and made her own analysis and scribbled it on her notes, while looking for a reference on the that would help guide her.


    She also couldn''t help but think of her forgetting her sense of responsibility because suddenly, she had forgotten doing her homework! It''s unusual for her because she always knew what to prioritize first!


    But now¡­


    ''This Pan An and living with him,'' Shu Xian started thinking to herself as she was writing on her notebook. ''Is bing such a great distraction!''


    With that, Shu Xian groaned as she looked at the time, already counting the remaining hours that she had left for her sleep.


    She realized that in doing this homework, she would need to work on it for at least two hours, only leaving her 5-6 hours of sleep before waking up for food preparation.

 Chapter 171 - Allowed Herself

    [This chapter is dedicated to BedheadBookworm as a birthday dedication for her since this July is also her birth month! Advanced/bted happy birthday! I hope you enjoy/enjoyed your day! I''m blessed to have such a supportive reader such as you! ^^]


    ***


    To Shu Xian, she finalized her notes on her analysis about the two poems, the reference she found on the helping her greatly on her research.


    "The Passionate Shepherd" is a poem of seduction. In it, the speaker tries to convince his listener toe to the country and be his lover.


    The speaker makes his case on the basis of the luxuries they will enjoy together in the countryside, describing it as a ce of pleasure that is at once sensual and innocent.


    He wants his "love" to simply sit on the rocks for a while and appreciate the scene, without worrying about their responsibilities.


    Although the joys the speaker describes may be fleeting, they are still rich and seductive. Listing them, the speaker makes a case for embracing the pure pleasure of love and rejects the idea that doing so might have negative consequences.


    As its title suggests, "The Passionate Shepherd" is thus a passionate poem, full of sexual tension. But, diverging from traditions that associate sexuality with sin and death, the poem portrays this sexuality as an innocent.


    There seem to be no costs associated with the pleasures the speaker describes in his seduction. Instead, the countryside is presented as a ce of y and sheer joy, song, and dance.


    The speaker refuses to admit any problems, troubles, or downsides into the world he imagines upying with his "love."


    Instead, he urges his love to just live in the moment, enjoying the sensual pleasures he lists for their own sake, without worrying about the consequences. Indeed, the speaker offers these delights as an escape from responsibilities and consequences.


    With Shu Xian copy-pasting this in her notes using her phone as she decided to print this in the morning before she goes to ss, she already gave up on rephrasing her paper as she is now sleepy and want to rest already.


    ''Only this once that you are cramming, Shu Xian.''


    Sheined to herself, further copy-pasting the other information that she needed on the paper.


    ''Next time, don''t you do this ever again. Next time, remember your homework and don''t give in to your distractions. Stupid Professor Pan An.''


    Putting herint aside, she instead continued copying and pasting an analysis from the link: https://owlcation/humanities/An-Analysis-of-The-Nymphs-Reply-to-the-Shepherd-by-Sir-Walter-Raleigh because she really iszy to make her own analysis right now.


    The poem, "The Nymph''s Reply to the Shepherd," was written by Sir Walter Raleigh, and is a response from a nymph rejecting a shepherd''s proposal of love. The poem is in iambic tetrameter.


    It is made up of six four-lined stanzas or quatrains, where each iamb regrly alternates between stressed and unstressed sybles.


    The emphatic rhythms focus on creating pauses in order to make the poem more rhetorically expressive. Additionally, Drummond notes that Raleigh "end-stops his lines very sharply and also provides strong caesuras, sometimes two in a line.


    Shu Xian didn''t understand what she just copied. However, she just went on and on, already copying the other important information that she needs for her printout homeworkter.


    By expressing in imaginative detail the reasoning behind her rejections, stanza-by-stanza, the speaker within the poem, a young female nymph, responds to the shepherd''s vision of their "happily-ever-after."


    The nymph, having superior rationality, coolly objects the shepherd''s offerings and exins to him that all he proposes is of the limited timeframe of a mortal being; his offerings will notst.


    When she read the analysis that she found on the, she also agreed to the fact that the nymph seemed to be mocking the shepherd in her reply.


    Thus, this led her to copy and paste another part of the article, nning to mention her resources at the end, too, since she felt guilty of not doing the homework and decided to answer this task sloppily.


    The poem begins and ends her exnation in the subjunctive mood; this helps set up the rhetorical style of the poem as she contrasts the hypothetical vision of the shepherd to her own morally reflective understanding. The diction of the poem is alluring.


    In the initial lines of each stanza, the nymph initially seems to adhere to the shepherd''s pastoral diction of a happy ending, but just as quickly as the beautiful imagery isid out, she mockingly undermines his vision with a more literal view of how life is short and will soon be forgotten.


    This sense of mockery is found in the end-rhyme of each line. In each instance, the words help portray what is to be considered within the context of the shepherd''s humanistic vision of their life together.


    The words forgotten and rotten, which are taken from the end of the fifteenth and sixteenth lines, help focus the imagery in the poem.


    The nymph exins to the shepherd that any gift he may give, to win her heart, will soon grow old, break, and be forgotten.


    She alludes that a timeless creature such as herself sees things as they will someday be, "Had joys no date nor age no need, / Then these delights my mind might move" (22-23), and that any gift she receives is already rotten in her eyes because of her foreknowledge of the change it will eventually go through.


    As she was now satisfied with her newly formed one-paged homework found in her phone, she sighed in relief, shaking her head as she read it carefully.


    With her now putting the two links where she got her answers from, she rolled her eyes at herself, seeing that the time on her phone is now 1:30 AM.


    ''This is what you get for not doing your homework and forgetting about it, Shu Xian,'' she thought, now keeping her notebook in her bag. ''Later, you will get your karma on your paper for relying on the inte and not even bothering to revise the paper. This will be thest time you''ll do this!''


    With that said in her thoughts, she now decided to sleep, now feeling her drowsiness when she was alive a while ago because of the kiss from the professor.


    Now that she''s thinking of this, she then started to curse herself for being so attracted to him that she allowed herself to be distracted¡­

 Chapter 172 - He Wants Her To Feel Happy

    [This chapter is dedicated to Joy_Selena for being a birthday celebrant of the month of July¡ªon July 11! This is also for her mother who celebrated her birthday on the same day as mine. ^^ May both of you continue to be blessed~! Thank you so much for the support you have for my story!]


    ***


    Shu Xian woke up having a slight headache. With her seeing that the time is 5:30 in the morning, she slowly sat up,ining to herself as she ran her hand through her hair.


    "Nngh¡­ so much for cramming on homework and for being distracted with hot kisses from a hot professor."


    With her smiling at herself foolishly afterwards, she realized that her sudden change in her ways was because of her living with another person who saved her, making her bite her bottom lip.


    Remembering that she has to make breakfast and lunch for this day, she stood up from the bed, doing a stretch. As she rxed her muscles, she looked at Wan Wan who is now awake and yawning, Shu Xian wanting to start the day with less negativities.


    To be honest, with her rushing her homework during the midnight, it had made her ufortable since it''s as if she didn''t do the homework. She only did copy and pasting, making it annoying for her to do so.


    She promised to herself that this will be thest time that she will do it so she will not be able to risk her grades by doing giarism even though she has provided the link at the end of the homework.


    "Let''s go, Wan Wan," Shu Xian said to her cute Samoyed dog, the dog obediently waking up and following her. "I''ll give you a short walk and then I''ll start cooking."


    However, what was happening in the kitchen was something rare to see. The moment Shu Xian opened the door, she saw Pan An already cooking, an apron worn in his front.


    Obviously, he was saut¨¦ing onions and garlic, noticing that Shu Xian is already awake.


    "You''re up?"


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times. With her not answering Pan An''s question, she went inside the kitchen and watched him with surprised eyes.


    "Why are you awake so early when you could have woken upter? And why are you cooking?"


    "Oh, Shu Xian," Pan An said her name, shaking his head as he continued saut¨¦ing. "It''s your birthday, right? You really see your day as an ordinary day," he added, making Shu Xian cock her head to the side.


    "So¡­ because of this, you wanted to cook for our breakfast and lunch instead?"


    "Well, yes," Pan An answered, a smileing to his face as he briefly looked at Shu Xian before focusing on him cooking their food. "I told you¡­ at least on your special day, we should make you feel special! If no one did it for you for how many years, this year and the next, it will be different."


    Shu Xian didn''t know how to answer. However, she felt warmth in her heart, an appreciative smile appearing on her face as she leaned on the doorframe, thanking Professor Pan An instead.


    "Thank you so much for doing the effort," she said, "No one has ever cooked for me. You''re actually the first guy to. Even on the time when you rescued me and I ate the following day. I''m a stranger, but you already helped me in a heartbeat and took care of me."


    "Shu Xian¡­"


    Pan An put down the spat for a while. With him turning his body to look at her, he was quite surprised to see Shu Xian have teary eyes, making him immediately lower the heat of the stove so he could approach her.


    "Hey, hey¡­"


    The professor cupped her face with both of his hands. With him wiping her tears away with his thumbs, heforted her, not wanting to make her cry on her birthday.


    "Please, don''t cry¡­ this is not my intention¡ªI really want you to feel special."


    "I know¡­"


    Shu Xian shyly chuckled, yfully rolling her eyes at him as the professor continued to cheer her up.


    "It''s just that¡­ I really never had such people treating me kindly like this. I''m sorry."


    "Then from now on, you''ll get used to it," Pan An said, giving Shu Xian a soft kiss on the top of her head. "Now go on a short walk with Wan Wan, and by the time you get back, I probably have breakfast prepared, yes?"


    "Mm¡­ thank you."


    Shu Xian didn''t expect Pan An to kiss the top of her head. They said that they should take things slow to assess what they''re feeling towards each other but with him acting this sweet¡­ how can it be easy when the man''s capable of making her heart race all the time?


    Shu Xian pushed that thought aside for now. With her getting the leash on the living room counter, she tied it on Wan Wan''s cor, both of them already preparing for their morning walk¡ªalso Wan Wan''s potty session.


    The moment Pan An heard the door closing, he let out a sigh, a small smile appearing on his face once more as he now put the carrots in the pan, then preparing the left over rice fromst night.


    "It seems that we will be having another fried rice with egg and hotdogs and carrots this time, Shu Xian. And maybe for lunch, we will have tonkatsu chicken?"


    With the professor talking to himself, he opened his phone to look at the process on how to make tonkatsu chicken.


    As he watched and listened to the instructions of how to cook it soter after he cooks the fried rice, he won''t be using his phone much, he wished that Shu Xian will like his cooking.


    Besides¡­ it had been long since Pan An had cooked for someone¡ªit took him years for him to be able to cook for someone.


    Now that Shu Xian is here and is having her special day, Pan An at least wants her to feel happy.


    Not only on her birthday, but also on her following days toe.

 Chapter 173 - Keep It In!

    [This chapter is dedicated to K_Larson_3236 for being a birthday celebrant of the month of July! ^^ May you continue to be blessed~! Thank you so much for the support you have for my story! Enjoy your birthday that''sing soon on the 12th! :D]


    ***


    Shu Xian and Wan Wan had a 10-minute short walk. As Wan Wan did her business, of course, Shu Xian immediately cleaned it up so as to keep the neighborhood clean.


    "I shall give you a bath and a groom on Saturday, yes? Look at your white fur¡­ it''s bing a bit dirty now."


    Soon after, the door of the living room opened. Shu Xian instinctively turned her head to look at Pan An who opened the door, an excited smile on his face as he talked to her.


    "Come on inside," he called out, Shu Xian, standing up as Wan Wan already entered the house. "The food is ready¡ªI also put wet dog food inside of Wan Wan''s food bowl and refilled her water bowl."


    "Aaaw¡­" Shu Xian eximed, letting out a soft chuckle. "It''s like I''m having a day off today," shemented, thanking the professor again. "Thank you so much."


    With that, the two of them already entered the house. The moment the two came inside, Shu Xian immediately smelled the delicious smell of soy sauce that is mixed in saut¨¦ed rice with onions and garlic.


    "I know you made fried rice," Shu Xianmented, looking at the professor beside her. "Did you add something else?"


    "Of course," Pan An answered and said, "I added hotdogs and carrots, too! Something to make a simple dish special other than putting soy sauce with the rice."


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but giggle. As they both head inside the dining room, Wan Wan was already eating her food slowly and carefully.


    What both of them liked about the dog is that she is trained enough not to make a mess around her bowl. She only makes a few of them, but it''s making it easier for them to clean.


    As Shu Xian and Pan An sat on their specific seats, Pan An already got Shu Xian''s bowl, putting fried rice in her bowl. While Shu Xian was waiting patiently, she noticed a few ingredients on the kitchen counter, asking about it from Pan An.


    "What will you be preparing for lunch after we eat?"


    "I was watching some videos on the," Pan An started, already giving Shu Xian her bowl. He then proceeded to get his own share from the serving bowl, and further answered her question. "I''m nning for us to eat tonkatsu chicken and riceter."


    "Oh! That''s nice," Shu Xianmented, suggesting something as both of them already started eating. "Do you want me to help you do lunch?"


    "I told you¡­ it''s your special day! You have to rx because tomorrow, you will be cooking already," he answered, making Shu Xian yfully roll her eyes at him as a smile appeared on her face.


    "Come on, Pan An¡­ lemme help you¡ªit will quicken preparation and cooking time! Besides¡­ I love cooking¡ªcooking with someone is fun even on my birthday!"


    With that, Pan An had no choice but to ept.


    "Since the birthday girl has said this, then I have no choice but toply!"


    At the same moment, Shu Xian''s phone in her pocket started to chime. With her getting her phone as the sound indicated that she had a notification, she received a text from Shi Lian, Shu Xian smiling at her message.


    "She has greeted me a happy birthday," Shu Xian announced, a giggle sooning after. "But it''s unusual for her to greet me this time when she always greeted me in midnight. Maybe her thinking about Zhang Ren has made her forget about my day?"


    ''That Shi Lian,'' Pan An thought, getting another chunk of fried rice in his mouth along with a hotdog. ''I told her to at least make it seem she has forgotten¡­ with her greeting her all of a sudden, how can we surprise herter?''


    Pan An pushed his thought aside for the meantime. No matter, with what Shi Lian said that it would make Shu Xian sad if people have forgotten about her birthday, it will make her sad.


    Maybe with a dyed greeting from her best friend, it''s okay for her not to be depressed about it.


    "Umm¡­ Pan An¡­"


    When Shu Xian called for his attention, the professor snapped out of his thoughts, now looking at her.


    "What''s up?"


    "You know¡­ I''m thinking¡­"


    Shu Xian trailed off, cocking her head to the side as she expressed her thoughts.


    "Do you think that we should at least do a small celebration¡ªlike ordering food and then calling Shi Lian and her brother, and Zhang Ren to celebrate with us here at home?"


    Hearing this, Pan An choked on his food. Shu Xian''s eyes widened, making her stand up from her seat as she patted his back to help him.


    "Hey, what''s wrong? Is there something wrong with what I said?"


    "N-no," Pan An answered, Shu Xian now giving him a ss of water that made him drink it in one go.


    ''It''s just that I made something like this for youter and I don''t want your thoughts to ruin my surprise!''


    Pan An didn''t tell her thetter part. With Shu Xian now going back to her seat, she got her bowl and continued eating, urging for Pan An''s answer again.


    "Well, what do you think?"


    "Well¡­"


    Pan An slowly nodded, telling her his answer that made a small frown appear on Shu Xian''s face.


    "I''ll be busyter, so I think we won''t be able to do that small celebration."


    "Oh¡­"


    There was disappointment evident in her voice, making Pan An immediately feel guilty with the way her voice sounded because a while ago when she said her suggestion, her voice sounded excited!


    "No worries¡ªI understand. I know Shi Lian will be asking me out to eatter," she just added, making Pan An stuff a few more rice in his mouth so he could stop himself from telling Shu Xian about the surprise because he wanted to cheer her up.


    ''Come on, Pan An! Keep it in¡ªhold it in! She will love the surpriseter! It''s okay to lie for now!''

 Chapter 174 - It Will Be A Surprise~

    [This chapter is dedicated to Q_elleson for leaving such a nice review for my storyst month of June. ^^ I have read your review and it has warmed my heart! Thank you so much for this! :3]


    ***


    "You know¡­ I''m thinking¡­"


    Shu Xian trailed off, cocking her head to the side as she expressed her thoughts.


    "Do you think that we should at least do a small celebration¡ªlike ordering food and then calling Shi Lian and her brother, and Zhang Ren to celebrate with us here at home?"


    Hearing this, Pan An choked on his food. Shu Xian''s eyes widened, making her stand up from her seat as she patted his back to help him.


    "Hey, what''s wrong? Is there something wrong with what I said?"


    "N-no," Pan An answered, Shu Xian now giving him a ss of water that made him drink it in one go.


    ''It''s just that I made something like this for youter and I don''t want your thoughts to ruin my surprise!''


    Pan An didn''t tell her thetter part. With Shu Xian now going back to her seat, she got her bowl and continued eating, urging for Pan An''s answer again.


    "Well, what do you think?"


    "Well¡­"


    Pan An slowly nodded, telling her his answer that made a small frown appear on Shu Xian''s face.


    "I''ll be busyter, so I think we won''t be able to do that small celebration."


    "Oh¡­"


    There was disappointment evident in her voice, making Pan An immediately feel guilty with the way her voice sounded because a while ago when she said her suggestion, her voice sounded excited!


    "No worries¡ªI understand. I know Shi Lian will be asking me out to eatter," she just added, making Pan An stuff a few more rice in his mouth so he could stop himself from telling Shu Xian about the surprise because he wanted to cheer her up.


    ''Come on, Pan An! Keep it in¡ªhold it in! She will love the surpriseter! It''s okay to lie for now!''


    However, with Shu Xian now quiet as she was eating her breakfast, Pan An couldn''t help but feel guilty with how she looks disappointed.


    She excitedly suggested of having a small meal with people now that she is involved socially with a few of them.


    And with Pan An rejecting the thought of not having a simple party for her and lying that he will be busy, seeing her this sad made his heart ache!


    "Shu Xian," Pan An called out, the girl now looking at him.


    "Yes?"


    With the professor now giving her a small smile, he further apologized to what he said, wanting Shu Xian to understand and at least feel better.


    He is doing this for her surprise¡ªand maybe his best friend and his sister are indeed right.


    It''s cruel to lie to a person on her special day!


    "I''m sorry for being busy," Pan An started, letting out a small sigh. "But I''m doing my best to help you with making breakfast and with making lunch with you like you said since you enjoy cooking with someone," he added, making Shu Xian widen her eyes slightly and shake her head.


    "Do I really look sad?" she asked, shyly looking at her reflection on her phone screen. "I didn''t mean to¡­"


    "No, no¡­ you have the right to be when you were excited about something," Pan An replied, now holding her free hand tofort her. "I promise¡ªeven though it''s ate celebration, we''re going to celebrate your day special, okay? What do you want to do?"


    "What?"


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times, not believing what she heard.


    "Y-you don''t need to make an effort like this, Pan An! You''re a busy guy and you know¡­ you might have a lot of papers to check sometime soon!"


    "Shu Xian," Pan An said her name once more, a small smileing to his face. "I''m willing to make it up to you, alright? Let''s take this as a way of getting to know each other. You know¡­ like we talked about yesterday¡ªa way to assess our feelings."


    "What do you mean?"


    With the professor now beaming at her, what he said next made Shu Xian''s heart race in her chest, a soft blush appearing on both of her cheeks.


    "Let''s go on a date this weekend. You want that?"


    Shu Xian didn''t know how to answer. With the thought of going on a date with Pan An, she couldn''t believe that he is actually asking her to go out and have one when all the outings that they had before were only to show a fake image!


    "This date¡­" Shu Xian started, her brows furrowing together. "Is it to make an image for your mother and the others so she won''t bother you¡­ or because you really want to?"


    Pan An didn''t answer her question for a while. With him getting her free hand and kissing the back of her palm, it surprised Shu Xian, along with the answer he told her.


    "I really want to now. Why? You think it''s because of the agreement that we have?"


    Shu Xian didn''t want to lie. With her nodding her head slowly once, Pan An let out a soft chuckle, apologizing to the girl.


    "I''m sorry. If that''s what you thought, do know now that it''s not my intention. I really want to sincerely go out with you once this time," he answered and exined, making Shu Xian sweetly smile at him, Pan An mesmerized by her sudden disy of beauty.


    "Then? Where are we going this weekend?"


    Pan An cocked his head to the side as he contemted for a while. With him letting go of Shu Xian''s hand, he then answered her, the girl''s excitement now back and with her now having a happy expression on her face.


    "It will be a surprise~," he said in a sing-song tone, a winking afterward. "You wouldn''t want to spoil your surprise, right?"


    With that, Shu Xian now felt better, Pan An internally sighing in relief as he now made Shu Xian feel better.


    However, it was not only to make her feel better¡­ Pan An sincerely wanted to go out with Shu Xian in a nice date once and see where this goes other than making her happy.

 Chapter 175 - Can I?

    [This chapter is dedicated to DaoistlYQ2l for the nicements that he/she has been leaving in my stories. Thank you so much for the support! I hope to continue reading yourments in the near future! :D]


    ***


    Shu Xian and Pan An are now cooking for their lunch. With Shu Xian dipping the chicken in egg and then putting it on the breading tray for her to put on breadcrumbs for their tonkatsu, Pan An was the one deep frying it while he is preparing a simple sd to add to their lunch.


    "We have extra fried rice," Pan An started, now turning the tonkatsu to the other side for frying while he''s slicing vegetables for their sd. "Can you please put the rice in our lunchboxes? So we won''t leave any left overs."


    "Of course."


    With Shu Xian humming to herself a song, she was putting rice in their lunchbox. The moment she was done, she left the lunchbox open for a while.


    She then approached Pan An and got the tongs from him, volunteering to help since she''s done preparing the other tonkatsu for deep-frying.


    "I can deep fry the other chicken. You continue preparing the sd," Shu Xian suggested, Pan An, nodding as he did what he was told.


    "Alright."


    Even in silence and even though both of them are busy, it''s no longer awkward like it was during her first days of stay with him. It made both of them smile while they are cooking and preparing food together, now actually enjoying each other''spany.


    However, during this time, this is when both of them remembered as well that Shu Xian will be moving out and will be staying in another house since Wang Fang volunteered to take her in.


    Even though that she''s going to stay in the vacant house that is in front of Pan An''s house, somehow the thought of them not living together saddened them a little bit.


    Realizing this, Pan An stopped slicing the vegetables for a while. Shu Xian also nkly looked at the food that is being fried, Pan An calling her attention since the other side is already being toasted.


    "Shu Xian," he called out, snapping the girl out of her thoughts. "You have to flip it to the other side now," he added, Shu Xian widening her eyes in shock as she flipped it quickly.


    "Oh! S-sorry!"


    It''s as if both of them knew what they were thinking right at this moment. With Pan An now finished preparing for the sd, he put the sliced cabbages and carrots in their lunchboxes, putting on some dressing as well.


    "Were you thinking of you moving out soon?" the professor asked, Shu Xian not answering for a while.


    Her heart in her chest slightly jumped in surprise. With her nodding to answer his question, the professor let out a small sigh upon seeing her reaction,menting about it.


    "Me, too¡­ I was thinking about it," he said, Shu Xian now putting the freshly cooked chicken on the te with a thick tissue to absorb the oil.


    "Why¡­ are you thinking about it?" Shu Xian asked, curious about why they were thinking the same.


    As Pan An waited for the other chicken to finish cooking since they will have two tonkatsu chicken each, he answered Shu Xian''s question, further making her heart race.


    "It will be quiet once you''re gone. I didn''t expect to think like this at first but I''m quite saddened by the fact of you not here."


    When Pan An said that, Shu Xian put in the next chickens to deep fry. With her now turning her body to look at him, she met Pan An''s eyes, her lips turning into a tight line as she wasn''t sure of what to say.


    She always thought that she is a burden to Pan An¡ªwith her staying here for free even though she''s going to watch over the house.


    However, with them getting closer now and with their attraction towards each other slowly growing, she also grew fond of him little by little¡ªthe thought of her living in another house saddening her as well.


    Soon after, Pan An approached her. With him tucking some tendrils of Shu Xian''s hair behind her ear, he smiled at her, further talking to the girl who is seemingly in a daze¡ªabsorbing what the professor had told her.


    "Even though we live across each other and you''re still going to prepare food for me¡­ we can still visit each other, right?"


    A smile then appeared on Shu Xian''s face. With her nodding as she looked straight into the professor''s eyes, she answered his question, the professor feeling better with her assurance.


    "Sure. With this, we won''t even bother thinking about others catching us living together, yes? Less issues to worry about."


    "En."


    Shu Xian turned her back towards Pan An. With her now flipping the chicken once more, what he did next was something that she didn''t expect¡ªeven the professor surprised on doing something before he even realized it.


    The professor wrapped both of his arms around Shu Xian''s waist. With his chin resting on her shoulder, both of their hearts raced in their chest as they were both doing something sweet.


    Shu Xian furrowed her brows, her body slightly stiffening as she didn''t expect the professor to do something like this. With her left hand holding his arms that were wrapped around her waist, she asked him a question.


    "Why are you doing this, Pan An?"


    Hearing her query, the professor answered her truthfully. As he let out a small sigh, Shu Xian felt his breath fanning over her neck. He then whispered his answer beside her ear, sending shivers down her spine.


    "Before I knew it, I already did it. I don''t know¡­ I just want to embrace you this way. Can I?"


    Shu Xian didn''t answer his question, but she didn''t push him away either. With her continuing to cook the chicken that is in the pan, both of them stayed still like this in silence, not bothered by their hearts beating crazily in their chest.

 Chapter 176 - This Will Be The First

    [This chapter is dedicated to Mday208 for the nicements that he/she has been leaving in my stories for the month of June. Thank you so much for the support! I hope to continue reading yourments in the near future! :D]


    ***


    Shu Xian went to school with a foolish grin on her face. She couldn''t get it off her mind¡ªthe way Pan An was embracing her while she was cooking.


    She went to the university first. Pan An said that he would have to stay behind for a while since he forgot to fix his documents needed for the day.


    However, little did the birthday girl know that Pan An stayed behind to make ast minute call with her mother and sister, along with Shi Lian and Zhang Ren whom she added in the WeChat group. Wang Lei was also inside the chat, all of them already talking about the preparation.


    "Hmm¡­"


    Shu Xian wondered the moment she reached the ssroom, noticing that it''s almost 15 minutes before sses would start, yet two of her friends are not yet there.


    "That''s odd. If I arrive thiste, usually, both of them are already here."


    Remembering that she was cramming for her assignment, she put the first assignment inside of her notebook, the review about the two poems.


    However, she remembered just now that she forgot to make her poetry assignment, making her sigh as she took this opportunity to do it before Pan An''s ss would start.


    It''s a homework they have in Creative Writing, a ss that Shu Xian and Shi Lianmonly have before they have their lunch. With Zhang Ren not with them because he''s a Math major, they only had twomon sses with him.


    As Shu Xian was making her poetry collection, she found it easier than doing the other homeworkst night.


    Luckily, Shu Xian also had aption of her poems in her phone''s notepad, using it as her homework as she wrote it in her Creative Writing Notebook that will be passedter on to the professor.


    She put on her various Haiku Collection that she created months ago so that her homework would seem like she has put in effort on it when in fact, she reused what she created months ago during vacation.


    ***


    I.


    Up in the mountains


    Below the cherry blossom


    Lies my love for you


    II.


    My own innocence


    Reflected in the river


    Hiding the monster


    III.


    My feelings contained


    It rushes like the river


    Finding its escape


    IV.


    I raged at the sea


    I found my serenity


    Then it has calmed me


    V.


    My thoughts are so loud


    The silence is deafening


    In this quiet night


    VI.


    The time I said "hi"


    You were under the white snow


    Then you said goodbye


    ***


    Shu Xian provided six of her haikus in the notebook. With her looking more into her notepad, she also saw a poem that she made before entitled, When the Lights are Gone, writing it down on her notebook as well.


    ***


    When the lights are gone¡­


    Paranoia hunts me.


    When the lights are gone¡­


    Fear engulfs me.


    When the lights are gone¡­


    Uneasiness irritates me.


    When the lights are gone¡­


    My emotions overwhelm me.


    When the lights are gone¡­


    Hope leaves me.


    But deep down I know that when the lights are gone¡­


    Someone is there to save me.


    ***


    This was a poem that she made when she met Shi Lian. She was hopeless at first when ites to her having no friends and then living alone the moment she ran away from her uncle.


    But because of Shi Lian, she had provided her love and joy andpany as a friend¡ªa person who saved her when she was in her most desperate situation.


    She''s indeed lucky to have Shi Lian in her life.


    Soon after, she saw onest poem that she wanted to add in her homework. It''s a poem that she made the day she left her uncle''s house¡ªa poem that is very memorable in her heart.


    ***


    Thoughtsing ceaselessly through the night


    Staring nkly at the dim light


    Noticing this one and only presence


    Getting insane with this deafening silence


    Having this chaotic state of mind


    Makes peace arduous to find


    Knowing that I have to make a decision


    Gives me more frustration


    I always feared the thought of being lonely


    But I left in order to be happy


    This is indeed heartbreaking


    As it is, at the same time, liberating


    ***


    As she finished writing thest two lines of the poem, Shu Xian''s lips turned into a tight line, reflecting about it.


    "This is indeed heartbreaking, as it is, at the same time, liberating," Shu Xian whispered to herself, a sighing afterward. "Wow¡­ I was so young when I made these poems. Thest poem was also the one I made when I was a teenager."


    With Shu Xian now leaning her back on the rest of the chair, a small smile appeared on her face,menting on the poems that she made.


    "I was so creative before¡­ why did I stop making these kinds of poems now? Was it because I started bing busy and that with the things I''m doing and with studying, I don''t have time to write anymore?"


    With that in thought, Shu Xian smiled a bit, now looking at the nk page of her notebook. With her thinking of Pan An right here and then, she thought that maybe she could make a poem about him since it''s been years that she hasn''t created any poems.


    She shoved her curiosity about her friends for a while. With her focusing on a poem that will be dedicated to Pan An, she let her hands write and her words flow, her heart racing in her chest as she has never dedicated a poem to a person she likes.


    With her now starting to like someone, this will be the first¡ªalong with the thought of liking someone for the first time.

 Chapter 177 - Little Did Shu Xian Know

    [This chapter is dedicated to Annich_Tsuma for the nicements that he/she has been leaving in my stories for the month of June and for being a silent reader who suddenlymented! Thank you so much for the support! I hope to continue reading yourments in the near future! :D]


    ***


    "Hurry up! Zhang Ren and I are going to have sses soon!"


    With Shi Lian reminding them of the time and that in ten minutes sses would start, even Pan An who was so engrossed with nning widened his eyes when he realized the time.


    "I have to conduct my sses, too. If Zhang Ren and Shi Lian arete, she might suspect something," Pan An said, Zhang Ren, chiming in to the conversation.


    "Don''t worry, Professor Pan An! Shi Lian and I will just tell her that we were flirting¡ª"


    "Flirting?" Wang Lei interrupted, Cai Li and Ru Shi, giggling. "You were flirting with my sister even though this is a lie?"


    "''Erm¡­"


    Zhang Ren almost forgot that Wang Lei is around, making him scratch his head as the others were still connected in the video call.


    "Sorry. I''ll just tell Shu Xian that we were talking," Zhang Ren apologized and said, a soft blush appearing on Shi Lian''s face.


    "Geez, Zhang Ren¡­" she mumbled, still enough for the others to hear. "Control your shamelessness!"


    With a sighing from Pan An, he reminded everyone what to do before ending the call.


    "Remember what to do, yes? Mother, Ru Shi, I gave you the address of the house and then the spare key¡ªthe spare is with the head house helper."


    "Yes, yes, don''t worry," Cai Li said, giving him a thumbs up. "Your sister and I will prepare the ce and will cook!"


    "I''ll make sure that after sses, I''ll go directly to help, don''t worry," Shi Lian chimed in, Zhang Ren, stating his task.


    "I''ll distract Shu Xian while I get the signal that I''ll go ahead and wait with you guys at the house."


    As Pan An now looked at her sister on the screen, she arched a brow at her, making her roll her eyes at him as she heard what her little brother had told her.


    "Remember that Shu Xian will be meeting you for the first time. Don''t scare her, please."


    "Geez, is that how you look at your sister?" Ru Shi scoffed, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "Mother''s here! With her doting on her too much, how could I dare act differently?"


    As they let out a chuckle, Pan An then looked at Wang Lei in the video call, reminding him of his task.


    "Remember the design I gave you for the jeweler to do. If he has it, please reserve it for me. I''ll pay you ASAP¡ªregardless of the price."


    "Yeah, yeah," Wang Lei started, scratching the back of his head. "With you busy as a professor, why can''t you do it in your free time? I''m busy as a CEO, too!"


    Pan An rolled his eyes at him.


    "Come on. You agreed to help me on this one¡ªI rarely ask for help. You can leave your work anytime since you''re the boss."


    "Alright!"


    With the school bell suddenly ringing and heard in the faculty room as it indicated that there are five minutes left before the ss would start, Pan An widened his eyes, already saying goodbye.


    "Let''s end the call. You guys already know what to do, alright?"


    "Copy!"


    With that, the call already ended. With Pan An abruptly standing up from his seat, he surprised some of the faculty members beside him, the other arching a brow at the panicking professor.


    "What''s wrong, Professor Pan An? You seem jittery today. It''s like you''re a new professor," onemented, a small smile appearing on his face as he reasoned out.


    "Oh, nothing¡­ it''s just that something big ising up after work¡ªI wouldn''t want to mess up."


    Not bothering to hear a reply, he waved the teachers goodbye as he walked to his ss, the professors wondering about what he meant.


    ***


    "Gaaah! Safe!"


    Shi Lian eximed, getting the attention of the birthday girl. With Zhang Ren and Shi Lian surprising Shu Xian with how they arrived in ss, she widened her eyes at them, blinking her eyes a few times.


    "Zhang Ren! Shi Lian! Where were you two? You were almostte for ss," shemented, Shu Xian scooting over for them to sit beside her.


    "Sorry," Zhang Ren apologized, a foolish grin appearing on his face as he forgot what Wang Lei had scolded him for earlier. "Shi Lian and I were flirting and we lost track of time."


    Shi Lian widened her eyes at Zhang Ren. With a scoffing from Shu Xian, she yfully rolled her eyes at her friends,menting on what she heard.


    "You two¡­ I thought you''re taking things slow and now you''re flirting and leaving your other friend alone? Don''t tell me I''d be third-wheeling from now on!"


    With Shi Lian elbowing Zhang Ren, the boy couldn''t help but chuckle, the second bell already ringing as it indicated the official start of sses this morning.


    "By the way, Shu Xian, happy birthday," Zhang Ren greeted her, him and Shi Lian smiling at her with excitement etched on their faces.


    "Thanks, guys! Will we be having something nice for lunchter?" she asked, the two nodding as they gestured to their bag.


    "We brought extra food for today! Let''s eat a lot before duty starts, yes?"


    With excitement also on Shu Xian''s face, she was already happy to know that she will spend her birthday with her friends even though it''s just lunch.


    Even though Pan An rejected Shu Xian''s idea earlier this morning, Shu Xian didn''t dwell too long about it as she thought that it''s enough to be with her friends who did small efforts into making her day special.


    Little did Shu Xian know, however¡­


    That they were all preparing something that she requested beforehand¡ªwanting to surprise her since she never celebrated her birthday with a lot of people before.

 Chapter 178 - Think Again!

    [This chapter is dedicated to chuks_okpani for the nicements that he/she has been leaving in my stories for the month of June and for being a silent reader who suddenlymented! Thank you so much for the support! I hope to continue reading yourments in the near future! :D]


    ***


    The moment Professor Pan An arrived inside the ssroom, the students already settled down and went quiet.


    With Shu Xian''s heart racing in her chest as a small smile appeared on her face, Shi Lian and Zhang Ren noticed this sweet smile, making themment about it.


    "Hey¡­ what''s up? Did something happen between you two?"


    With Zhang Ren asking this question and has even asked her first, he beat Shu Xian''s best friend Shi Lian to it. Shu Xian just smiled and nodded, making the other two curious.


    "Yeah¡­ there is indeed something that had happened between us," she whispered, Zhang Ren and Shi Lian''s eyes widening in surprise.


    "Yeah? What''s up?"


    However, with Pan An suddenly clearing his throat, Shi Lian''s question was shoved aside for a while, the professor announcing their activity for today.


    "For this day, I want you guys to meet up with a pair as to your major. If you guys want to work individually, that''s fine by me, too¡ªas long as you know you can handle it."


    With him already walking up to the board, he wrote a phrase "test making" underlining it as well as he further exined what the activity is to the ss.


    "I want you guys to create an exam based on your field of specialization. You will have to make a 60-pts exam, and then you will have to make the instructions specific."


    He then turned his body to look at the ss and further stated the mechanics of the activity.


    "Although this is an activity that will let us see how you construct exams, we''re going to discuss and seeter what are the dos and don''ts in doing one. Do you understand?"


    "Yes, professor," the ss said in unison, Professor Pan An now leaning on his desk as he further gave them the time to do the activity as he roamed around.


    "Alright¡­ you''re free to do the activity."


    With the students starting to get busy, Shu Xian and Shi Lian automatically paired up together, Zhang Ren, volunteering to work individually rather than work with a fellow math major because he wants to work alone.


    Before they could start the activity, however, two of them redirected their topic to what they were talking about earlier, Shu Xian, yfully rolling her eyes at them as she thought she had already escaped the two.


    "Now, tell us what''s this all about," Zhang Ren urged, Shi Lian, nodding enthusiastically.


    "Yeah, yeah! Now, tell us!"


    With them watching Professor Pan An and making sure that every time he passed by their area he won''t hear what they''re talking about, Shu Xian told them as silently as she could what had happenedst night and earlier in the morning.


    "You see¡­ you-know-who and I are getting closer than we expected¡­ we kissed against night and then we sorta told each other that we''re slowly getting interested in each other."


    "Oooh~!"


    With Shi Lian biting her bottom lip as she moved her eyebrows up and down at her best friend, Shu Xian and Zhang Ren couldn''t help but stifle their chuckle, Shi Lian making a funny expression on her face.


    "So you two are also taking it slow? Hmm? Hmm?"


    "Also?"


    Zhang Ren arched a brow at what he heard, furthermenting about it.


    "Don''t tell me you told Shu Xian about us, Shi Lian?"


    With this alreadying from him, Shi Lian snickered, yfully rolling her eyes at Zhang Ren.


    "Of course, I told my best friend about it! Do you think I will not tell her this?"


    With them now having a lively conversation while they''re cking off from their activity for some time, Shu Xian further told them what had happened.


    "So, a while ago, he actually made me breakfast and then we made lunch together! And then he did the sweetest gesture¡ªhe was hugging me while I was cooking, saying that he wants to do it while he still can."


    "While he still can¡­"


    Shi Lian trailed off, arching a brow at Shu Xian as she doesn''t get the phrase "while he still can."


    "What do you mean? Are you going somewhere?"


    "Oh, right¡­"


    Shu Xian scratched the back of her head, forgetting to tell her friends one important detail.


    "I forgot to tell you guys that I will be moving out and will be staying in another house."


    "You¡­ what?!"


    With both of them almost eximing out loud, Shu Xian immediately hushed them by hitting their arms, the other students bothered with how noisy they are.


    As the three apologized about their liveliness, the three of them whispered again, Zhang Ren and Shi Lian obviously curious as to why they don''t know this.


    "Tell us everythingter while we eat our lunch! How could you not tell us this!?"


    With them now focusing on the activity, the two of them sighed, Shu Xian biting her bottom lip as she felt guilty for forgetting and only telling them now¡ªeven on her birthday.


    The three of them focused on doing the activity. With Shu Xian and Shi Lian being partners, Zhang Ren was doing well on his own.


    Shu Xian and Shi Lian agreed to make some multiple choice type of test part, and then modified true or false, and then also, essay.


    With them integrating in their exam the type of exams that they were getting from their teachers, they had to be honest¡ªwhen ites to constructing instructions, it can get pretty difficult.


    As the students were doing the activity, Professor Pan An was walking freely in the ssroom, checking out his students if they are struggling and if they are doing well.


    However, little did the birthday girl now that she is being watched by the man whom she''s slowly getting interested in.


    Pan An had a subtle smile on his face while he was watching Shu Xian from afar. He watched her tuck some tendrils of her hair behind her ear, her eyebrows furrowed in all seriousness as she was discussing the activity with her partner, Shi Lian.


    Pan An stopped and leaned on the ssroom''s wall for the meantime and continued watching. As he was standing there for a moment, however, he heard two guys talking about Shu Xian, and their intentions of talking to her.


    "Hey, that girl sitting in the other row¡ªShu Xian, the one called by the professor before."


    "Yeah, what about her?"


    "Upon close inspection, you could say that she''s cute right?"


    "Woah! I thought I''m the only one thinking about that."


    "You, too?"


    "Well, yeah! She is indeed cute! I could see that she''s smart, too!"


    "You know, I''m thinking if I should ask her out to the movies soon."


    "Really? You really want to talk to her for the first time and immediately ask her out?"


    "I could take the shot! Rather than do nothing when she''s a good and pretty gal!"


    Pan An''s eyebrow twitched in annoyance, not liking what he''s heard.


    Surprising the two students, he banged both of his hands on their desk, startling the other students around them, too, as the professor scolded the two guys talking... rather than doing their activity.


    "Focus¡ªI already see errors in the construction of your instructions. Reword, rephrase, and make it concise! You''re not making an essay or a novel!"


    With him already walking away, the two students immediately scrapped their paper out and did it again, Pan An internally scoffing as he thought to himself:


    ''You dare ask the girl I''m interested in out on a date¡­ when you can''t even do your task right! Think again!''


    ***


    ANNOUNCEMENT:


    Sorry for suddenly appearing here.


    I would like to announce that there will be a change in publishing time since I am now working and my work requires me to be away for 8-9 hours. And from there, I would have to take a break for at least an hour before writing since teaching is tiring. :'')


    (Yes... the author is a teacher, too...)


    So from the usual 6 PM GMT+8, I will be updating for this story at 11 PM GMT+8. I hope you guys understand!


    Don''t worry because the updates will still be daily and it will still be two chapters update a day. But if I''m tired because teaching is no joke and I also write other stories, I hope it is okay for you guys that I update one chapter from time to time. Thank you so much for understanding.


    This is it for the announcement.


    Thank you so much for the support and love!


    MysticAmy


    PS: If you guys want to read longer stories made by me, try reading The Soul Eater''s Possession. It already has 1.5 million views and it has almost 500 chapters and is still ongoing. ^^ Its genre is fantasy romance.


    PPS: If you guys want another fantasy romance story, try idental Harem: Let''s Kiss Again! It has almost 200 chapters and is also ongoing. Even though it has harem on it, don''t be fooled¡ªit doesn''t have the concept of sharing one lover with a lot of guys. XD BTW, this is reverse harem.

 Chapter 179 - Redirect The Topic

    [This chapter is dedicated to scary_queen for the nicements that he/she has been leaving in my stories for the month of June and for being a silent reader who suddenlymented! Thank you so much for the support! I hope to continue reading yourments in the near future! :D]


    ***


    Zhang Ren, Shu Xian, and Shi Lian were having lunch in the usual ce in the cafeteria. With the two already showing the birthday girl marinated pork along with sd, they were now starting to eat, prioritizing Shu Xian to get her food first since it''s her special day.


    "I know it''s your birthday," Shi Lian started, narrowing her eyes at her as she took a piece of pork in her mouth. "But you have to tell us what you meant by you moving out!"


    With a small sighing from Shu Xian''s mouth, she shook her head and exined.


    "Wang Fang has volunteered into taking me in. She has a house in front of you-know-who''s house and then she asked me to keep watch on it."


    Zhang Ren and Shi Lian looked at each other with shocked faces. With a smile sooning on both of their faces, theymented about it, sincerely happy for Shu Xian.


    "The boss is actually pretty nice! Too bad we won''t see her today¡ªshe''lle back tomorrow," Zhang Renmented, Shu Xian, nodding in agreement.


    "Don''t worry¡ªI have thanked her and will continue to thank her once it''s time tomove out," Shu Xian replied, Shi Lian, cocking her head to the side as she was wondering when she''ll be away.


    "And when are you going to move out?"


    "In a week or two as Miss Wang Fang had said," Shu Xian answered, Zhang Ren teasing her as he asked her a question.


    "So¡­ are you going to miss the professor?"


    "Y-you¡­"


    With Shu Xian now blushing, both Zhang Ren and Shi Lian chuckled, obviously liking how the two of them are teasing their other friend.


    "Guys, don''t you darement about this out loud!" Shu Xian scolded, stuffing her mouth with rice and spoke with her mouth full. "What if others will hear you?"


    With the two of them shaking their head as they changed the topic, Shi Lian then further asked Shu Xian what she is further feeling towards you-know-who, making their conversation interesting once more even though it made Shu Xian feel more shy.


    "You know¡­ I want to ask you¡­ are you really starting to get attracted to him?"


    Shu Xian didn''t answer for a while. But with a small smile appearing on her face as she nodded once, people who''d look at her would already tell how much she is starting to feel towards the professor.


    "At first, you were so pissed with what''s happening between you two. And now you''re starting to like him?" Shi Lianmented, Shu Xian, yfully rolling her eyes at her best friend as she further exined how she was feeling.


    "Well, people do indeed change. And I didn''t expect this either. I guess he is indeed right. He told me before that if we keep faking it, there''s a possibility that I will like him since I have never fallen in love with someone before¡­"


    "Tsk, tsk¡­"


    Zhang Ren clicked his tongue twice, narrowing her eyes at Shu Xian as he made ament with what she said.


    "Even though you realize that, don''t fall too quickly because what if you suddenly show him that you''re sumbing to him because of your feelings? He might, you know¡­ think that you''re too easy!"


    The girls looked at each other, then blinked their eyes for a few times with bewilderment stered on their faces. With Zhang Ren shrugging his shoulders, he further exined what he meant.


    "Remember what we talked about before during our duty?" he pointed out, Shu Xian, nodding as she remembered. "Make him guess! Leave him wanting for more!"


    Both of the girls cocked their head in curiosity. With Shi Lianmenting on what he said, she couldn''t help but say her thoughts aloud, surprising Zhang Ren with how she described him.


    "You speak as if you''re experienced in love. Have you ever dated anyone before?"


    "What?"


    Zhang Ren widened his eyes, not sure if he heard right.


    "What do you mean¡ªhave I dated anyone before?"


    "Well¡­" Shi Lian arched a brow at him. "You were talking as if you are an expert in this! Tell me¡­ did you have an experience in love before?"


    "Oooh~!" Shu Xian eximed, taking a sip of her water from her bottle. "I''m also curious¡ªtell us!"


    With the topic now suddenly diverted to him, Zhang Ren scratched the back of his head, not used to this attention. As a light chuckle came from him, he just answered Shu Xian''s question as honestly as possible.


    "Uuuh¡­ I wouldn''t say that I''m experienced, but I had some girls chasing after me back in Country S. And when they give too much of themselves, I don''t like it¡­"


    "Oh!"


    Shi Lian and Shu Xian both eximed, now curious of his experiences.


    "So¡­ you never had any romantic rtionships?" Shu Xian asked, Zhang Ren answering in a heartbeat.


    "Nope! No one has caught my attention. Until¡­"


    "Until?"


    With Shu Xian and Shi Lian talking in unison, Zhang Ren purposely looked at Shi Lian. With a sweet smile appearing on his face, he surprised her when he got her hand and kissed the back of her palm, answering the girls'' question.


    "Until I met Shi Lian and then we promised to take things slow so we would be more sure of our developing feelings towards each other."


    Shi Lian didn''t know what to say. With her body stiffening as if she became a block of ice, Shu Xianughed, tipping her head up as she never saw Shi Lian react this way before.


    "Geez! Why are you suddenly like this when you were worrying about it the other day... if Zhang Ren has an experience or not?"


    Zhang Ren arched a brow at them and asked, "She was worrying about this?"


    With Shi Lian now snapping herself out of her dazed state, she stuffed a pork in Zhang Ren''s mouth forcefully, shutting him up.


    "Redirect the topic now, please! This is not the concern today!"

 Chapter 180 - A Rose For Emily

    [This chapter is dedicated to Mtaisho97 for the nicements that he/she has been leaving in my stories for the month of June and for being a silent reader who suddenlymented! Thank you so much for the support! I hope to continue reading yourments in the near future! :D]


    ***


    Zhang Ren and Shu Xian already started their sses.


    With Shu Xian and Zhang Ren continuing to encode more abstracts of the theses and dissertations that were forwarded to them so they can input it in the university''s catalogue, both of them were actually quiet than usual.


    It was already 3:30 in the afternoon. The moment their phone buzzed as it indicated them that it''s Shu Xian who''s going to have her break first, she broke the silence when she stretched, whispering to Zhang Ren.


    "I will be having my break now. Do you want me to buy you some food soter you will already have food for your break?"


    "No need," Zhang Renmented, thanking Shu Xian anyway. "Thank you, but enjoy your day!"


    With that, Shu Xian grinned and got her hamburger that she bought a while ago during lunch for her snack. With her getting her water bottle as well, she then went to the lounge to take her thirty-minute break.


    The moment Shu Xian entered the lounge, she saw Zhong Li turning his head instinctively to look at her the moment she opened the door, a small smile appearing on the girl''s face as she greeted him.


    "Oh, Zhong Li! Nice to see you again in the lounge," shemented, Zhong Li, nodding as he scratched the back of his head.


    "Yeah, umm¡­ I''m sorry to tell you this, but I don''t know how to say it but I can''t beat around the bush either."


    "Oh!"


    Shu Xian already guessed it, a wider grin appearing on her face as she made a guess.


    "You want to ask help from me in doing your English homework?" she asked, Zhong Li nodding as he answered her question.


    "Yeah¡­ is it¡­ too obvious?"


    "Well, yes," Shu Xian answered with a light chuckle, already grabbing a spare chair and sitting beside him. "With us only talking because of homework, then I could guess this much since this is the second time we''ve encountered each other in the student lounge, right?"


    With this pointed out, Zhong Li couldn''t help but nod in agreement, Shu Xian already taking a bite of her burger after she took the wrapper off.


    "Well, what''s the topic about this time? I''ll try my best to help," she asked and added, Zhong Li giving her his notebook as he opened the part where it showed his homework for World Literature.


    "It''s another subject I''m taking¡ªa minor one, but still English."


    "Alright," Shu Xian asked, getting the notebook from him. "Lemme read the instruction."


    The penmanship of Zhong Li is actually pretty good¡ªeven better than Shu Xian''s! With her smiling as she appreciated his writing, she read the instructions easily and already knew what the professor is asking.


    The instruction read:


    Do a self-analysis on the story "A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner. Identify the characters and then their probable symbolism. Afterward, identify the plot of the story and provide a summary to further support your ims.


    "Huh¡­"


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but furrow her brows, cocking her head to the side as she said aloud herment.


    "I wonder why your professor is asking this much when this is just a minor subject," she mumbled, enough for Zhong Li to hear.


    "I don''t know," he honestly said, shrugging at the same time. "Either way, to be honest, I''m toozy to read. Can you help me with this?"


    "No problem," Shu Xian answered in a heartbeat, already helping Zhong Li first by providing him the summary of the story with how she knew the story, the guy writing it down on his notebook as fast as he could.


    "A Rose for Emily" is a short story by American author William Faulkner, first published on April 30, 1930, in an issue of The Forum.


    The story takes ce in Faulkner''s fictional city Jefferson, Mississippi, in the southern county of Yoknapatawpha. It was Faulkner''s first short story published in a national magazine.


    Shu Xian further exined that the story is divided into five sections.


    In section I, the narrator recalls the time of Emily Grierson''s death and how the entire town attended her funeral in her home, which no stranger had entered for more than ten years. In a once-elegant, upscale neighborhood, Emily''s house is thest vestige of the grandeur of a lost era.


    Colonel Sartoris, the town''s previous mayor, had suspended Emily''s tax responsibilities to the town after her father''s death, justifying the action by iming that Mr. Grierson had once lent themunity a significant sum. As new town leaders take over, they make unsessful attempts to get Emily to resume payments.


    When members of the Board of Aldermen pay her a visit, in the dusty and antiquated parlor, Emily reasserts the fact that she is not required to pay taxes in Jefferson and that the officials should talk to Colonel Sartoris about the matter.


    However, at that point he has been dead for almost a decade. She asks her servant, Tobe, to show the men out.


    Hearing this, Zhong Li couldn''t help but scrunch his nose in disgust.


    With him knowing that Emily had killed the man and had slept with the corpse for a very long time and then the vigers learned after, he thought that the character in the story, Emily, is a person with necrophilia.


    "I actually tried reading the story a while ago¡­ but with it lengthy and even the trantion a bit difficult to understand, I figured I''d ask you. When you made it simple for me to understand¡­ wow, the story is indeed morbid," hemented, making Shu Xianugh.


    "Well, yes! We will further talk about the meaning of the story and what the symbolisms are¡ªalong with the themes it has," she replied, Zhong Li now listening to her as he was grateful that Shu Xian is willing to help him even though they''re not that close.

 Chapter 181 - Might Have A Rival Soon

    [This chapter is dedicated to LB for leaving nicements in my story for the month of June! Thank you so much for the support! I hope to see more of yourments soon!]


    ***


    Shu Xian further exined to Zhong Li who the characters are based from the reference that they saw from the. Shu Xian made it simple for Zhong Li to understand so he would understand.


    Emily Grierson is theobject of fascination in the story. An entric recluse, Emily is a mysterious figure who changes from a vibrant and hopeful young girl to a cloistered and secretive old woman.


    Devastated and alone after her father''s death, she is an object of pity for the townspeople.


    After a life of having potential suitors rejected by her father, she spends time after his death with a neer, Homer Barron, although the chances of his marrying her decrease as the years pass.


    Bloated and pallid in herter years, her hair turns steel gray. She ultimately poisons Homer and seals his corpse into an upstairs room.


    For Homer Barron, he is aforeman from the North. Homer is arge man with a darkplexion, a booming voice, and light-colored eyes.


    A gruff and demanding boss, he wins many admirers in Jefferson because of his gregarious nature and good sense of humor.


    He develops an interest in Emily and takes her for Sunday drives in a yellow-wheeled buggy. Despite his attributes, the townspeople view him as a poor, if not scandalous, choice for a mate.


    He disappears in Emily''s house and dposes in an attic bedroom after she kills him.


    Although there are other characters found in the story such as Judge Stevens, Mr. Stevens, Tobe, and Colonel Sartoris, Shu Xian only focused on telling Zhong Li who the important characters are.


    "Okay, these two characters are already okay as I want it to be the focus of my analysis. The others aren''t relevant," Zhong Li said, Shu Xian nodding as she cocked her head to the side and asked him a question.


    "So, shall we move on to the themes present and have a brief discussion about it as you take notes?"


    With a noding from Zhong Li, Shu Xian then discussed the main themes of the story, based from the analysis found in their reference.


    The first theme was tradition versus change, portrayed by Emily living as if still in the past. And for the power of death, it is clearly portrayed with Emily as a character who killed Homer and then kept him, especially his corpse, to herself until she died.


    Even though that Zhong Li is already aware of the scary theme of the story, he still shuddered at the plot, making Shu Xianugh when she saw his reaction.


    "What do you think?"


    "Really creepy," Zhong Li answered as he scrunched up his nose. "Why would the professor ask us to read this when it''s better to study our country''s literature?"


    Shu Xian grinned. With her taking another bite of her burger, she stated what she thought is the reason why they are studying it.


    "Well, maybe it''s because the subject description is World Literature?"


    With that said, she then stood up, getting Zhong Li''s attention.


    "I''ll be going to thefort room for a while. For now, try to formte the concepts you jotted down and then I will discuss the symbolisms that are present in the story."


    As Zhong Li nodded, Shu Xian then excused herself and then left the room.


    Zhong Li was then writing on his notebook. Soon after, suddenly the door of the lounge opened. With Zhang Rening in, Zhong Li arched a brow at him and asked a question.


    "Aren''t you alone in the work station since Shu Xian is on her break?"


    Zhang Ren chuckled. With him getting his water bottle which he forgot, he took it with him and talked to Zhong Li for a while.


    "No patrons. And aren''t you taking too much of Shu Xian''s time, especially now that it''s her birthday?"


    "Birthday?"


    Zhong Li furrowed his brows, asking about it from Zhang Ren.


    "Today is Shu Xian''s birthday?"


    "Uh, yeah," Zhang Ren answered, arching a brow at him at the same time. "Well, its okay for you not to know since you''re not close with her, anyway. Knowing her, she''s willing to help with whatever you''re doing."


    With that, Zhang Ren already left the lounge to go back to his work station. With Zhong Li already left alone in the lounge, he quickly opened his bag. He then got his sandwich and then a bottled chocte drink that he cherishes.


    Knowing that Shu Xian''s birthday is today and that she is even helping him on her special day, he couldn''t help but feel a bit bad that he is asking favor from her even though she was willing to help.


    Even though that it''s his favorite food and drink and even though he hasn''t eaten lunch yet, he wanted to do something for Shu Xian.


    He then got a marker from the lounge''s table. With him scribbling a simple note saying "Happy birthday and thank you" on the water bottle, he then stood up and walked his way to the workstation.


    Zhang Ren was busy typing the abstracts of the theses that was given to him. With Zhong Li suddenly appearing before him, Zhang Ren blinked his eyes a few times, wondering why he''s there in front of him.


    "What''s up?"


    Zhong Li didn''t answer immediately. He rather shoved the food on his hands, making Zhang Ren blink his eyes a few times. Zhong Li then exined the reason of his action.


    "Give this to Shu Xian," he rushed, a small blush appearing on his face. "Just put it in her bag or whatever... if she asks, don''t tell her who gave it."


    "Zhong Li--"


    Before Zhang Ren could even react and tease him, Zhong Li already went back to the lounge before Shu Xian could see them both talking.


    As Zhang Ren chuckled, he shook his head, not believing that Zhong Li is warming up to a girl.


    ''I guess Professor Pan An might have a rival soon!''

 Chapter 182 - Still Lingered In His Thoughts

    [This chapter is dedicated to Q_elleson for leaving nicements in my story for the month of June! Thank you so much for the support! I hope to see more of yourments soon!]


    ***


    "What''s up?"


    Zhong Li didn''t answer immediately. He rather shoved the food on his hands, making Zhang Ren blink his eyes a few times. Zhong Li then exined the reason of his action.


    "Give this to Shu Xian," he rushed, a small blush appearing on his face. "Just put it in her bag or whatever... if she asks, don''t tell her who gave it."


    "Zhong Li--"


    Before Zhang Ren could even react and tease him, Zhong Li already went back to the lounge before Shu Xian could see them both talking.


    As Zhang Ren chuckled, he shook his head, not believing that Zhong Li is warming up to a girl.


    ''I guess Professor Pan An might have a rival soon!''


    As Shu Xian came back to their library section, she saw Zhang Renughing by himself, her eyebrows furrowed as she thought what he was happy about.


    "What''s wrong?" she asked, Zhang Ren, shaking his head as he hid the food and drink behind the thesis before Shu Xian could see it.


    "Nothing. I encountered a very strange patron. Don''t worry¡ªhe''s already out."


    Zhang Ren pertained to Zhong Li as the person who''s strange¡ªnot seeing him act this sweetly towards a girl. He even asked Zhang Ren to surprise her and not tell her that he''s the one who gave her the food when Shu Xian would notice that it came from him!


    With Shu Xian shrugging her shoulders as she came back to the lounge to continue her break, the moment the door closed, Zhang Ren now chuckled and put the food in her bag without him looking into the other contents of her backpack for respect.


    The moment Shu Xian skipped back to her seat and sat beside Zhong Li, she smiled at him and asked him a question.


    "Are you done finalizing your notes? Shall we continue discussing?"


    "Oh!"


    Zhong Li nodded, a small smile appearing on his face as he feigned ignorance about his little surprise as a way to thank her.


    "Sure."


    With that, Shu Xian then discussed the best way she could about the story. With her telling the other concepts simply, it was easy for Zhong Li to take note of it, making sure he''d listen well to her as he jotted down the important stuff needed for his homework.


    Shu Xian told Zhong Li about the symbolisms of the story such as the house and the strand of hair and further let him understand with the help of the reference that they have.


    Emily''s house, like Emily herself, is a monument, the only remaining emblem of a dying world of Southern aristocracy. The outside of therge, square frame house isvishly decorated.


    The cups, spires, and scrolled balconies are the hallmarks of a decadent style of architecture that became popr in the 1870s. By the time the story takes ce, much has changed.


    The street and neighborhood, at one time affluent, pristine, and privileged, have lost their standing as the realm of the elite. The house is in some ways an extension of Emily: it bares its "stubborn and coquettish decay" to the town''s residents.


    It is a testament to the endurance and preservation of tradition but now seems out of ce among the cotton wagons, gasoline pumps, and other industrial trappings that surround it¡ªjust as the South''s old values are out of ce in a changing society.


    Emily''s house also represents alienation, mental illness, and death. It is a shrine to the living past, and the sealed upstairs bedroom is her macabre trophy room where she preserves the man she would not allow to leave her.


    As when the group of men sprinkled lime along the foundation to counteract the stench of rotting flesh, the townspeople skulk along the edges of Emily''s life and property. The house, like its owner, is an object of fascination for them.


    They project their own lurid fantasies and interpretations onto the crumbling edifice and mysterious figure inside. Emily''s death is a chance for them to gain ess to this forbidden realm and confirm their wildest notions and most sensationalistic suppositions about what had urred on the inside


    Lastly, the strand of hair as a symbolism.


    The strand of hair is a reminder of love lost and the often perverse things people do in their pursuit of happiness.


    The strand of hair also reveals the inner life of a woman who, despite her entricities, wasmitted to living life on her own terms and not submitting her behavior, no matter how shocking, to the approval of others.


    Emily subscribes to her own moral code and upies a world of her own invention, where even murder is permissible. The narrator foreshadows the discovery of the long strand of hair on the pillow when he describes the physical transformation that Emily undergoes as she ages.


    Her hair grows more and more grizzled until it bes a "vigorous iron-gray." The strand of hair ultimately stands as thest vestige of a life left tonguish and decay, much like the body of Emily''s former lover.


    With these already sinctly discussed by Shu Xian, Zhong Li took a lot of notes that he could easily summarizeter so it would be ready for printing.


    "Do you have further questions?" Shu Xian asked, Zhong Li, not answering her for a while.


    He stared directly into Shu Xian''s eyes. With her cocking her head to the side as her smile had not left her face, she waited expectantly for Zhong Li to answer her.


    Little did she know, however¡­ that Zhong Li is actually observing her¡ªappreciating her with the help that she has been giving him despite them not being close.


    "Zhong Li?"


    With Shu Xian calling for his attention, it snapped the guy out of his thoughts, making him blink his eyes a few times. As he stood up abruptly, the sound of the chair being pushed back surprised Shu Xian, along with the words he told her before he left without bothering to even wait for her reply.


    "H-happy birthday, Shu Xian. Thank you."


    The moment the door behind him closed, he couldn''t help but have a smile on his face, his heart slightly racing in his chest as the thought of Shu Xian still lingered in his thoughts.

 Chapter 183 - Just Saying My Point Of View

    [This chapter is dedicated to Joy_Selena for leaving nicements in my story for the month of June! Thank you so much for the support! I hope to see more of yourments soon!]


    ***


    Shu Xian then finished having her break. The moment she came back to the workstation, Zhang Ren looked at her with a big smile on his face.


    Shu Xian wondered why her friend is looking at her like that. She then sat beside Zhang Ren and asked him what''s up.


    "You keep grinning even before I finished my break. What''s up?"


    Zhang Ren turned his swivel chair to look at her. With a big grin on his face, he answered her question and immediately made the birthday girl curious.


    "Check your bag."


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but narrow her eyes at Zhang Ren. With her hesitantly getting her bag as if it''s not hers, Zhang Ren rolled his eyes at her and justified for himself because the girl looked at her with judging eyes.


    "I didn''t do anything to your bag. How rude¡ªdo you see me that way?"


    Shu Xian didn''t say a word. With her opening her bag, she then saw a sandwich and a bottle of chocte drink. The moment she got it from her bag, she then looked at the small paper on it which said:


    "Happy Birthday. Thank you."


    Shu Xian arched a brow at Zhang Ren. With his smile not leaving his face, she then thought it was from him, thanking him instead.


    "You don''t have to put it in my bag and surprise me this way, Zhang Ren. Thank you!"


    With Shu Xian now opening the chocte drink and taking a sip from it, Zhang Ren blinked his eyes a few times, feeling slightly bad for Zhong Li since it came from him and Shu Xian mistook it as the food being given by Zhang Ren.


    "No! It didn''te from me," Zhang Ren said, Shu Xian furrowing her brows in confusion.


    "What do you mean?"


    Zhang Ren remembered that Zhong Li asked him not to tell Shu Xian that it came from him. With his lips turning into a tight line for a while, Shu Xian urged him again, now curious as to who it came from since he isn''t saying a word.


    "Come on, Zhang Ren! Tell me!"


    Zhang Ren didn''t want to lie¡ªhe hates lying! With him letting out a sigh, he instead gave her a clue about the guy who gave the gift to him in order for him to put it in her bag.


    "Remember the weird patron I described you earlier?" he asked, Shu Xian nodding when she recalled.


    "Yes¡­ and what about it?"


    "Well¡­" Zhang Ren trailed off, a big smile on his face. "He''s the one who gave to me your surprise gift."


    Shu Xian didn''t know what to say. With her receiving a gift from a stranger, she then put the drink down and knitted her brows together once more, suspicious.


    "I can''t eat and drink this! If it''s from a stranger, what if it''s drugged or¡ª"


    "No, no!"


    Zhang Ren immediately interrupted, feeling wronged for Zhong Li.


    "He has no intentions to do that!"


    "Oh! So you know this person?"


    Zhang Ren can''t take hiding the information anymore. With him letting out a sigh, he then honestly told Shu Xian who gave it to her, also telling her more about what Zhong Li had requested from him.


    "Those came from Zhong Li. He heard that it''s your birthday and he probably felt bad that he was asking a favor from you¡­"


    Shu Xian widened her eyes in surprise. With her looking at the food and the drink, she cocked her head to the side and did notice that the handwriting is familiar¡ªso pretty and written well¡ªreally from Zhong Li even though she has read his penmanship only recently.


    "He gave this to me?"


    "Yes," Zhang Ren confirmed. "He asked me not to tell you. I don''t know why¡­ maybe because he''s shy because he doesn''t seem like the type to surprise you and finds it awkward to give it to you and thanked you and greeted you in this way instead."


    Hearing this, Shu Xian couldn''t help but snicker on her seat. With them being in the library, both of them couldn''t talk aloud or evenugh so that they won''t distract the students using the library for their school work.


    "Now that you told me, it does seem like Zhong Li," shemented, further saying about it. "Before he left, he stammered on his words as he greeted me a happy birthday and then thanked me for helping him. It sounds the same with how monotonous he wrote his note."


    Zhang Ren nodded slowly. With his head cocking to the side, he then asked a question that slightly surprised Shu Xian, catching her off guard.


    "Then¡­ what do you think of Zhong Li? Do you like him?"


    "What?"


    Shu Xian let out a small scoff, wondering where this question came from.


    "Why are you asking this all of a sudden?"


    Shu Xian didn''t give him a definite answer. With Zhang Ren just shrugging his shoulders, he told her what he thought, making Shu Xian widen her eyes as she didn''t see it this way.


    "I think that Zhong Li is slightly interested in you. Yes, he isn''t close with a lot of girls other than Yan Yan, but look at him giving you food recently when he could just normally thank you!"


    Shu Xian rolled her eyes at Zhang Ren. She then shook her head, disagreeing with what he said.


    "You''re thinking too much. This isn''t something that you could deduce immediately. What if he''s just really acting kind because I''m helping him? You can''t just assume that a person is interested in another just by these simple gestures."


    Zhang Ren let out a small smile. With a shruging from him afterwards, he just nodded at what she said, no longer exining as he also thought that she does have a point.


    "Well, just saying my point of view about this. We''ll see more as you both continue tomunicate with each other."

 Chapter 184 - Shu Xians Present

    [This chapter is dedicated to vanz30 for leaving nicements in my story for the month of June! Thank you so much for the support! I hope to see more of yourments soon!]


    ***


    It was Zhang Ren''s turn to have a break. With him and Shi Lian agreeing to spend his 30-minute break together, both of them met at the usual ce where they were before.


    Shi Lian smiled at him the moment Zhang Ren arrived with his snack. He even bought baozi for her, making the girl''s smile beam more brightly as she got the snack from him.


    "You didn''t have to give me a snack¡ªI should be the one giving you since you''re working," shemented, Zhang Ren shaking his head as he disagreed with what she said.


    "Don''t say that¡­ it''s the thought that counts. We can bring each other anything that we want," he replied, both of them now sitting on the floor as they ate their snack.


    "So, what''s going on with Shu Xian?"


    "So far so good," Zhang Ren answered, further updating her with what happened. "Other than Zhong Li, our other co-library student assistant, giving her food for a gift, I could see that there is no need to further distract the birthday girl."


    "Hold on, hold on¡­"


    Shi Lian narrowed her eyes at him and wondered about what she heard, catching what he said immediately as she remembered his words in verbatim.


    "Other than Zhong Li, your other co-library student assistant, giving Shu Xian food for a gift¡­"


    Zhang Ren chuckled, amazed with how Shi Lian immediately got what he said when the important part of what he informed her is the part when he no longer needs to further distract Shu Xian.


    "Do you think that this Zhong Li is interested in our Shu Xian?"


    With this question thrown at him, Zhang Ren nodded slowly, telling her honestly what he thinks.


    "I think he is since he rarely is nice towards girls. He''s aloof and most of the time quiet. And recently did I only know that he gave Shu Xian food the other day and another one today when he heard about her birthday."


    "What?"


    Shi Lian got another information that is of interest to her.


    "You mean to say¡­ that he gave her food before?"


    "Yes," Zhang Ren confirmed, letting out another chuckle. "You really pick the interesting details other than the important ones," he added, making Shi Lian ignore what he said as she asked another question.


    "Well? What do you think?"


    Zhang Ren shrugged and answered, "Well, maybe yes, maybe no? He''s not actually a bad guy even though he''s what I described him to you. He''s socially awkward so maybe he thinks that in this way, it''s better to express himself."


    "Hmm¡­ tell me more in the future, alright?"


    Shi Lian then took a bite of her baozi.


    "No men has ever interacted with Shu Xian before when we were in high school since then. Well, yes, because we''re in an all-girls school, but¡­ you get the picture."


    Zhang Ren nodded, asking her a question.


    "You''re worried about her?"


    "Is it that obvious?"


    Shi Lian sighed, further telling him what worries her.


    "Unlike me, I can easily talk to boys and tease them or have a quickeback if ever we argue but for Shu Xian¡­ she''s kind of innocent and na?ve, right?"


    "Uh, yeah," Zhang Ren agreed, nodding slowly. "Well, you do have a point. But so far, those two guys who may show interest in her are good guys," he added, Shi Lian now turning her head to look at him.


    "Just continue to watch over her," she reminded, Zhang Ren, nodding.


    "Yessir~!"


    Both of them started eating. With them thinking about Shu Xian''s birthday celebrationter, Shi Lian then spoke again to talk about it, getting Zhang Ren''s attention.


    "Later after myst ss, I''ll immediatelye to the house to prepare after buying a gift. And you¡­ once you have your time out, just make an excuse Shu Xian will believe so she won''t suspect a thing."


    "Of course," Zhang Ren answered, taking a sip of his green tea. "But won''t she wonder if we suddenly go busy all of a sudden on her special day? Didn''t you tell me over the phonest night that you usually have a meal with Shu Xian during her birthday in a restaurant or something and treat her?"


    "Well, yes¡­" Shi Lian sighed, furrowing her brows in worry. "Now that you mention it, I feel kinda guilty of not doing the yearly routine. It might make her feel bad if I suddenly have an alibi saying that I''m busy."


    "It''s only for this year since we''re giving her something that''s simple even though it''s a surprise," Zhang Renmented, giving Shi Lian a small pat on her head. "Don''t worry too much about it."


    Shi Lian smiled and nodded with what he said. With Zhang Ren cocking his head to the side, he asked her a question regarding their simple present for Shu Xian.


    "Before you go, can you buy her a present that maye from both of us? I can pitch in," he said, already getting money from his wallet and giving it to her. "What do you think does she like?"


    "Hmm¡­"


    Shi Lian contemted for a while, thinking what her best friend would like this year.


    Since Shu Xian doesn''t like fashion much, maybe clothes may not be the best gift for her. As for stuffed toys, it is indeed a cute present, however, it will only be decorated in her room.


    Since Shu Xian does like reading and loves reading English novels, too, then maybe a boxset of an author''s work or a series would be nice to give as a present!


    "Shu Xian likes books," Shi Lian suggested, Zhang Ren listening to her. "Maybe we can buy her a couple of boxsets of ssic books and give it to her as her present!"


    "Alright," Zhang Ren smiled, nodding at her suggestion. "You know her best so I know that you''ll be able to get what Shu Xian likes."


    With that, Shi Lian then kept Zhang Ren''s contribution for Shu Xian''s present so she would be able to buy for her giftter on once sses would end before she could help with the party preparation in Pan An''s house.

 Chapter 185 - Everything Will Be Worth It

    ANNOUNCEMENT: Sorry for only updating once today (7-16-2021), it''s because I''m tired from work and that I can''t write more. Instead of skipping today, I decided to make one long chapter for you guys. I hope you all understand. I will write 2 chaps daily when I can, for now, only one today because I feel feverish, too. Thank you for understanding and sorry for disappointing you. :(


    [Also... this chapter is dedicated to ClementineEcho for leaving nicements in my story for the month of June! Thank you so much for the support! I hope to see more of yourments soon!]


    ***


    Shu Xian reflected with herself what birthdays are really. She remembered how each country celebrated their birthdays and how it differs from each individual as well.


    Imagine how many unique traditions there are around the world when even families in the same country have a wide variety of birthday traditions. From celebrating with a cake and candles in the United States to slurping long noodles in China, there are many truly interesting traditions.


    A party with balloons and streamers ismon and most people are given a cake for their birthday. Candles are ced on top of the cake, one candle for each year of the person''s life to represent his or her age.


    The candles are little and as you light the candles, Happy Birthday to You is sung. The birthday person makes a wish and tries to blow out all the candles on one try. If the candles are all blown out, then the wish will e true."


    Gifts are personal to the person receiving the item and can include things like gift cards, favorite fragrances, and hobby items.


    Food served might include anything from barbeque to pizza and chips. Finger foods that can be easily picked up and eaten are also popr. Some people make a punch made of fruit drink and ginger ale.


    In China, the Chinese typically only celebrate certain birthdays: the first, 10th, 60th, 70th, and 80th. The 60th birthday is important to the Chinese because it is seen aspleting a full zodiac (12 x 5 = 60).


    However, even though this is the case, people still celebrate their yearly birthdays and only the numbers in the aforementioned were celebrated grandly.


    Birthdays are typically family affairs. Food includes a bowl of long life noodles - long noodles that the person slurps into their mouth. A long slurp equals a long life. The Chinese say Zhu ni sheng ri kuai le, which means "happy birthday to you."


    Also, the actual day of the person''s birth might not be when the person celebrates her birthday. Chinese people recognize their birthday by the Chinese calendar.


    At birth, the child is seen as one year old and turns two on the Chinese new year. If a child is born at the end of one year, he might be seen as two years old when he is technically only two days old.


    For Shu Xian, as an individual, however... she sees birthdays as something different.


    To her, a birthday can be sweet without a cake or fanfare when you are your own fan, when you are confident that you are a sweet person who does good each day of each year as best you can. Then you can enjoy your day with an inner glow, then kind that will shine in your eyes.


    But for Shu Xian, at this age, a birthday is a quiet day.


    It is a day to reflect on the year that was and what is ahead to strive for. It is a sort of personal "New Year," one where resolutions can be made, promises to the self.


    For her, she ns to be bolder, to speak louder about the ideas she has for making a better life here with the people she founds special in life on Earth.


    Perhaps that extra bit of bravery, that extra bit of willpower and resolve, is the real gift to herself. This time next year, she promises that she will be a better person, then make another resolution the year after.


    Before when she was young and was still living with her uncle, she would never celebrate her birthday. She tried asking for it from He Shen once and he said her day doesn''t matter, crushing her four-year-old soul.


    Since then, she didn''t ask for it. She always knew when her birthday is, but she always saw it as an ordinary day.


    It saddened her, yes, because people in her age during their childhood celebrated theirs and she was invited to some during elementary days when some decided to have a small party for the ss...


    But she knew that her cruel uncle will never give her the experience.


    However, since her friend Shi Lian came into her life when they met during her high school days, it was the only time that she got to experience what a birthday feels like.


    It was a simple celebration, and only having a meal with a best friend but it was enough. It did not ur to her about wanting to have a surprise (unlike when she was young), and she told Shi Lian that surprises make her feel awkward.


    To be honest, she finds it weird to be sung a happy birthday while you wait for the song to end so you could blow the candles. She thought how ufortable it must''ve felt, waiting and looking at the cake and do nothing but wait.


    If she were in the position, she thought what she''d do: either p her hands while they sing and wait awkwardly, or smile and dreadfully, internally wish that they stopped singing or never sang so they can just eat and do a little gratitude message.


    With her thinking like this, she let out a sigh as they waited for the time of their timeout, the current time at 6:30 in the evening already. As there were only 30 minutes left, they decided to start cleaning, Zhang Ren sweeping the floor as Shu Xian help wipe the chairs and tables.


    Zhang Ren watched her friend cleaning. With a smile on her face, she hummed while she wiped the tables, the curl of her lips not leaving her face.


    Zhang Ren felt actually happy to see Shu Xian always so cheerful. With him knowing briefly from Shi Lian that she doesn''t celebrate her birthday extravagantly, now that she has met new people who are kind, he''s excited that they''ll be doing something to surprise her for the first time.


    He hopes that this will be an unforgettable memory that she will share with her newly formed bonds, even though some people are acquaintances or strangers such as Pan An''s mother and sister.


    Either way, they knew that Shu Xian will like the surprise no matter how simple it is. As kind and down-to-earth Shu Xian is, they all know that Shu Xian will appreciate the efforts they''ve done for her on her special day.


    Shu Xian noticed that she''s being looked at. With her now finished in wiping the tables, she arched a brow at Zhang Ren, wondering why she''s being watched.


    "What''s up? Is there something weird on my face?"


    Zhang Ren blinkes his eyes a few times. He snapped himself out of his thoughts when he realized just now that he was in a daze and thinking about their surprise to Shu Xian''s birthday.


    With him clearing his throat, he continued sweeping as he remembered the alibi Shi Lian told him for them to start the surprise.


    "I just remembered what Shi Lian asked me to tell you," he started, continuing to sweep the floor as he talked. "She said she''s sorry... she couldn''t even text you that she''s busy because there was suddenly an emergency to fix and she needed to go home."


    To be honest, hearing this made Shu Xian feel blue. With her forcing out a smile, Zhang Ren noticed how she was doing it fakely, hearing what she said next in reply to what he said.


    "Don''t worry," the birthday girl said with a slight ache in her heart. "People have emergencies and Shi Lian rarely has them. Maybe something has happened. I understand we can''t have the routine this year."


    As Shu Xian turned her body not to look at him, Zhang Ren saw some tears pooling in her eyes. With her continuing to wipe the other tables, Zhang Ren bit his bottom lip in anxiety, not liking how this is going since seeing Shu Xian disappointed made him feel ufortable!


    With him turning his body as well so he won''t be able to look at Shu Xian, Zhang Ren heaved a sigh, thinking to himself as he continued sweeping the floor of the Inte and Fiction Library section.


    ''Come on, Zhang Ren,'' he thought to himself, the frown on Shu Xian''s face still lingering in his mind and further made him guilty. ''You have to do this for Shu Xian since it''s her special dayter! Everything will be worth it!''

 Chapter 186 - Im Happy

    ANNOUNCEMENT: I''m so sorry for announcing that I will only update one chapter again today. I''m still feeling unwell and I have to recuperate today. I also have to write for other stories today. :''( I hope you guys understand. Sorry to disappoint again. I will try my best tomorrow since it''s Sunday to update twice. I hope I have recuperated from tiredness also that time. With work happening, it''s difficult to cope when I just started as well. :'') Being a teacher is difficult¡ªbear with me, please¡­


    [Also¡­ this chapter is dedicated to Mumbejia_Joan for leaving nicements in my story for the month of June! Thank you so much for the support! I hope to see more of yourments soon!]


    ***


    The moment their duty ended, Zhang Ren was bing so jittery, even Shu Xian noticed it. She cocked her head to the side when she watched Zhang Ren rubbing his palms together, as if trying to calm himself down.


    "What''s wrong with you?" she asked, arching a brow at him at the same time. "You''re acting pretty weird."


    "A-am I?" he even stammered, now letting out a nervous chuckle. "I just remembered that I need to go home immediately because I have an appointment."


    What he said at thetter made him rush his words. With Shu Xian furrowing her brows in confusion, she made ament with what she heard.


    "How can you have an appointment in your house? It''s your home¡­ you speak as if it''s an office."


    "Oh, you got me wrong," Zhang Ren replied, nodding as well. "I mean¡­ someone''s waiting for me at home."


    "Oh!"


    Another sad expression came on Shu Xian''s face. With her pouting, what she said next made Zhang Ren feel guilty.


    "Since Shi Lian can''t have the usual birthday meal with me, I was thinking if you could be with me instead and was nning to invite you. You really can''t?"


    "Yes!"


    "Yes?"


    Shu Xian cocked her head to the side.


    "You mean, yes, you can''t? Or yes, you can?"


    Zhang Ren wanted to nod at the second question, though he stopped himself by shaking his head to answer no, further telling her what he meant.


    "I can''t, because someone is really waiting for me at home, I''m sorry."


    Even though he felt utterly guilty, he still held his ground and dashed off before even hearing Shu Xian''s reply.


    "I''m sorry, I really have to go!"


    Shu Xian sighed. With her shaking her head as she now started exiting the university, she mumbled to herself, still feeling sad that both of her friends couldn''te with her to have a meal.


    "He could just say that it''s something important and not dash off¡­ now I''m feeling sadder than ever."


    However, the moment she walked away from the university, her eyes widened in surprise when she saw Pan An, walking with Wan Wan.


    "Y-you¡­"


    Shu Xian looked left and right, cautious of her surroundings.


    "Aren''t you afraid that there are some students lurking around? What if they see you?"


    Pan An grinned. With him yfully rolling his eyes at her, he then gestured for her toe quickly and teased her.


    "If you''re so worried about that,e walk with me, then!"


    Shu Xian pouted. With her following Pan An and Wan Wan, she noticed that she was not on her leash, her eyes suddenly widening in panic.


    "You did not leash her!? What if she runs away?!"


    "Oh, don''t worry too much," Pan An said, Wan Wan barking as well.


    With her bark, it''s as if she agreed to what the professor had said, her tongue sticking out as she looked at Shu Xian.


    "See? Even your dog thinks the same."


    Shu Xian was still feeling uneasy. However, when he walked, Wan Wan followed, Shu Xian now a bit convinced that everything''s going to be okay.


    She followed the professor quietly. With them not talking, she noticed that they are walking back to their house.


    However, even though that both of them are walking home and that Shu Xian was picked up by the professor and her dog, she still felt sad that Zhang Ren and Shi Lian weren''t able to grab dinner with her for the usual yearly birthday celebration.


    Yes, she knows Zhang Ren is a person they met recently, still, they were quick to be friends with him and she felt sad that he can''t celebrate her birthday with her for the first time.


    Pan An noticed that Shu Xian is unexpectedly quiet. With him turning his body to look at her before he pushed the gate of their house, he cocked his head to the side, wondering about her silence.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Shu Xian didn''t answer. With her feeling a lump on her throat as she felt sad about her friends not able to celebrate with her, she felt like crying, tears already pooling her eyes.


    "Shu Xian?"


    The girl didn''t answer. As she had her head hanging low, Pan An noticed that the pavement beneath her had drops that made it wet, indicating that the girl may have already been crying.


    "Sh-Shu Xian?" Pan An said her name, panic evident in his voice. "What''s wrong?"


    "I¡­ I feel stupid," Shu Xian replied, now raising her head to show her crying face. "My friends weren''t able to have a dinner meal with me for my birthday when I got used to celebrating it with Shi Lian yearly. I know you greeted me earlier and that you did something good for me, but I¡­"


    Shu Xian at this point couldn''t hold back her tears. With her embarrassingly wiping her tears away with the back of her palm, she voiced out what bothered her and made her sad.


    "I still feel sad that I was expecting something for my birthday because now I have people whom I consider precious in life. I¡­ I feel so stupid."


    Shu Xian started crying like a child. With Pan An taken aback by her sudden outburst, he widened his eyes, not knowing what to do.


    With Wan Wan whimpering as the dog never saw her owner be this emotional, she approached Shu Xian and nudged her head against her leg forfort.


    "Sh-Shu Xian," Pan An said her name, not knowing what to do. "Don''t cry! It''s not what you think it is!"


    "I know," Shu Xian said, forcing out a smile. "People are suddenly busy, I know. I feel stupid because at first, I saw birthdays as something not so important. But now, I feel bad when it''s not celebrated. I feel so stupid!"


    Pan An scratched the back of his head. With him now approaching Shu Xian, he then held her back, assisting her as they went inside the house when he pushed the gate open with his free hand.


    "Come on, now¡­ don''t be like that. People see you important, see?"


    Soon after, she saw a yellow glow in front of her. The moment she raised her head, her eyes widened when she saw people right in front of her.


    Shi Lian and Zhang Ren were holding her chocte cake, a candle lit on top of it. Behind them, she saw Cai Li, Pan An''s mother, then Wang Lei, and another woman whom she didn''t know, smiling at her.


    With a banner by the door saying "Happy Birthday, Shu Xian!" the girl then looked at them with bbergasted eyes, not believing what she saw.


    "Y-you guys¡­" she said first, looking at two of her friends. "I thought you''re busy¡­"


    Shi Lian yfully rolled her eyes at Shu Xian. With her and Zhang Ren still holding the cake, she replied to what she said, and exined why they were there.


    "Pan An told us to lie for you today. I already warned him that it''s going to make you sad when Zhang Ren and I pretended to forget! But he still insisted because he said it''s to surprise you!"


    Shu Xian then looked at Pan An. With the professor scratching the back of his head once more, he sighed, now exining to Shu Xian and apologized at the same time.


    "I''m sorry. We didn''t mean to make you cry. Shi Lian warned me, but I was so adamant of my ns in surprising you."


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times, not believing what she heard still.


    "You¡­ nned this for me?"


    "Yes!"


    However, it was Cai Li who spoke for her son.


    "Remember the time he told you he won''t being home early? He talked me to and his sister, Ru Shi, to help with the ns~! Ain''t he sweet?"


    Shu Xian looked at Cai Li and Ru Shi, Pan An''s sister. With Ru Shi giving Shu Xian a wave, she spoke, introducing herself and greeting her at the same time.


    "Nice to meet you, Shu Xian. My name''s Ru Shi, Pan An''s sister. d to meet you for the first time on your special day!"


    Shu Xian felt overwhelmed. With tears escaping her eyes once more, the group felt bad of shocking her this much, Wang Lei now hitting the back of Pan An''s head.


    "I told you, this is too much of a lie! You made her sad!"


    Zhang Ren whispered at Shi Lian, saying, "I can''t lie, so¡­ I ran away from her earlier."


    "What?" Shi Lian looked at him and spoke in a scolding tone. "Stupid! No wonder why she felt sadder!"


    However, what happened next was something they didn''t expect. When they heard Shu Xianughing, she spoke to them, now feeling warm in her heart.


    "Thank you so much, everyone¡­ I''m happy."

 Chapter 187 - Happy Birthday, Shu Xian

    [This chapter is dedicated to FR_2601 for leaving nicements in my story for the month of June! Thank you so much for the support! I hope to see more of yourments soon!]


    ***


    "I''m sorry. We didn''t mean to make you cry. Shi Lian warned me, but I was so adamant of my ns in surprising you."


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times, not believing what she heard still.


    "You¡­ nned this for me?"


    "Yes!"


    However, it was Cai Li who spoke for her son.


    "Remember the time he told you he won''t being home early? He talked me to and his sister, Ru Shi, to help with the ns~! Ain''t he sweet?"


    Shu Xian looked at Cai Li and Ru Shi, Pan An''s sister. With Ru Shi giving Shu Xian a wave, she spoke, introducing herself and greeting her at the same time.


    "Nice to meet you, Shu Xian. My name''s Ru Shi, Pan An''s sister. d to meet you for the first time on your special day!"


    Shu Xian felt overwhelmed. With tears escaping her eyes once more, the group felt bad of shocking her this much, Wang Lei now hitting the back of Pan An''s head.


    "I told you, this is too much of a lie! You made her sad!"


    Zhang Ren whispered at Shi Lian, saying, "I can''t lie, so¡­ I ran away from her earlier."


    "What?" Shi Lian looked at him and spoke in a scolding tone. "Stupid! No wonder why she felt sadder!"


    However, what happened next was something they didn''t expect. When they heard Shu Xianughing, she spoke to them, now feeling warm in her heart.


    "Thank you so much, everyone¡­ I''m happy."


    Shu Xian felt ecstatic. She was so happy, though her surprise was making it difficult for her to express her joy.


    With tears still escaping from her eyes, Zhang Ren and Shi Lian apologized first, feeling bad that they lied to her.


    "We''re sorry to lie," Shi Lian apologized again, her eyebrows furrowed as she felt worried for her best friend who''s being emotional on her special day. "But we just wanted you to be surprised on your special day," she added, Zhang Ren, nodding in agreement.


    "Yeah, our intentions were true¡ªwe didn''t mean to hurt you."


    Shu Xian yfully rolled her eyes at them. With Shi Lian and Zhang Ren now extending their arm to show Shu Xian her chocte cake, Shi Lian spoke again.


    "You can blow the candle now so we can formally start with the party, yes? Don''t worry¡ªit''s not as extravagant as you feared it would be. We will only eat dinner with everyone else!"


    Shu Xian let out a softugh. With her nodding as she wiped her tears away, she blew the candle, everyone pping as they greeted her a happy birthday even though they didn''t sing her the song because Shi Lian told them that she hated it.


    "Happy birthday, Shu Xian!"


    Instead, everyone greeted her in unison, the birthday girl smiling as she shyly looked at them.


    "Again, thank you so much, everyone! You didn''t have to do this, but Pan An must''ve made you all do it. Nevertheless, I loved it. Thank you¡­"


    Cai Li now held her hand. With her giving a soft peck on her cheek, everyone then went inside the house to officially start her birthday dinner.


    The moment Shu Xian opened the door, she saw that the inside of the house was decorated pretty well.


    There were white balloons around, and the aroma of the food can be already smelled throughout the house. With the balloons also having a letter on each one that spelled, "Happy Birthday Shu Xian," she felt warm in her heart that people made the effort to do so.


    Shu Xian felt another lump in her throat. With her about to cry again, she tried her best to stop her tears since she didn''t want other people to see her cry.


    "I¡­"


    Shu Xian fanned her face¡ªas if it would help her tears stay in ce inside her eyes.


    "I''m overwhelmed by everyone''s kindness! I couldn''t thank you guys enough!"


    Wang Lei took this moment as an opportunity to joke. With him lighting up the atmosphere, he made everyoneugh with what he said.


    "Maybe you could thank us by you leading us to the dining room so we could eat? We were hungry waiting for the special gal~!"


    Shu Xianughed with everyone. With a nod, everyone then went towards the small dining room.


    Even though the space is small, everyone didn''t mind it. What mattered is thepany and their efforts into making something so special.


    Before Shu Xian could follow them, however, Pan An caught her by the wrist. He stopped her in her tracks, the birthday girl blinking her eyes a few times at him as she turned her head to look at him, everyone''s attention caught the moment he spoke.


    "Before we eat, I would like to say a few words to our Shu Xian," he started, everyone''s eyes now on him.


    Pan An turned to look at her. With both of his hands holding hers, he then released her hand, further talking to her as the professor stared into Shu Xian''s eyes.


    "I know that this may be too much to say as it is emotional for you¡­ but do know that even though you never experienced celebrating your special day with your family, do know that you have us¡ªand we alone, can be your family that makes you feel important."


    Shu Xian''s lips trembled. She felt tears pooling in her eyes once more as they continued to listen to what the professor is saying.


    "You may see your day as an ordinary day, but to us, it is not an ordinary day because on this day, you are gifted to us to be a part of our lives."


    Pan An held Shu Xian''s hand once more, kissing the back of her hand that made the others smile, and Cai Li, especially swoon the moment she saw her son do the gesture.


    Ru Shi, however, had her eyes widening in surprise as she didn''t expect her brother to be this sweet towards another woman after that damned Ruo Xi.


    "So happy birthday, Shu Xian," Pan An said, Shu Xian''s tears already escaping her eyes. "You matter and we''re happy to have you in our lives."

 Chapter 188 - Sei Speciale

    [This chapter is dedicated to Helen_Portman for leaving nicements in my story for the month of June! Thank you so much for the support! I hope to see more of yourments soon!]


    ***


    "You may see your day as an ordinary day, but to us, it is not an ordinary day because on this day, you are gifted to us to be a part of our lives."


    Pan An held Shu Xian''s hand once more, kissing the back of her hand that made the others smile and Cai Li, especially swoon the moment she saw her son do the gesture.


    Ru Shi, however, had her eyes widening in surprise as she didn''t expect her brother to be this sweet towards another woman after that damned Ruo Xi.


    "So happy birthday, Shu Xian," Pan An said, Shu Xian''s tears already escaping her eyes. "You matter and we''re happy to have you in our lives."


    "Pan An¡­"


    Shu Xian is always an emotional girl. This time, she released her tears and cried, the othersughing at how cute she is that she is crying and forcing herself to stop.


    With the othersughing, she found herselfughing-crying as well, rolling her eyes at them as she wiped her tears away.


    "Geez¡­" she eximed in betweenughter, Pan An, smiling at her as he got his handkerchief from his pocket instead and wiped her tears for her. "You don''t have to announce that in front of everyone. The surprise already made me happy that I cried."


    Pan An turned to everyone else. With what he said further surprising Shu Xian, she widened her eyes in shock as he did another announcement.


    "You guys can go and eat ahead. I''ll be talking to Shu Xian in private for a while."


    Wang Lei grinned, liking what he heard as he did a nod of approval.


    "You know where to get it," he reminded him, Shu Xian raising a brow of inquiry at him.


    "Get what?"


    "Never mind him. Come here."


    With Pan An now putting both of his hands on her shoulders and pushed her towards her room, Cai Li just swooned in her seat as Ru Shi yfully rolled her eyes at her little brother, Shu Xian''s friends giving her a thumbs up as if to tell her that there''s nothing to worry about.


    The moment the both of them arrived in her room, Pan An closed Shu Xian''s room door, the girl blinking her eyes a few times in confusion.


    "Wh-what is this all about?"


    Somehow, them being alone in her room all of a sudden made her feel nervous. With Pan An now approaching her, he did not answer his question and instead, got his handkerchief again and wiped Shu Xian''s face as hebed her hair with her free hand.


    "Oh, Shu Xian¡­ you''re so emotional¡ªlook at what you''re doing to your pretty face!"


    When Shu Xian heard hisment, she blushed a little.


    Pan An fixing her hair and wiping her tears away might make her feel ufortable, but still, she allowed him to do so since this is something sweet of him to do.


    And besides¡­ Shu Xian kind of liked being pampered this way. Somehow, it made her heart slightly race in her chest, wondering if he would continue taking care of her this way.


    Soon after, their eyes met. The moment it did, Shu Xian felt shy, Pan An, smiling at her as he found her expression cute.


    "Now, is the birthday girl going to feel betterter after we talk ande out of this room?" he asked, Shu Xian now curious the moment Pan An finished fixing her up the best way he could.


    "W-well¡­" Shu Xian stammered, knitting her brows together. "Why do you want to talk to me alone here in my room?"


    When Pan An heard her query, he just smiled at her. With him now going to her vanity mirror, Shu Xian slightly widened her eyes to suddenly see a small box on the table, something that she didn''t have before.


    "What''s that?" she asked, curiosity evident in her voice. "I don''t recall having that kind of box in my room," she added, the professor now answering her question.


    "Yes. I put it in here a while ago. Don''t get me wrong¡ªI didn''t snoop around, I swear."


    Shu Xian let out a small chuckle. With her crossing her arms in front of her chest, she teased him, Pan Anughing as he approached her.


    "With you being this defensive when I''m not saying anything, how could I believe you?"


    Pan An just grinned at Shu Xian. With him saying something different, she looked at her right arm, requesting her to extend it to him.


    "Show me your right wrist."


    "Oh?"


    Shu Xian just did as she was told. With her holding up her wrist, Pan An opened the box in his hand, revealing her a Gnoce bracelet.


    Shu Xian looked at Pan An get the silver bracelet from the extravagant box. With him now putting the box down on her bed, Pan An unlocked the bracelet and helped her wear it.


    "It may be simple¡­ but I hope you like it."


    "What?"


    Pan An then finished locking the bracelet carefully. Shu Xian then looked at the small cylinder shape of the bracelet, her eyes focusing on the engraved words found on it.


    The engraved words were: Sei Speciale.


    Not familiar of thenguage, Shu Xian cocked her head to the side, wondering whatnguage it is. With her looking at Pan An, she did not even need to say her question aloud, the professor already answering her query in mind.


    "Sei speciale is Italian like the name of the restaurant where we ate, Molto Affamato."


    "Oh!" Shu Xian furrowed her brows, asking more about it. "Then what does it mean?"


    Pan An did not answer her for a while. With him surprising her with what he did, he approached her and kissed her forehead, Shu Xian''s heart racing in her chest with what he said next.


    "Sei Speciale... the engraved words in the bracelet is a reminder to tell you that you''re special, Shu Xian."

 Chapter 189 - A Daily Reminder

    [ANNOUNCEMENT: I''m sorry for updatingte and for only updating 1 long chapter today. It''s because I went out with my family today, and I inserted the time to have to make this chapter or else my money will fly away. XD I hope you guys understand~!]


    [Also, this chapter is dedicated to Nandini_1 for leaving very nicements in my story for the month of June~! Thank you so much for the support! I hope to see more of yourments soon~!]


    ***


    Shu Xian looked at Pan An get the silver bracelet from the extravagant box. With him now putting the box down on her bed, Pan An unlocked the bracelet and helped her wear it.


    "It may be simple¡­ but I hope you like it."


    "What?"


    Pan An then finished locking the bracelet carefully. Shu Xian then looked at the small cylinder shape of the bracelet, her eyes focusing on the engraved words found on it.


    The engraved words were: Sei Speciale.


    Not familiar of thenguage, Shu Xian cocked her head to the side, wondering whatnguage it is. With her looking at Pan An, she did not even need to say her question aloud, the professor already answering her query in mind.


    "Sei speciale is Italian like the name of the restaurant where we ate, Molto Affamato."


    "Oh!" Shu Xian furrowed her brows, asking more about it. "Then what does it mean?"


    Pan An did not answer her for a while. With him surprising her with what he did, he approached her and kissed her forehead, Shu Xian''s heart racing in her chest with what he said next.


    "Sei Speciale... the engraved words in the bracelet is a reminder to tell you that you''re special, Shu Xian."


    Shu Xian felt her heart warming up for Pan An once more. The moment tears formed in her eyes again, Pan An let out a soft chuckle, patting Shu Xian''s head tofort her as she spoke.


    "You¡­ bought this as a present for me?"


    Pan An nodded. With him wiping her tears again with his thumb, he spoke to her and cheered her up the best way he could.


    Not that she is sad¡ªhe knew that it''s the birthday girl being overly emotional since it is her first time feeling special on the day she was born.


    "I don''t know what to say, Pan An," Shu Xian spoke, letting out a softugh as she rolled her eyes at him. "Why n something as nice as this? You even invited your sister over and she helped when both of us don''t even know each other and only met now."


    Pan An smiled at Shu Xian. With him answering her question and to further make her know her worth, he spoke what he thought and felt, hoping that his thoughts woulde across.


    "Shu Xian¡­ like I told you, this is your special day and we are here to let you feel that you are important even though we recently just met you in our lives."


    Shu Xian didn''t know what to say next. With what she did surprising the professor as it was something that he didn''t expect, he just stood still and allowed her to act this way.


    Shu Xian happily, excitedly, and gratefully embraced Pan An. With her head resting on his chest, Pan An returned the embrace, patting her back and then rested his chin on the top of her head.


    "Are you overwhelmed?"


    "Yes," Shu Xian answered, not afraid of admitting it. "But I mean it when I said that I''m happy¡­ and that everyone did this for me on my special day just to make me feel special and feel loved. Thank you."


    Pan An kissed the top of her head. With Shu Xian looking at him, she still had her arms wrapped around the professor''s waist, a soft blush on her face the moment their eyes locked.


    With them not saying even a single word, both of them stood still this way¡ªtheir hearts beating and racing in their chest as they were this close to each other.


    Both of them didn''t know why¡­ but their sudden show of affection didn''t make it awkward between them.


    Somehow, the way they reflected in each other''s eyes seemed calm and peaceful, making them think if they look like this every time they''re close together.


    It felt weird¡ªhow both of them thought and agreed within themselves that they know each other well when they just knew each other recently.


    With Pan An breaking the silence first, Shu Xian slightly parted her lips as if to reply to what he said, but s¡­ no words came out as she suddenly felt hopeful with what he wanted to do next.


    "Can I kiss you?"


    Shu Xian wanted to say yes. However, she just stared straight into the professor''s eyes¡ªher gaze alone enough for him to know her answer.


    As if already reading her mind, the professor inched in closer. With him closing his eyes, it prompted Shu Xian to close hers as well.


    Shu Xian felt the professor''s breath fan over her lips. The moment their mouths met, both of them felt the electrifying feeling as if having their first kiss together.


    Yes, Shu Xian''s first kiss is the professor and even though Shu Xian is not his first, he felt like a teenager who experienced kissing a girl for the first time.


    Pan An''s handnded on the small of Shu Xian''s back. He pulled her closer to him, the girl now wrapping her arms around his neck as she pulled him closer to her¡ªboth of them having no intention to break away from the kiss.


    Pan An licked Shu Xian''s bottom lip and bit it a little as if asking for entrance in a teasing manner. Shu Xian didn''t know why, but she grinned at him, both of them opening their eyes for a brief moment as she spoke after having their passionate kiss.


    "They''re all waiting for us, you know¡­"


    Shu Xian''s voice came out rather naughty and sultry. With it being music to the professor''s ears, he grinned at her back, their forehead against each other''s.


    "But you still had your arms wrapped around me, birthday girl."


    Shu Xian let out a smallugh. With her biting her bottom lip as she looked at him teasingly, she said something so inviting¡ªmaking Pan An let out a chuckle.


    "Just a quick kiss and then we go back¡­ maybe we can make outter before we sleep."


    Pan An smirked, liking what she said. With him nting a quick peck on her lips, he nodded and let out a small sigh, what he said next making Shu Xian giggle.


    "Weird¡­ I nned this day for you to feel special. Why do I want you all to myself now, hmm?"


    Shu Xian knew that Pan An will continue to tease her and that they will extend their stay here if none of them urged to get out of the room.


    The birthday girl then took him by the hand. With her already leading their way out of her room, Pan An followed with a big grin on his face, listening to Shu Xian as he allowed himself to be pulled away by her.


    "Oh,e on¡­ we can''t leave them for a long time. They will think differently if we stay too long."


    However, Pan An didn''t mind that others would think differently if they stay away for too long.


    Because if he didn''t hold himself back, he knew that he may attempt to seduce Shu Xian¡­ and teach her a thing or two about how to attract men¡ªeven volunteering to be a private tutor for her!


    Heck¡­ Pan An even thought that Shu Xian need not to be serious about this because he found himself slowly getting attracted to her!


    The moment both of them were already out of the room, the professor snapped himself out of his thoughts. With Cai Li yfully rolling her eyes at the two, she put both of her hands on her waist andmented on their disappearance.


    "Oh, you two! Are we having a birthday party, or are we jumping straight to your honeymoon and we were unexpectedly invited?"


    Shu Xian widened her eyes and her mouth formed a perfect "o," about to say something in protest until Pan An spoke in their defense.


    "Come on, mother. You even know yourself that what you said is too much. Don''t shock Shu Xian this way."


    Cai Li just giggled. With Pan An now sitting beside his sister and with Shu Xian sitting in between Shi Lian and Zhang Ren, her friends started serving her food, Shi Lian asking what they both did as she put dumplings on her te.


    "So¡­ what did Pan An give you? We know that he prepared your present in your room~!"


    Shu Xian excitedly showed them her wrist. With the bracelet worn, everyone smiled at her sweetly, noticing how she disyed her pride when ites to having the professor''s gift.


    "Pan An gave me such a wonderful present! Other than you guys showing me how important I am, my heart is warm to know that what is engraved on this bracelet is a daily reminder of it every time I look at it."

 Chapter 190 - Actions Speak Louder Than Words

    [ANNOUNCEMENT: I will be updating only one chapter again today¡ªbut long, since this will be thest chapter of the volume. Tomorrow, July 21, 2021, we will be having a new volume and more twists will be happening already. ;) So stay tuned, and I hope you still enjoy the story!]


    [Also, this chapter is dedicated to Hazel_Cat_Eyes for leaving very nicements in my story for the month of June~! Thank you so much for the support! I hope to see more of yourments soon~!]


    ***


    The moment both of them were already out of the room, the professor snapped himself out of his thoughts. With Cai Li yfully rolling her eyes at the two, she put both of her hands on her waist andmented on their disappearance.


    "Oh, you two! Are we having a birthday party, or are we jumping straight to your honeymoon and we were unexpectedly invited?"


    Shu Xian widened her eyes and her mouth formed a perfect "o," about to say something in protest until Pan An spoke in their defense.


    "Come on, mother. You even know yourself that what you said is too much. Don''t shock Shu Xian this way."


    Cai Li just giggled. With Pan An now sitting beside her sister and with Shu Xian sitting in between Shi Lian and Zhang Ren, her friends started serving her food, Shi Lian asking what they both did as she put dumplings on her te.


    "So¡­ what did Pan An give you? We know that he prepared your present in your room~!"


    Shu Xian excitedly showed them her wrist. With the bracelet worn, everyone smiled at her sweetly, noticing how she disyed her pride when ites to getting the professor''s present.


    "Pan An gave me such a wonderful present! Other than you guys showing me how important I am, my heart is warm to know that what is engraved on this bracelet is a daily reminder of it every time I look at it."


    Pan An genuinely felt happy with what he heard. With a big grin on his face, he served his sister some food, Ru Shi wanting to tease him but instead, she introduced herself to Shu Xian.


    "Shu Xian," she called out, the birthday girl looking at her with a sweet smile on her face.


    "Yes?"


    Ru Shi smiled at her as well and started a conversation with her as they ate.


    With her doing another introduction, she asked a question about her, making Shu Xian introduce herself properly and greet her since they first met each other for the first time now¡ªeven at her birthday.


    "You may very well know that I''m Ru Shi, Pan An''s older sister, yes? I want to know more about you~!"


    "Well," Shu Xian started, getting a small bite of her dumpling. "To be honest, there''s nothing interesting about me as I am an ordinary person who still seeks to know more about myself. However, I''d be willing to get to know you soon, too!"


    "Oh!"


    Ru Shi immediately liked her reply and her aura. With an expectant smile on her face, she nodded at what she said, proposing a suggestion.


    "Then, while I''m still here for a few days, want to have a girls'' day and night out with me and my mother? You can invite Shi Lian girl, too, of course!"


    "Oh, we''d love to!"


    Shi Lian answering immediately made the othersugh, Wang Lei yfully rolling his eyes at his little sister.


    "Okay, then. I''ll get both of your numberster," Ru Shi said, specifically looking at Shu Xian. "I especially want to get to know the girl who''s probably my brother''s future girlfriend."


    "Sis¡­"


    Pan An let out a small sigh, not liking that Ru Shi is making ament about that the moment he saw Shu Xian slightly blush in difort.


    "Don''t jump into conclusions and let''s just enjoy this day for Shu Xian¡­ please."


    With that, everyone just continued eating their dinner, Shu Xian having her very first exciting birthday.


    She couldn''t help but think that from this point on, she would like to hope for more happy days of her uing birthdays such as this as long as it''s with them¡ªthe people whom she know considers dear even though she just met the others recently.


    ***


    It was already 11 in the evening. With Shu Xian and Pan An now done cleaning up the ce even though the others already went home ahead because it was already toote, Shu Xian didn''t mind cleaning up the ce because she enjoyed her day with everyone.


    She was humming as she washed the dishes. With Pan An disposing and segregating the trash properly, she listened to her sing to herself in such a joyous tone¡ªher happiness infectious.


    "I''m d that you''re very happy."


    Pan An couldn''t help butment about her glee. With Shu Xian now turning her body to face him as she wiped her hands on the towel beside her, she grinned ear to ear, nodding to what he said as she could agree to it more.


    "I''m rather childishly happy about it, right?"


    "No," Pan An answered, now washing his hands since he disposed the trash. "I''m d we made you happy with this simple celebration. It made me think that the effort is all worth it because you enjoyed it. Minus the crying, though."


    Shu Xian let out a softugh. With her cocking her head to the side as she watched the professor, she furthermented about his efforts, affection reflected in her eyes as she watched him.


    "You really made the effort into doing this for me, Pan An," shemented, the professor now turning his head to look at her, arching a brow at her.


    "Yes¡­ why? Is it too much?"


    "No¡­"


    Shu Xian smiled. What she did next was something that he didn''t expect, the girl wrapping her arms around him as she rested her head on his chest.


    "I''m bing more touchy, aren''t I? But somehow, I can''t help it¡ªwith how overwhelmed I am, too, with what you''re doing for me."


    Pan An let out a light chuckle. With him returning the embrace as he patted her back, the professormented on what he said and teased her at the same time.


    "To be honest, I don''t mind it¡­ however, have you thought of the consequences once we do express our affections this much when we agreed to ourselves to assess our feelings?"


    Shu Xian raised her head to look at him. With her yfully rolling her eyes at him, Pan An tucked a tendril of her hair behind her ear as she spoke.


    "Come on¡­ can''t I hug you with appreciation for what you did?"


    "Hmm¡­ so I was looking beyond your disy of affection as something more?"


    Shu Xian grinned ear to ear. With her eyesnding on Pan An''s lips and then slowly drifting back to his eyes, what she said next made Pan An smirk at her, actually liking what she said.


    "What if there''s something more to my sudden disy of affection?"


    "Hmm¡­"


    Both of them didn''t pull away from each other''s embrace. With Pan An putting his forehead against hers, his breath fanned over his lips when he spoke almost in a whisper, his voice seductive as it sent shivers down Shu Xian''s spine.


    "I hope you don''t forget what we talked about inside your room before we went out."


    "Oh?"


    Shu Xian feigned ignorance, furrowing her brows in fake confusion even though she knew what he was pertaining to.


    Their agreement to the kiss.


    "Hmm¡­ would you¡ª"


    Shu Xian put her index finger on Pan An''s lips, her eyes locked with his as she spoke softly.


    "¡ªremind me of what you were talking about, Professor Pan An?" she teased, the man grinning against her finger. "I''m afraid this student doesn''t know what you''re talking about."


    "Oh, Shu Xian¡­" Pan An chuckled the moment she put her finger down. "Do you want me to punish you instead since you''ve forgotten what we talked about?"


    "Oh?"


    Shu Xian pretended to be afraid, widening her eyes and soon, pouting her lips, pretending to be sad.


    "Just a slight reminder¡­ what punishment could you be thinking of?"


    Pan An didn''t say a single word. With his smile not leaving his face, his eyes looked at Shu Xian''s lips as their forehead were still against each other. As his eyes now drifted back to hers, he gave her a light peck on the lips, making Shu Xian''s heart race with what he said next.


    "You''ll regret forgetting what we talked about, Shu Xian¡­ but I''d be d to make you remember right here and then because like what they said¡­ actions speak louder than words."


    Before Shu Xian could even tease him back, Pan An already put his lips against hers. With Shu Xian loving the sensation of how sweet and gentle Pan An''s kiss is, she wondered if she''s slowly falling for him¡­


    Or rather quickly and hardly yearning for him.

 Chapter 191 - Hello, Everyone

    [This chapter is dedicated to Shelby_Venters for leaving very nicements in my story for the month of June~! Thank you so much for the support! I hope to see more of yourments soon~!]


    ***


    Shu Xian entered the ssroom with a big smile on her face. With her enjoying her birthday yesterday, this Friday is indeed going to be a joyous day as the memory of what happened yesterday is still fresh in her thoughts.


    She remembered herself having the sweet moment she had with Pan Anst night. With them ending the day in a sweet kiss, she bit her lip as she absent-mindedly walked to her seat, Zhang Ren and Shi Lian watching her with a grin on her face.


    "Wow¡­ it seems to me you had more than the braceletst night," Shi Lianmented, Shu Xian giggling as she sat beside her.


    "Oh, stop it¡­ don''tment about it like that," she replied, Zhang Ren propping a hand under his chin andmented next.


    "We can''t help it! Look at that big smile on your face!"


    Shu Xian didn''t say a single word. With the curl of her lips still up, she looked at the bracelet that she got from Pan An, sighing as she admired it.


    "This is so beautiful¡­ I mean, I love that you guys surprised me¡­ but for a person like me who doesn''t wear essories too much¡­ I really love how simple this is and how beautiful it is as it reminded me of how special I am because of the effort he put into it."


    Zhang Ren and Shi Lian looked at each other. With both of them shrugging at the same time, the three of them just stayed silent as they waited for the bell to ring.


    The three of them actually came to the university earlier, 20 minutes left before the sses would start.


    ***


    Everyone, especially the boys, looked at the red-haired woman who was walking and following another professor in the university.


    With her heels clicking against the floor, she obviously got the attention of the others, the boys widening their eyes and opening their mouth the moment they saw the beautiful woman.


    "Hey, who is she?"


    "I don''t know¡ªbut she looks damn hot!"


    "I like how her hair is red and curly~!"


    "Oooh¡­ as I girl, I even admire how sophisticated she looks!"


    "Dare look at her for a very long time¡­ and I''ll kick your ass!"


    "I-I won''t, I''m sorry!"


    "Hmph! What''s so good about her? She''s just mature and has a voluptuous body!"


    "You say that because you''re jealous."


    "Wh-what?"


    With the murmurs of both boys and girls heard in the university hallways, the woman feigned ignorance.


    Deep down, however, she liked what she was hearing as she enjoyed getting some attention from both boys and girls with how good looking she is.


    It boosts her self-confidence and pride, making her love herself more for being this beautiful and sexy. Because of this, she couldn''t help but think¡­


    That sooner orter, she might get her target who''s found in this university with pretty high chances.


    ***


    Pan An was sitting on his seat, facing his desk. With him smiling as he swiveled his chair, he couldn''t get off from his mind how he and Shu Xian were sweet towards each otherst night.


    It may only be a kiss, yes¡­ but it made the professor think that both of them are sooner orter going to assure their feelings.


    Heck, if they were this passionate towards each other and like it, then it could only mean that they are indeed developing feelings towards each other.


    Both of them would only have to take the next step once they feel like it, but Pan An, as a man, would want to do it slowly and carefully so as to not shock the girl since it will be her first time being romantically involved with someone.


    He always thought that it would be impossible to forget Ruo Xi with how pent up his feelings are towards her and with how he gets angry every time people talk bad about her.


    But now, he started not to worry. He couldn''t believe it himself, but slowly, he is starting to forget Ruo Xi because of thepany he''s getting from Shu Xian.


    Pan An started to worry, however, from time to time, that maybe he may be using Shu Xian. Both of them agreed to assess their feelings together but nevertheless, Pan An will slowly but surely know that his attraction towards Shu Xian would be something more.


    "Good morning, everyone."


    The department head called for everyone''s attention, every professor now looking at him. With a big smile on his face, he further spoke as if he was making an exciting announcement, the other faculty members now curious with what they''re hearing.


    "I''m sorry for not telling you ahead of time, but our university has hired another amazing professor who will be working with us soon! Not only is she smart, but she is beyond beautiful that no words can describe! A beauty with brains, if you will!"


    With this said, the professors looked at each other then back at the headmaster, Pan An, slightly absent-minded as the thought of Shu Xian still lingered in his mind.


    "Now, she is already here and will be introduced to everyone! She will not formally start today, but will only be introduced as she will still be oriented about the regtions of the school. She may have been employedte, but I assure you that she will quickly follow as I vouched for her!"


    The other professors already felt expectant and curious of who this new faculty member is. With the headmaster now moving aside to reveal the person behind him who''s waiting by the door, the name that slipped out of his mouth snapped Pan An out of his thoughts, not believing what he heard.


    "Ruo Xi, you may now enter and introduce yourself to your fellow co-workers."


    ''What?'' Pan An widened his eyes in disbelief. ''Ruo Xi?''


    As if his world was now ying in slow motion. The woman''s right foot stepped inside the faculty room first, followed by her left. With her hand flipping her hair to her back as she walked inside, the other male professors almost dropped their jaws in surprise, seeing how tantalizing the new professor is.


    Her red curly hair bounced on her shoulders. With the red blouse tucked inside her ck pencil skirt, it embraced her body snuggly¡ªemphasizing the curves of her body. With her heels adding more to her height, she looked more of a model rather than a professor!


    She batted her eyshes as she blinked her eyes. With the smile on her face that showed her perfect teeth, even the female professors felt their heart racing for seeing such a goddesse inside their office!


    Pan An''s body froze. With his eyes watching her every step, the woman stole a nce of him, their eyes meeting only for but a brief moment.


    The professor''s heart raced in his chest. He didn''t know why¡­ but something in the way that Ruo Xi shortly looked at him made him feel that there''s something off about her¡­


    Something that he didn''t know about her.


    Could it be that she''s the Ruo Xi that he knew¡­ or someone rather different who just looks like her¡ªhaving the same name?


    No¡­ Pan An knew that this isn''t this simple. It''s indeed her, but why would he be in denial?


    "Hello, everyone," she greeted, her voice sending shivers down Pan An''s spine. "My name''s Ruo Xi, and I''m excited to meet you all and further talk with everyone~!"


    ***


    ANNOUNCEMENT:


    This is going to be sure already¡ªI''m sorry. Starting today onwards, I will be updating only 1 chapter (but long) of "Fancy Me, Professor!" due to a very busy schedule of me working in school and also juggling with other two ongoing stories.


    Of course, I will also adjust my update frequency and schedule in my other stories because it''s hectic as well to write in "The Soul Eater''s Possession" and "idental Harem: Let''s Kiss Again!" every day.


    If you want, you can also check out those two stories as well as I need support on those, too! ^^ I''d be really d if you want to check those stories out! :D


    Please don''t demand with your torches and pitchforks because of this announcement! :''(


    Since I''m a teacher, I will be working 7:30 AM to 4:30 in the afternoon and wille home in the evening. I will also be checking papers, preparing lessons, and doing activities, too, aside from inserting writing in my free time.


    Do understand that it is not my intention to make you guys hope. :''( As much as I want to make you guys happy, I have to watch out for my health, too!


    Thank you so much for understanding and for reading until this far. ^^ Once I have extra time, probably after the academic year 2021-2022, I''ll be writing more! :D


    God bless and take care wherever you guys are around the world~! Mwah!

 Chapter 192 - Not Saying A Word

    [This chapter is dedicated to BedheadBookworm for being a nice leaver ofments in my story thisst month of June! Thank you so much for the support~! I hope to see more of yourments soon! ^^]


    ***


    "Ruo Xi, you may now enter and introduce yourself to your fellow co-workers."


    ''What?'' Pan An widened his eyes in disbelief. ''Ruo Xi?''


    As if his world was now ying in slow motion. The woman''s right foot stepped inside the faculty room first, followed by her left. With her hand flipping her hair to her back as she walked inside, the other male professors almost dropped their jaws in surprise, seeing how tantalizing the new professor is.


    Her red curly hair bounced on her shoulders. With the red blouse tucked inside her ck pencil skirt, it embraced her body snuggly¡ªemphasizing the curves of her body. With her heels adding more to her height, she looked more of a model rather than a professor!


    She batted her eyshes as she blinked her eyes. With the smile on her face that showed her perfect teeth, even the female professors felt their heart racing for seeing such a goddesse inside their office!


    Pan An''s body froze. With his eyes watching her every step, the woman stole a nce of him, their eyes meeting only for but a brief moment.


    The professor''s heart raced in his chest. He didn''t know why¡­ but something in the way that Ruo Xi shortly looked at him made him feel that there''s something off about her¡­


    Something that he didn''t know about her.


    Could it be that she''s the Ruo Xi that he knew¡­ or someone rather different who just looks like her¡ªhaving the same name?


    No¡­ Pan An knew that this isn''t this simple. It''s indeed her, but why would he be in denial?


    "Hello, everyone," she greeted, her voice sending shivers down Pan An''s spine. "My name''s Ruo Xi, and I''m excited to meet you all and further talk with everyone~!"


    Pan An didn''t know how to react. With the professors very weing of her here as they greeted her and apuded her arrival, Pan An just stayed quiet, his eyes on her as he couldn''t believe what he heard and saw.


    ''Ruo Xi is a professor here now?''


    ''She really introduced herself as Ruo Xi¡­''


    ''No doubt¡ªit''s her alright. With her distinguishing mole on her face, how could it not be her?''


    ''I thought she already left the country?''


    ''If she''s here, then why is she back and why did she apply in this university?''


    ''Moreover¡­ how can she be a professor?''


    Pan An couldn''t put the pieces together and he couldn''t even think of the best possible answer why she''s here. With the professor knowing about Ruo Xi and her educational background, he wondered when did she have teaching units for her to be able to teach!


    Ruo Xi knew that she graduated business and even had her masters. With her suddenly introduced as a professor in the college of Teacher Education, how is it possible considering her degree?


    "Professor Ruo Xi here took education units when she was abroad and even studied pedagogy."


    With the dean of the college suddenly talked, it''s as if he had read Pan An''s thoughts and answered his question.


    "She told me that since she wanted to go home to the country where she was born, she thought of giving back as being a professor in the university."


    With a bow from Ruo Xi, she smiled at everyone, further supplementing what the dean was saying.


    "What the dean said is true," she started, looking at everyone with an eager expression on her face. "Since this is my first time of teaching in the university, I''m hoping that you will all guide me~!"


    Ruo Xi did another bow. With the other professors, especially the males, nodding with enthusiasm, Ruo Xi had a light glint that passed through her eyes, a small smirk tugging the corners of her lips.


    ''I knew it¡­ I knew it, he''s here!''


    Ruo Xi raised her body to look at everyone clearly. With her smiling and waving her hand at the people who greeted her, she feigned ignorance the moment her eyesnded on Pan An, faking her surprise when she put her hand on her face.


    "Oh! Could it be¡­ Pan An?"


    The professor didn''t say a word. With her eyes now pooling tears, the others wondered why she knew him, especially why she reacted this way upon looking at Pan An.


    "It''s you! It''s really you, Pan An!"


    Pan An still sat on his swivel chair, silent. With his eyebrows slowly knitting together, his fist on his chair''s rest balled into a tight fist, wondering why he was feeling this way.


    He always yearned for answers as to why Ruo Xi left him without saying a word. But oddly enough, even though he had not seen her for how many years, it''s as if the answers that he always wanted¡­ suddenly swept away and changed into nothing but¡­


    Nonchnce and indiscernible anger.


    "Oh, Pan An, you know Miss Ruo Xi?"


    Pan An neither spoke, neither nodded. With Ruo Xi answering for him instead, she turned her body to look at the dean, surprising him and the others with what they heard.


    "I don''t know if I should say this¡­ but Pan An was my fianc¨¦."


    ''F-fianc¨¦!?'' the professors were obviously bbergasted when they heard this. ''Pan An and Ruo Xi were together before?'' they also thought, Ruo Xi, now turning her body to look at Pan An.


    She showed a sad smile on her face. With her eyes still watery as she looked at Pan An, she still spoke as if she was hurt seeing him, Pan An, unable to determine what he truly feels.


    "I¡­ I guess there are things that we need to talk about¡ªgiven all that happened before years ago," she mumbled, enough for everyone to hear. "I''m sorry for being emotional for a bit," she added looking at the dean. "It''s just that I didn''t expect to see someone I know here in the academe."


    The dean just scratched the back of his head. With him looking at Pan An and with Ruo Xi here just for an introduction, he saw no problem to it to give them a time to talk before sses would start in 15 minutes.


    "Well¡­ if you guys want to talk to each other, the conference room by the side of this faculty is okay. Or you may talk to each other during your free time and¡ª"


    "There''s no need."


    When Pan An interrupted the dean, the other professors, including their department head felt a chill blow inside the faculty room.


    With his eyes looking like ice as he looked at Ruo Xi, even the woman was surprised to look at him in a different light¡ªas if the Pan An before her now is apletely different person!


    "That was all in the past and there are no things needed to be discussed."


    Their surroundings started to be awkward. With Pan An now getting his bag along with his folder that he needed for his first ss, he stood up from his chair, indicating his leave.


    "W-wait, you''re going to ss now, Professor Pan An? This early?" one faculty member said, Pan An only nodding as he was about to leave the faculty room.


    Ruo Xi couldn''t believe it! For the first time ever, she felt her heart shatter right here and then, seeing that the man who once loved her from head to toe¡­ suddenly gave her the cold shoulder!


    She was always confident that Pan An would sumb to her because he always gave her the world even before they were engaged!


    With him acting this way towards her now and saying that there is nothing needed to be discussed when she thought that he will look for answers¡­


    This is indeed uncalled for when she wanted to stir things up ever since she came back here just for her to find him!


    "Tsk!"


    Ruo Xi clicked her tongue, making sure that no one will notice. As she shoved her shock to the side, tears started escaping her eyes. She had her quickeback for an act, surprising everyone as they thought that her crying at this moment is something real.


    "P-Pan An¡­" she said his name, her lips trembling. "I¡­ I didn''t know that you could be this way towards me."


    Pan An stopped in his tracks. With him turning his back to look at Ruo Xi, his eyes slightly widened when he saw her crying, her shoulders shaking as she tried her best to stifle her sobs.


    Anyone who watched her would pity her. Even Pan An actually started feeling guilty!


    He wanted to touch her shoulder, he wanted to tell Ruo Xi to stop and if this were the past, he would immediatelyfort her and pull her in his arms for a tight embrace!


    However, even with this sight before him¡­ he didn''t know why, he felt his heart rock hard.


    Not saying a word, he just sighed and turned his back, leaving the room without even giving her onest nce.

 Chapter 193 - That Girl...

    [This chapter is dedicated to Maryann_Babyangel for being a nice leaver ofments in my story thisst month of June! Thank you so much for the support~! I hope to see more of yourments soon! ^^]


    ***


    "Tsk!"


    Ruo Xi clicked her tongue, making sure that no one will notice. As she shoved her shock to the side, tears started escaping her eyes. She had her quickeback for an act, surprising everyone as they thought that her crying at this moment is something real.


    "P-Pan An¡­" she said his name, her lips trembling. "I¡­ I didn''t know that you could be this way towards me."


    Pan An stopped in his tracks. With him turning his back to look at Ruo Xi, his eyes slightly widened when he saw her crying, her shoulders shaking as she tried her best to stifle her sobs.


    Anyone who watched her would pity her. Even Pan An actually started feeling guilty!


    He wanted to touch her shoulder, he wanted to tell Ruo Xi to stop and if this were the past, he would immediatelyfort her and pull her in his arms for a tight embrace!


    However, even with this sight before him¡­ he didn''t know why, he felt his heart rock hard.


    Not saying a word, he just sighed and turned his back, leaving the room without even giving her onest nce.


    ***


    Shu Xian and the others silenced when they saw Pan An suddenly arrive in the ssroom. With seeing himing inside earlier without even hearing the bell ring, the three looked at each other with wonder, curious as to why the professor suddenly arrived before the lesson would start.


    "What''s up with Professor Pan An?" Zhang Ren asked, Shi Lian, shrugging her shoulders.


    "I''m not quite sure as to why he''s suddenly here. Well¡­ do you think that he didn''t want to you know¡­ spend his alone time in the faculty room because he can''t bear to leave Shu Xian alone?"


    Zhang Ren and Shi Lian snickered. However, Shu Xian furrowed her brows, thinking that there''s something different about this.


    She looked at the facial expression of Zhang Ren. His hands were obviously balled into tight fists as he walked inside the room. His eyebrows were knitting together and his lips were in a tight line as well as if he was containing something or controlling himself.


    But what could it be? He looked frustrated or ufortable.


    "I think something''s up," Shu Xian mumbled, enough for the two to hear. With them looking at her, they listened to her further ims. "I think Pan An is uneasy about something."


    With this in thought, suddenly, what Shu Xian thought was somehow proven with what they saw next.


    The known department head of the Teacher Education office entered ss, a woman following him in tow.


    Seeing the woman behind him who entered the room with the dean made Shu Xian''s eyebrow twitch, knowing that she saw this woman somewhere before.


    That curly red hair¡­ that powerful aura. Her distinguishing mole is also present on her face and it''s obvious that she''s the woman Pan An''s mother warned her about.


    Ruo Xi.


    Shu Xian felt her heart racing in her chest. With her hand holding her chest as if she felt the difficulty to breath, she inhaled a sharp breath, Shi Lian and Zhang Ren wondering as to why Shu Xian is acting this way.


    "Shu Xian?"


    With Shi Lian looking at her with worry in her eyes, she waved her hand in front of Shu Xian''s face as she was obviously in a daze while she looked at the people before them.


    "What''s up?"


    Shu Xian didn''t answer. With her eyes not leaving the three people in front of them, Shu Xian just mumbled on her seat, making Shi Lian widen her eyes in surprise with what she heard from her best friend.


    "Ruo Xi¡­ why is she¡­"


    Even without finishing her sentence and even though it''s a whisper, Shi Lian could already understand the shock on her best friend''s face.


    With Shu Xian''s eyes not leaving Pan An, Zhang Ren looked at Shi Lian with confusion in his eyes.


    "What''s up? What''s wrong?"


    Shi Lian looked at Zhang Ren. With her whispering so the other students who came in early could not hear them, she made Zhang Ren understand Shu Xian''s surprise in just a few words.


    "Ruo Xi¡­ Pan An''s ex-fiancee."


    Zhang Ren widened his eyes. With him also not believing that Ruo Xi is here, he was all the more curious as to what Pan An''s rtionship is with that woman since Shu Xian and Shi Lian had not told her the details about them fully.


    Shu Xian felt her chest tightening. She didn''t know why, but she suddenly felt nervous¡ªknowing that the woman is back here in this country even though Cai Li, Pan An''s mother, already warned her about it.


    Ruo Xi''s beauty is indeed a goddess'' level. Anyone who would look at her may fall in love with her at first sight and would even sumb to her if she wishes to seduce them!


    And this is the woman Cai Li is asking her to defeat?


    Knowing that Pan An has fallen in love with her deeply before and with him frustrated every time she was brought up¡­


    How can she feel confident about herself even though she lives with the professor¡ªeven though both of them are slowly developing their feelings towards each other?


    How?


    Somehow¡­ Shu Xian felt small about herself. With her chest tightening one more time, she sighed in difort when she felt her heart slightly ache in her chest, wondering why she was feeling hurt upon seeing them face to face like this.


    With the dean appearing in the room with Ruo Xi and with them talking as if it''s something serious¡­ it made Shu Xian want to pry into their conversation or go near just to eavesdrop but doing so would be very unlikely and it would be very improper of her!


    But with her curiosity driving her this mad¡­ how could she calm down with all these things worrying her mind?


    Why all of a sudden when she saw Ruo Xi appear here in the university and before Pan An¡­ did she feel the fear?


    What kind of fear is this?


    Fear of disappointing Pan An''s mother? Or¡­


    Fear of losing Pan An to someone like her who''s known to be given the whole world because of his love?


    Thetter part made a twig snap inside her mind. With her abruptly standing up from her seat, it had gotten the attention of her close friends, the students who came in early with them, and also¡­


    The dean, Ruo Xi, and then Pan An.


    "Shu Xian?"


    Shi Lian stood up, worried about her as well as she held her shoulder with concern.


    "What''s wrong? Are you¡ª"


    However, before Shi Lian could even finish her sentence, Shu Xian ran off without saying a single word, the expression of her face striking Pan An''s heart as he didn''t expect to see her this way.


    Shu Xian''s lips were in a tight line as if she was holding herself back. With her eyes watery as well, it''s as if she was keeping her tears in ce, not wanting to appear emotional before the others.


    Seeing her run away made Pan An think that she knew Ruo Xi and that it may have caused her to feel ufortable now that they''re developing feelings for each other.


    Not wanting to be wronged, Pan An started to worry, already wanting to follow Shu Xian.


    "E-excuse me," Pan An said, looking at the dean without even sparing Ruo Xi a nce. "I have to talk to my student and see what''s up," he reasoned, not wanting to tell them about their connection.


    Hearing this when Ruo Xi was brought here to be told that she was to sit in in Pan An''s ss, made her eyebrow twitch to see Pan An act this way.


    ''You act so worried towards a simple girl! Don''t tell me¡ª''


    "Why?" the dean suddenly spoke, snapping Ruo Xi out of her thoughts. "She may only be emotional and it''s not like elementary and high school that you have to look at your students all the time! You''re teaching young adults and¡ª"


    "I''m sorry," Pan An interrupted, already impatient. "You may say that, but I can''t let her go alone like this."


    Pan An then walked away. With him giving Shi Lian and Zhang Ren a secret nce, it''s as if both of them already understood immediately that they should watch over the others, especially the two.


    So that they will not to follow them. If they did, they would see how Pan An and Shu Xian interact with each other and they might have issues in the university.


    "Oh, that Pan An," the dean said, scratching the back of his head as he looked at Ruo Xi with embarrassment in his eyes. "I''m sorry about that¡ªhe''s just passionate about this teaching career that even though he teaches adults, he cares about them.


    Ruo Xi ignored him. Deep down in her heart¡­ she now knew who that woman is without even knowing her name and how she looks like.


    ''That girl¡­ she must be Shu Xian and she must go to hell!''

 Chapter 194 - Deeply Wished That It Isnt So

    [This chapter is dedicated to Queenebunoluwa15 for being a nice leaver ofments in my story thisst month of June! Thank you so much for the support~! I hope to see more of yourments soon! ^^]


    ***


    "I''m sorry," Pan An interrupted, already impatient. "You may say that, but I can''t let her go alone like this."


    Pan An then walked away. With him giving Shi Lian and Zhang Ren a secret nce, it''s as if both of them already understood immediately that they should watch over the others, especially the two.


    So that they will not to follow them. If they did, they would see how Pan An and Shu Xian interact with each other and they might have issues in the university.


    "Oh, that Pan An," the dean said, scratching the back of his head as he looked at Ruo Xi with embarrassment in his eyes. "I''m sorry about that¡ªhe''s just passionate about this teaching career that even though he teaches adults, he cares about them.


    Ruo Xi ignored him. Deep down in her heart¡­ she now knew who that woman is without even knowing her name and how she looks like.


    ''That girl¡­ she must be Shu Xian and she must go to hell!''


    Ruo Xi felt her blood boiling as it ran through her veins. With her nails digging in her palm as she balled her hands into fists, it''s as if blood would start to trickle soon if she didn''t control her pressure.


    What made Ruo Xi wonder is why she still felt possessive about Pan An when she''s in fact, already married to Hao Jiao Long!


    She dated them together at the same time. Although she dated Pan An first, she couldn''t resist Hao Jiao Long and his kindness and tried seduced him yfully, only to find out that she would soon show affection towards him, too!


    They say when you find yourself liking another man, choose the second one because you will never have a second one if you truly love the first one.


    With this in thought and with her getting caught by Pan An''s mother, she knew that she had no choice but to end her rtionship with the first one despite their motives of using him and his connections, and had to choose the second one, Hao Jiao Long.


    But as they went on with their rtionship to the point of getting married even secretly, Ruo Xi sometimes found herself getting frustrated of how she wanted people to know that she''s married¡ªbeing shown to the world.


    But s, since Hao Jiao Long and Pan An, along with Wang Lei, are close friends, they can''t disclose the information.


    Heck, even Hao Jiao Long didn''t want to tell them and went behind their backs! He knew he betrayed them and he didn''t want them to know it just yet and kept it a secret with the help of backers hiding this information from everyone else!


    They could just be adults and e clean" and admit that they were married for how many years since they left the country, but no¡­


    They chose the hard way and even had the difficult time to talk to people in their country and lived a different life in another just to "reset" their lives!


    Ruo Xi couldn''t even help but to sometimespare and contrast them¡ªwhat their simrities and differences are!


    Even though she chose Hao Jiao Long and that she is "happy" about her marriage with him (especially their sex on bed), she wondered why from time to time, she would remember about Pan An and reminisce on the times they were together.


    She''s here in the university to work as a professor when she knew that Pan An worked here just to get on his nerves and "get revenge" like what she told her husband.


    But seeing him after how many years¡­ made her remember how happy she was before Hao Jiao Long came into the picture.


    Seeing him made her remember how they both were when they were younger¡ªin love and pure with their romance.


    She thought that upon seeing him again, she would incite the deep love that Pan An always had for her.


    But upon seeing his reaction when she saw that Shu Xian left the room with a bbergasted expression indicating that she has heard of her, Ruo Xi couldn''t help but feel rage in her heart¡ªas if wanting to im Pan An that he''s hers!


    ''Oh¡­ he''s mine¡­ even now, he''s still mine and I''m sure of it!''


    "I apologize again, Ruo Xi," the dean said, snapping herself back to reality. "I put you here originally for your ss observation since Pan An is one of our greatest professors in the university even before he was in the college of arts and sciences. I didn''t know that both of you had a past and put you here."


    "Oh!"


    Ruo Xi feigned a smile, trying her best to hide her irritation of Pan An not even sparing her a single look before he walked away.


    "It''s alright¡ªI''ll still observe this ss."


    The dean blinked his eyes a few times, not expecting her answer. He thought that Ruo Xi would feel ufortable about working with her ex-fiance and then being asked to observe in his ss.


    But then again, here she is, not minding it and wanting to push through with their ns!


    "I-if you say so," the dean said, letting out an awkward cough. "Well, sses would start soon in ten minutes. You could stay at the back of the ssroom and then watch him conduct his sses. If you have any problems, you know where the office is. You can bring it up there."


    "Noted," she replied with a smile on her face, giving him a small bow as well. "Thank you so much for the amodation considering that I''m a new employee and despite your busy schedule."


    "Not at all!" The dean let out a hearty chuckle, scratching the back of his head shyly. "Now, excuse me, I''ll be heading back to the faculty room."


    With that said, the dean already left, Ruo Xi turning on her heels as she found an appropriate seat inside the room.


    With her passing through Zhang Ren and Shi Lian''s table, both of them felt a chill in the air. As both of them watched her every step from the corner of their eye, Ruo Xi noticed their look and smiled at them, not noticing how both of them were suspicious of her.


    Ruo Xi then settled on the desk behind them. With Zhang Ren opening his phone to text Shi Lian, she immediately read it, looking at Zhang Ren with nervousness in her eyes.


    The text from Zhang Ren read:


    "What to do? Shi Lian wille hereter and this woman is right behind us!"


    "Tsk!"


    Shi Lian just clicked her tongue. With her not acting rashly so as to not be suspicious to Ruo Xi, she just replied to what Zhang Ren had texted, making him nod at her once as they both thought that it''s the best thing they could do.


    For now.


    Shi Lian''s text read:


    Ignore her. Once Shu Xian''s back, it might make her ufortable, but we''ll think of what to do once that happens.


    ***


    Shu Xian didn''t rush to the bathroom since she didn''t want to be seen crying by the other girls if she came there. Instead, she rushed to the empty ssroom near their room since she knew that this is a room not used to conduct lessons.


    Shu Xian''s tears ran freely from her eyes. With her taking deep breaths as she inhaled and exhaled, it finally gave her the moment to breathe, slightly calming herself down with her assumptions.


    ''Come on, Shu Xian,'' she thought to herself, fanning her hands to her face as if it could help her tears stay in her eyes. ''Why are you suddenly being affected by this when you''re just starting to like the professor? What''s up with being scared?''


    Shu Xian closed her eyes and took another series of deep breaths. With the silence of the ssroom, suddenly, the sound of the door opening and closing made her body stiffen, wondering who had followed her here.


    "Shu Xian."


    The woman gasped in surprise when she heard her name. With her turning her body to look at the professor, she felt her heart racing once more when she saw him approach her, with a panicked expression on his face.


    "Shu Xian," he said her name once again, taking another step towards her. "Why are you¡ª"


    "P-please," Shu Xian interrupted, putting her hand in front of her as she looked at him with consternation in her eyes. "D-don''te any closer for a while."


    Somehow, seeing her this way and hearing her words made Pan An feel an ache in his heart. It''s as if Shu Xian is now setting a boundary between them because of Ruo Xi''s sudden appearance.


    And if turned out that it''s that way, Pan An deeply wished that it isn''t so¡­


    Since he''s starting to yearn for the woman before him already before he even realized it.

 Chapter 195 - How Dare You Say That...

    ***Early update because it''s Sunday, don''t forget to read the author''s noteter at the end***


    [This chapter is dedicated to Zeno98 for being a nice leaver ofments in my story thisst month of June! Thank you so much for the support~! I hope to see more of yourments soon! ^^ Ti amo! Tanto tanto tanto tanto tantissimo! Mwah!]


    ***


    Shu Xian didn''t rush to the bathroom since she didn''t want to be seen crying by the other girls if she came there. Instead, she rushed to the empty ssroom near their room since she knew that this is a room not used to conduct lessons.


    Shu Xian''s tears ran freely from her eyes. With her taking deep breaths as she inhaled and exhaled, it finally gave her the moment to breathe, slightly calming herself down with her assumptions.


    ''Come on, Shu Xian,'' she thought to herself, fanning her hands to her face as if it could help her tears stay in her eyes. ''Why are you suddenly being affected by this when you''re just starting to like the professor? What''s up with being scared?''


    Shu Xian closed her eyes and took another series of deep breaths. With the silence of the ssroom, suddenly, the sound of the door opening and closing made her body stiffen, wondering who had followed her here.


    "Shu Xian."


    The woman gasped in surprise when she heard her name. With her turning her body to look at the professor, she felt her heart racing once more when she saw him approach her, with a panicked expression on his face.


    "Shu Xian," he said her name once again, taking another step towards her. "Why are you¡ª"


    "P-please," Shu Xian interrupted, putting her hand in front of her as she looked at him with consternation in her eyes. "D-don''te any closer for a while."


    Somehow, seeing her this way and hearing her words made Pan An feel an ache in his heart. It''s as if Shu Xian is now setting a boundary between them because of Ruo Xi''s sudden appearance.


    And if turned out that it''s that way, Pan An deeply wished that it isn''t so¡­


    Since he''s starting to yearn for the woman before him already before he even realized it.


    Pan An didn''t know how to react to that. With Shu Xian holding her hand up against him as if she wanted distance, he couldn''t help but admit that it pained him, but what is he to do?


    She obviously knew about Ruo Xi which is why it prompted her to act this way.


    "Shu Xian¡­" Pan An called her name, softness in the tone of his voice. "You know Ruo Xi?"


    Shu Xian didn''t need to answer his question. With a tear suddenly escaping her eye, Pan An felt his heart aching, making him want to approach her andfort her.


    "Shu Xian¡­" he said her name again, taking one step towards her. "Why are you crying? It makes me feel bad."


    "I¡­ I don''t know¡­"


    Shu Xian''s voice broke as she shook her head. Even though her voice was almost in a whisper, Pan An could still hear her because of the quietness of this room.


    "I know about her¡­ your mother warned me about her," she added, getting Pan An''s full attention. "I thought it was absurd at first¡ªme feeling ufortable that Ruo Xi was the name you called out to that night you went inside my room."


    "Shu Xian¡­"


    Pan An closed his eyes briefly, not wanting to remember that scene. Even though he was drunk that night, he could still remember it.


    "Do know¡­ that I was under the influence of alcohol and it was not my intention¡ª"


    "But they say people say the things that they desire the most when under the influence of alcohol."


    Shu Xian interrupted Pan An, more tears escaping from the corner of her eyes.


    "And I feel like a fool now at this absurdity because with Ruo Xi here now, it had made me confirm so very hard what I''ve been fearing to feel because you may not reciprocate the same."


    "What are you saying?" Pan An asked, confused at what she said. "Why are you saying you''re a fool? What is absurd? What have you been fearing?"


    "They''re all the same," Shu Xian answered, almost in a whisper. What she said next made Pan An''s heart race in his chest. "I''m falling in love with you before I even knew it¡­ fast¡­ and hard¡­"


    The first bell had rung, indicating that there are five minutes left before sses would formally start. With it making Shu Xian blink her eyes for a few times, she realized that she had to go back to ss and that staying here would be an issue if one would open the ssroom door.


    Even though the hallways werepletely empty before they went here¡­ who knows if a staff like a guard might roam and check?


    "I¡­ we have to go."


    However, as Shu Xian was about to leave, Pan An stopped her in her tracks. He had his hand on Shu Xian''s upper arm, his hold around her tightening as if having no intention of letting her go.


    "P-Pan An¡­" Shu Xian stammered as she said his name. "sses will start soon. We have to go¡ªpeople might¡ª"


    "Once the second bell rings, I go first then you follow. So as to not cause confusion, I will tell them that I have escorted you to the nurse''s office and youe back 5-10 minutester. Do you understand?"


    Shu Xian shook her head, not understanding his reason at all! She could see no logic as to why she should gote since they can leave the room right here and then which is even better!


    "We can leave the room now. There is no point in¡ª"


    "I can''t let you go on ahead without me making this clear!"


    Shu Xian widened her eyes, not believing what she has heard.


    "Are you crazy?! Just pretend we didn''t discuss about this! We can either talk about thister, or act as if nothing happened!"


    Pan An didn''t like what she said¡ªparticrly the part of Shu Xian saying they can act as if nothing happened.


    With him making her turn her body towards him with both of his hands, he inched in closer¡ªany more proximity, their lips would appear as if to kiss already.


    "Do you think¡ª" Pan An spoke, his breath fanning against Shu Xian''s lips. "¡ªthat I''d be able to forget what you said after you confessed your feelings to me?"


    Shu Xian didn''t answer his question. With her blinking her eyes a few times, she was no longer crying, Pan An, using his right hand to wipe her tears away.


    "And do you want me to tell you that you''re really a fool?"


    Shu Xian furrowed her brows, confused.


    "What?"


    Pan An released her from his hold. With him holding her wrist that wore the bracelet he gave her, he raised it up and pointed at it for her to see, as if stating a point.


    "Do you think I only gave you this bracelet just to make you happy with the words ''you''re special'' in Italian engraved on it?"


    Shu Xian was still standing still, looking straight into Pan An''s eyes as what he said next had further made her heart race.


    "You''re a fool¡ªI have to admit¡­ but it would be more foolish if you didn''t know why I gave this to you."


    Surprising her, Pan An had pushed her towards the wall behind her, making it impossible for her to escape. With his forehead pressed against hers, his hand on Shu Xian''s waist made her gasp.


    "I have three minutes left¡­ for me to show you not only through words that I reciprocate what you fear and that you have nothing to worry about."


    As if knowing what Pan An was about to do, Shu Xian immediately rested her hands on his shoulder, closing her eyes as the professor kissed her.


    The moment their lips brushed against each other sent shockwaves throughout their body, making their heated moment all the more exciting.


    Shu Xian at first was utterly afraid that both of them will get caught because they''re both in the university and they''re doing something between a teacher and a student that shouldn''t be.


    However, a girl obedient like Shu Xian felt naughty this time.


    This time¡­ she wanted it.


    This time¡­ she allowed it.


    This time¡­ she loved it.


    Shu Xian''s lips parted slightly and seductively, allowing Pan An''s entry to further deepen their kiss. With his hand running through her hair, Shu Xian did so as well, further pulling him closer towards her, both of them now feeling each other''s body heat.


    "And you say¡ª" Pan An broke away for a moment, both of them panting in want as they stared straight into each other''s eyes with burning passion. "¡ªthat you''re a fool for fearing that I might not reciprocate?"


    Shu Xian gasped when she felt something hot and hard against her despite their clothing, a teasing grin appearing on the professor''s face with how shameless he''s bing.


    "How dare you say that¡­ when you already have your answer right here?"

 Chapter 196 - Maybe Its Because

    "You''re a fool¡ªI have to admit¡­ but it would be more foolish if you didn''t know why I gave this to you."


    Surprising her, Pan An had pushed her towards the wall behind her, making it impossible for her to escape. With his forehead pressed against hers, his hand on Shu Xian''s waist made her gasp.


    "I have three minutes left¡­ for me to show you not only through words that I reciprocate what you fear and that you have nothing to worry about."


    As if knowing what Pan An was about to do, Shu Xian immediately rested her hands on his shoulder, closing her eyes as the professor kissed her.


    The moment their lips brushed against each other sent shockwaves throughout their body, making their heated moment all the more exciting.


    Shu Xian at first was utterly afraid that both of them will get caught because they''re both in the university and they''re doing something between a teacher and a student that shouldn''t be.


    However, a girl obedient like Shu Xian felt naughty this time.


    This time¡­ she wanted it.


    This time¡­ she allowed it.


    This time¡­ she loved it.


    Shu Xian''s lips parted slightly and seductively, allowing Pan An''s entry to further deepen their kiss. With his hand running through her hair, Shu Xian did so as well, further pulling him closer towards her, both of them now feeling each other''s body heat.


    "And you say¡ª" Pan An broke away for a moment, both of them panting in want as they stared straight into each other''s eyes with burning passion. "¡ªthat you''re a fool for fearing that I might not reciprocate?"


    Shu Xian gasped when she felt something hot and hard against her despite their clothing, a teasing grin appearing on the professor''s face with how shameless he''s bing.


    "How dare you say that¡­ when you already have your answer right here?"


    Shu Xian didn''t know how to react. But even before she could utter a single word, the moment she parted her lips as if to speak, Pan An''s mouth crashed hungrily on hers.


    Anyone who would be in this situation will not appreciate this gesture. One could even swat away his hands on her if need be.


    However for Shu Xian, she found herself allowing Pan An even though her heart was beating crazily like a drum inside her chest for the anxiety this situation is giving her.


    Although, even though she had this thought, she still allowed this situation to happen because as scary as this circumstance is¡­


    It can get pretty exciting.


    Shu Xian gasped when she felt Pan An''s hard shaft against her, the girl hitching a breath when they broke away from the kiss. Pan An started kissing her neck, making her close her eyes in pleasure with the way his lips moved.


    "P-Pan An¡­ three minutes are over."


    "The bell¡ª" Pan An spoke against her skin, his breath tickling her and sending shivers down her spine. "¡ªdid not ring yet."


    "M-mm¡­"


    Pan An''s left hand on her waist tightened. With Shu Xian''s legs feeling a little bit weak and wobbly like jelly, Pan An stopped in the middle of his actions, now looking straight into Shu Xian''s eyes.


    As both of their breaths quickened as if catching more air because of their passionate kiss, a smirk appeared on the professor''s face, what he said next making Shu Xian smile back at him.


    "And doesn''t that¡­ answer your worries?"


    Before Shu Xian could even answer, the bell rang once more, making him sigh as he looked at her with a disappointed look in his eyes.


    "I''ll go on first like we discussed. Go back in a few minutes or so. Alright?"


    Shu Xian nodded. With Pan An nting a quick kiss on her forehead, he then quickly left the room, closing the door so as to make sure that Shu Xian won''t be seen inside.


    The moment Shu Xian realized that she was left alone, she couldn''t help but grin ear to ear, her hand instinctively touching her chest as she felt her heart racing.


    With her now letting out augh as if she wasn''t crying just a moment ago, she now felt reassured with how Pan An showed her through his actions that there is nothing to worry about.


    ***


    The students in the ssroom started to murmur. They were not used to Pan An not early in ss. By the time the first bell rang, he is usually found inside the ssroom and by the time the second bell sounded, sses would formally start.


    However, with the second bell already heard, the students wondered why he still hadn''t appeared!


    "Do you think there was an emergency meeting?"


    "I doubt it."


    "Yeah, I think there is none since the other teachers of the College of Teacher Education went to their first sses."


    "Oh? Then where is our professor?"


    "Maybe Professor Pan An is very busy."


    "There may be an emergency. We know Professor Pan An is always punctual. If ever he''s not here, then there might be a problem."


    "Hmm¡­ you do have a point."


    "By the way¡­ did you notice that there is like a beautiful woman behind the ssroom?"


    "Yeah, yeah! I can''t take my eyes off of her!"


    "She doesn''t seem like a student."


    "True¡­ she wears formally so maybe someone who''s doing a ss observation?"


    "Any chance that this may be that our professor is not yet here because he has to settle the things needed to be settled and it may involve the beautiful woman behind the room?"


    "We could deduce that as a possibility."


    With the students gossiping like this, Shi Lian tapped her fingers on the table. With Zhang Ren nervous as well as none of them were back, both of them wondered what could be happening.


    "Should one of us go and check them up?" Zhang Ren asked, Shi Lian, shaking her head to say no.


    "We can''t¡­ with this woman there behind us, if either of us disappear, it might make things suspicious!"


    "Then¡­" Zhang Ren sighed, not knowing what to do. "What now?"


    "We still wait¡­ even though this is driving us nuts and is testing our patience!"


    Ruo Xi could actually hear the murmurs of Zhang Ren and Shi Lian. However, she couldn''t actuallyprehend it properly, shrugging it off as she only thought that they may be students who are talking about the homework that they missed.


    With her smile not leaving her face as she knew that the people of the ssroom were looking at her secretly, at the back of Ruo Xi''s mind, however, she started to feel uneasy.


    Her index finger kept tapping on the desk, obviously impatient. With the thought of Pan An chasing a girl, she couldn''t help but think what connection might they have to make him act that way!


    She knew that only she could make Pan An do what she wanted. She knew that she''s the only woman that Pan An loved whole-heartedly, giving her the whole world!


    With the sight of him not even paying attention to her and with him quickly chasing her, she couldn''t help but feel slightly uneasy with the sudden change of the man whom she thought she hadplete control of.


    Once that girles back to ss, she would have to make sure to get to know her more and find more clues about her just so she could know her background and who she''s up against!


    Sooner orter, the sound of the front door opening and closing snapped everyone out of their attention.


    With the professorbing his hand through his hair, some people noticed that he had disheveled hair, making them wonder why since this is the first subject in the morning.


    "Good morning, ss. I apologize for beingte for a minute," he eximed, leaning forward on his desk as he rested both of his hands on it. "I had to escort a student at the nurse''s office since she was not feeling well this morning."


    With that said, the students nodded and the others found it weird that someone would suddenly feel sick this morning. It was something rare to see and hear in college¡ªbutmon to hear in elementary and high school.


    However, the students just shoved it aside, already focusing in ss.


    Zhang Ren looked at Shi Lian.


    "Do you think that she''s really in the infirmary?"


    "No," Shi Lian whispered back, "I think it''s just an alibi¡ªit''s appropriate this way, rather than both of them being seen entering the ss together. It would make their disappearance more suspicious."


    With that said, both of them looked straight at the board, already listening to the professor as he remembered that Ruo Xi is at the back of the room.


    As he eyed her carefully, Ruo Xi noticed that he was looking at her, making her smile at him.


    However, the professor internally scoffed, thinking to himself how absurd it must''ve been for him to suddenly feel pissed at her after not seeing her for how many years!


    Maybe it''s because he''s slowly getting sure that Shu Xian is the one mending his broken heart?

 Chapter 197 - Felt Her Confidence Boosting Up

    "Good morning, ss. I apologize for beingte for a minute," he eximed, leaning forward on his desk as he rested both of his hands on it. "I had to escort a student at the nurse''s office since she was not feeling well this morning."


    With that said, the students nodded and the others found it weird that someone would suddenly feel sick this morning. It was something rare to see and hear in college¡ªbutmon to hear in elementary and high school.


    However, the students just shoved it aside, already focusing in ss.


    Zhang Ren looked at Shi Lian.


    "Do you think that she''s really in the infirmary?"


    "No," Shi Lian whispered back, "I think it''s just an alibi¡ªit''s appropriate this way, rather than both of them being seen entering the ss together. It would make their disappearance more suspicious."


    With that said, both of them looked straight at the board, already listening to the professor as he remembered that Ruo Xi is at the back of the room.


    As he eyed her carefully, Ruo Xi noticed that he was looking at her, making her smile at him.


    However, the professor internally scoffed, thinking to himself how absurd it must''ve been for him to suddenly feel pissed at her after not seeing her for how many years!


    Maybe it''s because he''s slowly getting sure that Shu Xian is the one mending his broken heart?


    Soon after, Pan An let out a sigh. With him feigning a fake smile as he made sure that he would still sound professional, he gestured his hand to Ruo Xi, further introducing her to the ss even though the dean did not formally tell him that she would be observing the ss.


    ''Talk about professionalism,'' Pan An thought, his eyebrow almost twitching in annoyance.


    "Everyone," he said, his fake smile not leaving his face as he introduced the woman behind the ssroom. "As you are now fully aware, we have a visitor at the back of the ssroom."


    With her standing up from her seat, she smiled at everyone and did a bow, greeting everyone.


    "Good morning, everyone," she said, everyone''s eyes on her now, especially the men since they see her so beautifully.


    With the students now returning their gaze to the professor, he further introduced their unexpected visitor to the ss, doing so professionally as if he had never known her at all!


    Because of this¡­ deep down, it had started to make Ruo Xi feel irritated!


    It was not what she had expected at all¡ªshe thought he would grovel at her feet and treat her like a goddess like he always did back in the years!


    "It was unexpected for us as well since this was informed earlier in the morning, but she will be a new professor in the College of Teacher Education. She''s here today to observe in one of the sses before she would formally start her teaching in the university. In the near future, she may be your instructor."


    Already stepping aside, the professor gestured at the free space in front of the ssroom, giving the floor to Ruo Xi.


    "Everyone, greet Ruo Xi as she introduces herself to ss."


    With that, Ruo Xi started to walk down the aisle. However, with the sound of the back door suddenly opening and closing, she saw a glimpse of Shu Xian entering the ss and sitting down beside the two students in front of her, a thought passing in her mind.


    ''Hmph! I''ll show her something shocking that she wouldn''t like!''


    As Shu Xian was walking down the aisle, she pretended to trip on her own foot. With the thought of Pan An catching her since she knew that he has great reflexes, what happened next was something that she didn''t expect once again!


    Pan An saw her fall,nding on her knees¡­


    But he didn''t do anything.


    At all!


    Ruo Xi gritted her teeth under her breath, making sure that her hair would block the frustrated expression on her face. With her feeling stupid as she embarrassed herself, she felt her blood boil as Pan An showed no interest at her!


    Even in the slightest!


    With some of the girls who started to hate her giggling at the sight, she couldn''t help but re at them from the corner of her eye, the students noticing for a brief moment.


    Soon after, one male student stood up, extending his hand towards her as he asked, "are you alright?"


    Ruo Xi raised her head. With a fake smile on her face, she nodded, already taking his hand and letting him help her up when her target clearly wasn''t participating in her shenanigan!


    Is this the same Pan An that she knew¡­ or someone different?


    "I''m sorry," she said, her fake smile not leaving her face. "I''m quite a klutz."


    "Oh!"


    Pan An pretended that he didn''t know her, nodding as hemented on what she said that made the other students stifle theirughter.


    "Then I suggest, Professor Ruo Xi, that you don''t wear heels if you can''t even walk properly and tend to be clumsy. You may look elegant, but obviously, that wasn''t elegant at all. No offense."


    Ruo Xi''s hands at the sides balled into tight fists. With her shoving her embarrassment and his statement aside, she then walked to the middle of the ssroom, looking at everyone as she formally introduced herself to the ss.


    "Once again, good morning, everyone, my name is Ruo Xi."


    As the students listened to her, Zhang Ren and Shi Lian looked at Shu Xian suspiciously, the girlbing her hair properly with theb that she got from her bag.


    "What''s up?" Shi Lian whispered to her, obviously not paying attention to the bitch in front of the ss. "You look obviously disheveled and flustered," she added, a cheeky grin appearing on Shu Xian''s face as she didn''t answer for a while.


    "Hmm¡­ something tells me that something has happened in that ssroom. It was as if you were about to cry before and know you''re like this? Did he clear it up to you, or what?"


    Shu Xian grinned at them. Despite the girl whom she feared being in front and introducing herself to the ss before them, it''s as if she didn''t mind it.


    Heck, she was even among the students whoughed when they saw Ruo Xi fall to the floor and the professor didn''t even help her!


    Their group specifically noticed that this Ruo Xi was doing it on purpose but her ns, whatever those be, are failing right here and then!


    "He reassured me of my standing," Shu Xian whispered, making Shi Lian yfully roll her eyes at her. "Not only through his words¡­ but through quick, certain actions."


    "Naughty," Zhang Renmented, a smug grin on his face. "Just naughty."


    As the three of them now focused their attention on the woman in front of the ss, they listened to her¡ªnot believing every word she says as it was obvious that she is here for another reason.


    Just to get on Shu Xian''s nerves and just for her to get Pan An''s attention.


    "I was born and raised here, but due to some issues, I have decided to study abroad and live my life there."


    Shu Xian and Shi Lian looked at each other as ifmunicating with each other through their eyes. With a light scoffing from Shi Lian, Shu Xian''s lips tugged into a small smile, knowing that the reason why she has left the country is because of her infidelity.


    Being in a rtionship with Pan An''s and Wang Lei''s other "friend," Hao Jiao Long.


    "Now that I''m done with my pedagogy studies, I decided toe back home and then give back to the country where I stayed once. Being here in front of you students, I''m excited that one day, you will be my students that I will guide in the near future. Thank you very much for your time listening."


    As the ss gave her a round of apuse, Pan An did so as well, already looking at Ruo Xi as he still continued to act professionally.


    "Thank you for that introduction, Ruo Xi. You may now head back to your seat."


    With a nod, she walked back in the aisle, then back to her seat behind the three. It was only now as well that she had confirmed that Shu Xian is friends with her two other seatmates, making her eye on them as well as she wanted to make an investigation about them.


    ''What are their names?'' she thought, especially eyeing on Zhang Ren. ''This guy¡­ I knew I saw him before in Country S¡­ but am I sure that I did? Or do they just look alike?''


    Zhang Ren met the gaze of Ruo Xi. With him feigning ignorance as he smiled at her, Ruo Xi only smiled at him back, already sitting behind them as she shot an icy look on Shu Xian''s back.


    Shu Xian obviously felt the dagger-like gaze that was aimed at her back!


    With a smirk on her face as she daren''t looked back, she suddenly felt her confidence boosting up a hundred fold with the help of Pan An''s assurance that she is capable of beating this girl as what Cai Li had always believed.

 Chapter 198 - A Big Slap

    [This chapter is dedicated to Dundet for being a silent reader who suddenly left nicements. Other than that, I really appreciated the review that he left as he also gave great points that I would improve on. ^^ Thank you also for suddenly giving me a gift! I will do my best to improve myself and make this story better!]


    ***


    "As you all know, assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning. Because of that, we have three types of assessment that we should take into consideration especially that we are checking on our students'' progress."


    Professor Pan An already started discussing to the ss. With everyone''s eyes on him, Shi Lian noticed from time to time that Ruo Xi kept giving him suggestive nces when other students (except her) are not paying attention to her.


    With Shi Lian rolling her eyes as she whispered at Shu Xian, she just brushed it aside, still her studious self, focusing on the lesson at hand despite her roller coaster of emotions a while ago.


    "She''s such an attention seeker¡ªgoing all the way here to catch his attention."


    "Hush," Shu Xian scolded, writing on her notebook as she was paying attention. "Listen to Professor Pan An."


    Shi Lian rolled her eyes once more. With her silencing when Shu Xian warned her, she couldn''t help but think ill about the bitch who was sitting behind them.


    Pan An wrote three phrases on the board namely: assessment for learning, assessment as learning, and assessment of learning.


    At first nce, this would look confusing but upon further contemtion and upon further discussion by the professor, the students began to understand little by little what this meant.


    "First, assessment for learning," Pan An started, underlining the first phrase. "It enables the teachers to use information about students'' knowledge, understanding, and skills to inform their teaching. Other than that, the teachers provide feedback to students about their learning and on how to improve."


    After exining and as the students took notes of what he said, he underlined the second phrase and further exined.


    "Assessment as learning involves students in the learning process where they monitor their own progress, ask questions, and practice skills. The students use self-assessment and teacher feedback to reflect on their learning, consolidate their understanding, and work towards learning goals."


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but smile. With her realizing now of her feelings towards the professor, she noticed how much she has started to admire him more and more¡ªbeing drawn more to his intellect other than his physical attractiveness.


    Indeed¡­ a man who is smart and at the same time intelligent, can be beyond sexy!


    "Lastly¡­" Pan An trailed off, underlining thest phrase. "Assessment of learning. It assists teachers to use evidence of student learning to assess student achievement against learning goals and standards."


    As the students continued taking down notes, Pan An leaned on his table and looked at everyone, further discussing the lesson before giving them the remaining time to do an activity that he would watch over.


    "It is essential that teachers use a variety of assessment strategies in order to gainprehensive understanding of every student in their ss. Remember, you are elementary or high school teachers in the near future. It is very essential for you to be aware of this. And why is that?"


    Soon after, Shu Xian raised her hand. With a smile appearing on Pan An''s face, he looked at her and nodded, giving her permission to speak.


    "It''s because assessment is not just an item at the end of a topic. It is a process in which should ur every day in the ssroom. Which is why we have three different types of assessment namely: formative, summative, and diagnostic."


    "Correct," Pan An said, his small smile turning into a handsome, wide grin. "Well done, Shu Xian. Despiteing from the nurse''s office, you were able to cope up with your lessons and is able to answer. Imend you for that."


    With that, the students smiled and did a short round of apuse, Ruo Xi''s hand on the pen tightening as she didn''t like how Pan An''s smile turned wider at the sight and sound of that Shu Xian answering his question.


    That smile¡­ it used to be hers and she thought it was always hers!


    Why is it given to Shu Xian now¡ªjust an ordinary girl!?


    "Professor, if you want¡­ I could show to the ss a diagram I have imagined while having this discussion," she suggested, Professor Pan An, arching a brow at her appreciatively.


    "Why, that''s absolutely a good idea! If you may enlighten us, please?"


    Pan An gave the floor to Shu Xian. With Zhang Ren and Shi Lian looking at each other with a smirk on their face, Ruo Xi got a sight of it, the newly appointed professor of the Teacher of Education biting her bottom lip as she knew that these two knew something that she wanted to get ahold of.


    ''They might know about their budding rtionship and everything that lies underneath! How should I get further information so I could get on their nerves?''


    Shu Xian stood up from her seat and made way to the front. With her remembering what Ruo Xi had done in attempts to get his attention, a teasing smirk appeared on her face, having a sudden idea that would probably make Ruo Xi insane!


    Soon after, Shu Xian pretended to trip on her own foot, too! With her stumbling and with her about to lose her bnce, this time Pan An quickly stepped up, catching her in his arms!


    Everyone gasped at the sight of Shu Xiannding on Pan An''s chest, her hand sprawled on his chest. With Pan An discreetly tightening his grip around her waist, he acted professionally, only arching a brow at her.


    "Are you alright?"


    He may have acted out this way¡­ but deep down, he could deduce that Shu Xian was doing this on purpose and he would be delighted to y along with her!


    With a noding from the girl, she smiled as a soft blush appeared on her face even though this was done intentionally.


    As she slyly tucked a tendril of her hair behind her ear, she spoke softly, still heard by everyone in the ss as the students started to tease them, a "yieeee" sound erupting in the room.


    "I''m fine, Professor Pan An. My¡­ what quick reflexes you have."


    Pan An grinned, releasing her from his hold. As he was assured that Shu Xian already got her bnce, Pan An crossed his arms in front of his chest, what he said next an invisible p to Ruo Xi''s face.


    "A beautiful woman like you should be careful. I wouldn''t want to see you get hurt, Shu Xian."


    Shu Xian let out a subtle giggle, already getting the chalk that Pan An was giving her afterward. With her making her way to the board, the students liked the sudden disy of "affection" between the two.


    They may see it as something between a student and a teacher¡­ but deep down, both of them were already developing feelings for each other and they would now have to be careful since students are not at all dumb to notice things!


    "Tsk!"


    Ruo Xi clicked her tongue. With her hand tightening around the hold of her pen, it was as if further pressure would snap it into two.


    However, the sound that escaped from Ruo Xi''s mouth didn''t escape from Zhang Ren and Shi Lian''s ears. With them grinning at each other, they knew that both of them were doing this on purpose so they can get on Ruo Xi''s nerves instead!


    Whatever this woman behind them is nning, it''s obvious that her ns are backfired!


    Shu Xian started writing on the board. She first drew a box and inside it, was the statement "Diagnostic Assessment." She then drew an arrow going to the right, then drew a circle with the statement "Formative Assessment." She then drew another arrow going to the right, then drew a box which contained "Summative Assessment."


    Professor Pan An became all professional again, focusing his role as an instructor so as to not give hints to the ss about their developing rtionship. He then continued to watch Shu Xian''s illustration, the student focusing on her being a student as well.


    Shu Xian then went back to the first square. She made an arrow going up and down, and below it which said, "before learning." She then did the same to the circle and the statement below said, "during learning." Thenstly, the same for thest square, which said "after learning."


    As soon as she was done, she turned her body to look at Pan An, extending her arm to give him the chalk. With their fingertips brushing against each other for a brief moment, both of them looked at each other sweetly, the professor already getting the chalk from her.


    "Thank you for the wonderful illustration, Shu Xian. You indeed are smart."


    "Thank you¡ª" Shu Xian said, discreetly giving the professor a wink before she turned to the ss in order to return to her seat. "¡ªProfessor Pan An."


    Anyone who''s not dumb enough could see how both of them are secretlymunicating with each other!


    With Ruo Xi being one of those people who noticed their chemistry, it was obvious that their interaction is indeed a big p to her face, ruining all of her ns to distract Pan An!

 Chapter 199 - I Dont Want Anything Else

    "Shu Xian already provided what we are going to talk about today, so I am going to further supplement what she had said."


    Everyone listened to the professor. With their eyes on him, Ruo Xi had her eyes aimed at Shu Xian''s back, still irritated with the way the two had exchanged conversation a moment ago.


    Shu Xian at first thought that she was going to feel uneasy. However, even though Ruo Xi had been staring at her for too long, she found herself ignoring her pretty well¡ªunaffected by her long gaze!


    "As said and written by Shu Xian on the board, we have three types of assessment: diagnostic, formative, and summative. From this point on, it''s pretty obvious and inmon sense that you know what these three are. Care to tell me what it is?"


    This time, Zhang Ren raised his hand. With him answering the professor''s question, everyone listened to the every word that came out of his mouth.


    "Diagnostic assessment can either be in the beginning of the school year or before the beginning of a new lesson or unit. It provides the teacher with information about what students already know and are able to do. It is usuallypleted before teaching."


    "Correct," Pan An nodded approvingly. "And how about formative and summative?"


    "For formative assessment," Zhang Ren started, further exining to the ss. "It monitors the students'' progress and it includes feedback. However, students'' performance should not be used for grading purposes. Formative assessment ispleted during instruction."


    Shi Lian looked at Zhang Ren with her eyes twinkling like they were stars in the sky.


    With Zhang Ren answering the professor in such a coherent manner and at the same time full of depth, she couldn''t help but smile and find his knowledge amazing¡ªalready knowing that he''s a smart person.


    "As for summative assessment," Zhang Ren said next, "It sums up what students have learned. Examples are exams, projects, term papers, and the like. These forms of summative assessments are automatically graded and they are oftenpleted after instruction."


    "Well done, Zhang Ren. Your answers are already sufficed and I hope the students listened and had taken down notes as you discussed."


    Soon after, Professor Pan An went to the board and wrote the phrase "Activity Session." With him turning to his students now, he announced what everyone is going to do, getting everyone''s attention once more.


    "Now, what I want you to do is to work individually. You may choose either of the assessment type and then make a 20-30 itemed activity that your students will do ording to your major, of course. Afterward, brainstorm with your seatmates and ask them what theirment is on what you did."


    With a nod, the students got their drafts and nned what they are going to do for the activity.


    "The activity that we''re having now is considered as a diagnostic type and a formative type at the same time. I''m going to test what you already know, and at the same time, we are going to see what you have learned so far based on the discussion a while ago. Afterwards, we discuss some more on our findings."


    One student raised his hand, getting the professor''s attention. Upon being called upon, he asked a question.


    "Will this be done the whole period?"


    "Only for some time¡ªaround 40 minutes. 15 minutes before the sses would end, we would start assessing and at the same time, do a brief discussion. This will also be an introduction to the lesson that we are going to do the next week since today is already Friday."


    With that, the students already started doing their activity, minding their own business as they know cking off in this activity will only hinder their lessons in the next days.


    As Pan An looked at Ruo Xi, he arched a brow at her, making her body stiffen with him suddenly giving her attention.


    He then announced to the ss, saying, "Focus on your activity. I will be talking with the new professor in the next room for official business. Please knock on the next door room if something urgent hase up."


    As Ruo Xi stood up with a big smile on her face, Pan An immediately shifted her attention to Shu Xian and the group. With him throwing Shu Xian a secret look, it''s as if she understood already that it''s going to be alright.


    Shu Xian''s lips tugged into a small smile, giving him a small nod discreetly so as the other students won''t notice their secret conversation.


    With Pan An and Ruo Xi now exiting the ssroom, Zhang Ren and Shi Lian looked at Shu Xian, disbelief stered on their face as they saw that she is unaffected by them talking alone in the next room.


    "Y-you''re not bothered?" Shi Lian asked, Shu Xian, continuing to write on her notebook as she shook her head and answered her question.


    "Nope."


    Zhang Ren arched a brow at her.


    "They''re going to be alone in the next room."


    Shu Xian nodded. "I know."


    Zhang Ren and Shi Lian looked at each other then back at Shu Xian as they said in unison, "You really don''t have any problem about this?"


    "No," Shu Xian answered once more, snorting as she looked at her two friends. "Besides¡­" she then put up her wrist, showing them Pan An''s present. "He already assured me. I have nothing to worry about."


    Shi Lian and Zhang Ren then grinned. With them shaking their head as they continued doing their activity as well, both of them already knew that there is nothing to worry about.


    Even though Shu Xian was about to cry a moment ago before Pan An chased after her.


    ***


    Pan An and Ruo Xi were now out of the ssroom. The moment Pan An opened the door of the empty ssroom and let Ruo Xi enter the room, he soon followed, closing the door behind him as well.


    However, what Ruo Xi did took him by surprise, making his body stiffen.


    He felt Ruo Xi''s arm snake around his waist, her chin on his back as she whispered enough for him to hear.


    "Now¡­ aren''t you suggestive as you told everyone that we''ll be talking in an empty ssroom."


    Pan An didn''t know why, but he suddenly felt repulsive against the woman whom he once loved so much before.


    He rashly turned his body to face her and had immediately shoved her arms off of him, making Ruo Xi blink her eyes a few times at him, surprised by his reaction.


    Usually when she did this to him, Pan An would automatically sumb to her touch, yearning for her to touch him more and before they knew it, they would already find themselves on bed!


    However, with seeing Pan An feel this disgusted, she was utterly taken aback, feeling that the man before him was someone else!


    "P-Pan An¡­" Ruo Xi''s lips trembled as she acted pretty well, her eyes pooling tears at this moment. "I¡­ why did you¡ª"


    "What the hell do you want, Ruo Xi?"


    Pan An snapped at her, interrupting her words as he saw beyond her intentions.


    With her feigning ignorance as she blinked her eyes a few times, she effectively made her tone of voice so pathetic, stammering over her words so she could get his pity.


    "Wh-whatever do you mean, Pan An?"


    "This!"


    Pan An exasperatedly gestured to her, his hand moving up and down to her body as there was obvious disdain and disgust in his eyes.


    "You left the country and then you suddenlye back here after so many years? I couldn''t get a single clue about you as it seems all connection is lost and then now you''re¡­"


    Pan An narrowed his eyes at her, feelingpletely bbergasted with how Ruo Xi is acting.


    "You act as if nothing had ever happened. Our engagement and rtionship has long ended and now you''re here before me¡­ as if we are still together?"


    "Pan An¡­"


    Ruo Xi didn''t believe it, but she felt her heart breaking and aching in her chest.


    With real tears forming in her eyes this time as she couldn''t believe the sudden change of Pan An''s attitude even though she came here for an ulterior motive, she just couldn''t ept how cold he is acting towards her now.


    "I''ve always wanted answers as to why you suddenly left and why you suddenly ended everything. You never provided me any exnation. I thought seeing you again would make me want that¡ªseeking answers to those questions. But now, you here before me, I just don''t care."


    Ruo Xi''s lips trembled. With a tear escaping from her eye, even Pan An was unaffected by it, making him cross his arms in front of his chest as she asked, "Then¡­ why did you call me out here?"


    Pan An sighed, shaking his head in disappointment. With his eyes nonchnt as he answered her question truthfully, the words that came out of his mouth was enough to further break Ruo Xi''s heart beyond recognition.


    "Simple. I''m acting professionally and I would just like to ask whether you''re going to be escorted to the dean''s office after my ss because it''s my break time after this and I don''t want anything else to do with you."

 Chapter 200 - He Threatened Me

    "I''ve always wanted answers as to why you suddenly left and why you suddenly ended everything. You never provided me any exnation. I thought seeing you again would make me want that¡ªseeking answers to those questions. But now, you here before me, I just don''t care."


    "Simple. I''m acting professionally and I would just like to ask whether you''re going to be escorted to the dean''s office after my ss because it''s my break time after this and I don''t want anything else to do with you."


    Even though Pan An was right in front of her, Ruo Xi couldn''t believe what she just heard! How can Pan An treat her this way when she knew that he was head over heels for her?


    Was it really possible¡­ for him to forget her throughout the years that she disappeared from the country?


    She was certain that he wouldn''t ever forget her!


    But with him saying these words to her and with him acting this way towards her¡­ it may really be true right now that Pan An had a sudden change of heart.


    "Pan An¡­" Ruo Xi said his name again, her lips trembling. "Am I not the woman you want anymore?"


    The professor scoffed. With a mocking grin on his face as he couldn''t help but roll his eyes at her, Ruo Xi felt that she had said something stupid before him!


    It made her feel like a fool for seeking him out only to be treated this way!


    "Listen to yourself," Pan An retorted, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "How can you ask me that after you have left me? Do you think that I would continue loving you with the pain that you''ve caused me¡ªnot even bothering to exin?"


    Ruo Xi''s body trembled. With her tears now uncontrobly escaping her eyes, oddly, she found herself calm before him, another scoffing from Pan An''s mouth.


    "As if you crying before me would help. It won''t."


    With a disappointed shook of his head, he let out a sigh, now looking at Ruo Xi with condescending eyes.


    It''s as if he had never loved her at all¡ªsurprising even himself when he gave everything to her back when they were still together.


    Sometimes when he thought that he wouldn''t get over her, her being in front of him has proved him wrong.


    He did get over her without him even knowing. Even though the memories of the past haunted him and that he thought of her from time to time, now that she''s here in front of him¡­


    It''s as if all of those were swept away.


    "Do you have anything else to say? If none, we leave it as this¡ªI''ll escort you back to the faculty once sses have ended."


    As Ruo Xi didn''t say even a single word, Pan An took it as a signal that there is no more to talk about.


    However, the moment the professor turned his back against her to leave the room, Ruo Xi widened her eyes, catching him by the wrist.


    Pan An arched a brow at her as he turned his head to face her. With Ruo Xi''s hand tightening, Pan An furrowed his brows, wondering why this girl couldn''t seem to let him go.


    "What now?"


    "I came all the way back here¡­ just for you."


    The way she said it made Pan An hear her voice break. With her forcing herself not to cry, the professor almost felt how sincere her words are, making him feel a slight ache in his chest when he already felt proud of himself for not feeling anything.


    Why feel something for her¡ªeven in the slightest¡ªnow?


    "And?"


    Pan An just said, the snappiness still evident in his voice. With Ruo Xi raising her head to look at him, she answered him, her words firing straight to him like a bullet from a gun.


    "I can''t stop thinking about you during all those years that I haven''t seen you."


    Pan An''s eyebrow twitched. If he loved her still, he would be happy about that. But hearing this now, obviously he wasn''t even in the slightest bit very thrilled about it.


    Rather, he felt disgusted¡ªas if someone had jabbed his stomach, making him want to vomit.


    "Ruo Xi¡­ if you truly ever loved me¡­ then you would never have left me confused and broken."


    What Pan An said was true. What he said was true, making Ruo Xi feel something painful in her gut.


    However, she still hoped that she would get through Pan An''s walls¡ªhopeful that Pan An will still open up to her despite everything.


    ''He doesn''t have to know the truth,'' she thought, looking at him straight in the eyes. ''I know he doesn''t believe whatever his mother could''ve said. I could still wrap him around my finger!''


    With a sighing from her mouth, she released him from her hold. With her shaking her head as she embraced herself to look vulnerable, she spoke once more.


    "How could I tell you everything¡­ when you saw how your mother was so adamant to stop our engagement? Didn''t you see the way she forced and threatened me?"


    Pan An didn''t answer for a while.


    What she said was true¡ªit was one of the reasons why he also started hating his mother because she didn''t want his rtionship to go further with Ruo XI.


    However, as years went on, he also thought that his mother couldn''t have acted that way if she didn''t know or see anything.


    Why is it only now that Ruo Xi is here that he realized that he was so stubborn¡ªeven pushing away his family and even arguing with his best friend whom he knew that he also knew what''s best for him?


    Suddenly, right at this moment, Pan An suddenly had the courage and the urge to ask. With him crossing his arms in front of his chest again, he asked her a question that made her feel nervous since she didn''t even think that Pan An would question her.


    "Why were you there on the balcony with my mother and why was she so angry at you? She would never act that way without a reason."


    ''Tsk! Damn it!''


    Ruo Xi internally clicked her tongue, her hands at the side turning into tight fists. She never thought that Pan An would ever ask about this from her. The moment she left, she knew that he would be so heartbroken¡ªhe would persistently look for her!


    He did look for her, Ruo Xi knew he had looked for her. However, with Cai Li having powerful backers and with her threat, she knew best not to confront her son even though she wanted to.


    She was caught cheating on him with his best friend! How could Ruo Xi risk her reputation?


    She knew she had to y it safe¡ªhad to keep her distance. Of course, Hao Jiao Long also followed her in the process and she foundfort in his love and in his arms.


    At first she found herself guilty for hurting someone so good like Pan An. She found herself guilty for cheating on him with his dear friend!


    However, as it went on with him, it''s as if she got used to it already¡ªthinking that it''s even normal to think of Pan An every now and then.


    Heck, even when Hao Jiao Long bed her, she would fantasize about Pan An even though her husband is a better fucker!


    She thought herself insane for thinking so¡ªshe thought herself a bitch for even thinking and doing so!


    But she couldn''t help herself. She found herself wanting Pan An. She found herself craving for Pan An.


    She sounds like a bitch and she knows it¡­


    But she just couldn''t help it.


    She wanted more and she wasn''t satisfied. She wanted more and she will do her best to get it even though it''s in a form of revenge.


    She wanted more¡­ and she will desperately do anything to get Pan An crawling for her toe back.


    "Well?"


    When Pan An spoke again, it snapped Shu Xian out of her thoughts. With a sudden ideaing to her mind, she thought of the most absurd thing possible, the words heavy on her tongue but she knew it might stir something from within Pan An.


    "Your friend¡­ Hao Jiao Long. He threatened me."


    It''s as if the blood from Pan An''s face drained away. With him turning pale with the sudden inclusion of his friend with whom they can no longer contact, he didn''t know what to say, nor how to react.


    "What?"


    Ruo Xi tried her best to fight back the forming smirk that is tugging the corner of her lips. With her feigning vulnerability as she covered her hand to her mouth so as to hide her lips in order for Pan An not to suspect a thing, she said something that made sense to Pan An.


    "Haven''t you wondered why he suddenly left and why you couldn''t contact him, too? It''s because of what I said¡ªhe threatened me¡­"

 Chapter 201 - Not By My Mothers Hand

    [ANNOUNCEMENT: This chapter is dedicated to fieryscarlett02 for leaving a review for my story! Thank you so much!]


    ***


    "Your friend¡­ Hao Jiao Long. He threatened me."


    It''s as if the blood from Pan An''s face drained away. With him turning pale with the sudden inclusion of his friend with whom they can no longer contact, he didn''t know what to say, nor how to react.


    "What?"


    Ruo Xi tried her best to fight back the forming smirk that is tugging the corner of her lips. With her feigning vulnerability as she covered her hand to her mouth so as to hide her lips in order for Pan An not to suspect a thing, she said something that made sense to Pan An.


    "Haven''t you wondered why he suddenly left and why you couldn''t contact him, too? It''s because of what I said¡ªhe threatened me¡­"


    Pan An stood still in front of Ruo Xi. With him not believing what he has heard, he didn''t know whether she was lying or saying the truth.


    Because coincidentally, that was also the time that their best friend went "missing."


    Pan An just stood in his ce, blinking his eyes in disbelief for a few times. With Ruo Xi furrowing her brows in worry as she didn''t know what Pan An is thinking, deep down, however, she felt happy to see the sudden change of his hostility into silence.


    Ruo Xi didn''t expect herself to say a bad thing about her husband as well! She somehow felt guilty afterward, but soon after, it''s as if that small tinge of guilt was not there¡ªthe joy of getting Pan An''s attention giving her satisfaction.


    The professor calmed himself down. He knew that being bbergasted upon the information will not do him good so he started thinking¡ªremembering what his mother and his friend told him.


    They acted adamantly about Pan An forgetting about Ruo Xi. They were saying stuff about her, saying that she betrayed him. Heck, even Wang Lei has told and warned Pan An that Hao Jiao Long is involved!


    And with Ruo Xi now saying that she was "threatened" by Hao Jiao Long, it further confirmed the warnings of his mother and his friend.


    He suddenly disappeared at the same time Ruo Xi left. He could only deduce this much that indeed, both of them may be together.


    But something is amiss.


    Pan An knew right here and then that he shouldn''t trust Ruo Xi the way he trusted her before all the years when they were together.


    It was difficult, but he had to be rational.


    He didn''t know whether she was lying¡­ and of course, he didn''t know whether she was saying the truth!


    Pan An knew better to y it safe than to act by mere judgments without evidences.


    The professor let out a sigh all of a sudden, crossing his arms in front of his chest.


    "Let''s go back to ss. I have no time for this right now."


    Ruo Xi widened her eyes. As she saw Pan An about to leave once more, she couldn''t believe that he brushed this issue aside for a moment, making him cling onto his arm to stop him in his tracks!


    Because of this, Pan An knitted his brows together in frustration, now harshly getting his arm away from her grip.


    "What is wrong with you?"


    "Why don''t you believe me?"


    Ruo Xi''s voice came out desperately this time, rather than saddened.


    "Why are you pushing me away when you told me that you loved me so much and that you will always be here for me no matter what?"


    Pan An exasperatedly ran his hand through his hair. With him wanting to leave the ssroom as he couldn''t stand being in front of her, he snapped at her with his words.


    "How can you be this shameless? How can you do this when I know for a fact that your pride is important?"


    "See?" Ruo Xi''s lips trembled. "You know me so well. You still know so much about me and¡ª"


    "What we shared together is nothing but a part of the past. We parted in the most painful way but it made me learn. Youing back here, I could say that it''s not that simple."


    "Pan An¡ª"


    "You say you were threatened," Pan An interrupted, already pointing a finger at her as if using her of a crime. "But what are you doing here if you im that Hao Jiao Long threatened you?"


    Ruo Xi bit her bottom lip, not knowing what to say. She knew that Pan An is intelligent, but she didn''t know that he was able to keep his emotions at bay and reassess the situation!


    With another sighing from the professor, he looked at Ruo Xi coldly, his words that slipped from his tongue daggers aimed to her heart¡ªstabbing her a lot of times.


    "Indeed I loved you so much and I promised you that I would be there for you when need be. But that was before when I was a fool, Ruo Xi. People change, and promises can be broken. I don''t want any connections with you anymore. Don''t make this difficult as it is."


    Ruo Xi couldn''t believe it¡ªRuo Xi couldn''t fathom it! She never had her heart broken but being treated by Pan An this way, being thrown heartbreaking words by Pan An this way, it made her feel what it felt like to have a heartbreak.


    It is excruciatingly painful in the chest, making it difficult for her to breathe. She thought that her tears were only an act, but this time, it was true. And this time¡­


    She regretted fooling him.


    Why did she only realize it now that in the end she wanted Pan An, despite marrying his good friend, Hao Jiao Long?


    "P-Pan An¡­" Ruo Xi sobbed, her eyes already swollen as she cried. "Please don''t push me away. I¡­ I want you back."


    Pan An''s ear twitched. He didn''t know why, but at this moment when his eyes wandered off from her stature, his gaze shifted to the wall behind her where he had earlier pinned Shu Xian against it.


    How absurd it is to think of her right at this moment when his ex was desperate to ask him back. He remembered his moment with Shu Xian that sent pleasurable shockwaves throughout his body.


    He remembered how Shu Xian willingly allowed Pan An to kiss her passionately. He remembered the sensation of her hand running through his hair with want and need, her hand also on his arm as she bnced herself because her legs felt like jelly.


    Other than that pleasurable moment, he remembered how Shu Xian appreciated his gift during her birthday celebration yesterday.


    He remembered how both of them confessed to each other their fervent feelings for each other when she thought that he would lose him to his ex.


    Oh, how he felt pride and joy swelling from his chest when he saw the fear in Shu Xian''s eyes¡ªthe uneasiness reflected in her words and actions that she didn''t want to be toyed.


    It was then by the sight of that that Pan An knew that he, too, felt the same way¡ªhe was ardently waiting for Shu Xian all his life and both of them were too stubborn not to ept it because they live together and because of their status in the university.


    Shu Xian¡­ she''s the only woman in his mind that he should think of now and no one else.


    This Ruo Xi before him whom he had given the world to should be long forgotten and should be long ignored.


    Shu Xian deserved more and Pan An didn''t want her to feel uneasy and he didn''t want her to doubt him.


    Now is the time to end this¡ªnow is the time topletely shove Ruo Xi away from his life.


    "Pan An?"


    When Ruo Xi called out to him, it had snapped Pan An from his stupor. With him slowly shifting his gaze back to the woman in front of him, Ruo Xi spoke again, wondering why he was not paying attention.


    "What are you thinking of?"


    The corner of Pan An''s lips curled into a smirk. With his lopsided smile sending shivers down Ruo Xi''s spine as she saw how handsome the professor is, what Pan An had said next broke the woman''s imaginative trance, not liking what she had heard as an answer.


    "Shu Xian. The girl whom you just saw who came inte."


    "What?"


    Ruo Xi didn''t know why, but she took a few steps back until she reached the wall where Shu Xian was earlier.


    With her back hitting the concrete, Pan An did a kabe-don, his voice mischievous as he intentionally annoyed Ruo Xi.


    "I had her there in your ce just a moment ago and assured her of my intentions. Both of us wanted each other right here and then and if we were not in the university, I bet we''d be doing something more."


    "Y-you¡ª!!"


    Ruo Xi felt rage course through her veins, her tears already ceasing as her hands at her sides balled into tight fists due to frustration.


    "I know you would not dare say a thing that would risk our reputation," Pan An added, his smirk not leaving his face. "Because if you do, consider yourself gone from the country once more. Not by my mother''s hand¡­ but by mine."

 Chapter 202 - Bestowed Upon Her Elegance And Charm

    Pan An was the final say. After he spoke to Ruo Xi and had told her words that were daggers aimed to her heart, he left the room to herself, already going back to the ssroom alone.


    He called her out so he could ask her what her ns are after his ss if he is to escort her to the faculty or not. However, his anger and frustration towards her had allowed him to leave her without even sparing a single look back.


    Ruo Xi, for some reason, found herself scoffing at how she was treated. Instead of going to the ssroom, she walked out of the room where she and Pan An were and immediately went to thedies washroom.


    She was d that the moment she entered, thefort room was empty. Even though protocols say that the door of public restrooms should be opened, she closed it for her only use, already screaming at the top of her lungs for her to release her annoyance.


    "That damned Shu Xian," Ruo Xi said under gritted teeth, already making way to the sink to wash her face with cold water. "You ruined all of my ns!"


    She sshed more water unto her face. With her makeup ruined because of the crying that she did in front of Pan An earlier, she opted to fix it first before she goes back to the ssroom.


    With a sigh leaving her lips, she looked at her reflection in the mirror, nkly staring into her own eyes.


    Ruo Xi heaved deep breaths and released it slowly. She didn''t want to lose her cool and she had kept it pretty well, only to have snapped right at this moment.


    With her closing her eyes, she heaved onest sigh in an attempt to rx herself, but s, her nerves were still riled up when she remembered the words that Pan An had told her in a form of a threat.


    ''I know you would not dare say a thing that would risk our reputation. Because if you do, consider yourself gone from the country once more. Not by my mother''s hand¡­ but by mine.''


    Ruo Xi opened her eyes, rage present. With her already wiping her face with her handkerchief found in her bag, she got her powder and then lipstick, doing a quick touch-up on her face.


    With Pan An''s words that still rung in her thoughts which she knew that would bother her to no end, she would have to think of another way to expose the two without her getting caught.


    But how would she be able to do that¡ªwhen it will be obvious that if she attempts, it will be her since she came back here in the country out of the blue?


    After applying the red on her lips, she kept her makeup kit in her bag. With her hands tightening on the sink, she looked at her reflection with determination etched in her eyes, thinking to herself of the best thing that she could do now.


    ''I''ll n this carefully and slowly. I''ll take my time now until I formte a n. For now, I have to get information about the people surrounding Pan An¡ªespecially that damned girl, Shu Xian.''


    And with that, her lips curled into an evil smirk. As she gave herself onest look in the mirror, she then walked away and left the restroom, on her way to the ssroom to continue her observation.


    ***


    The moment the door of the ssroom opened, Ruo Xi smiled and nodded at everyone as a quick greeting, quietly heading to her seat a moment ago.


    With Pan An only acknowledging her presence with a professional nod, he then continued roaming around the ssroom, checking on every student doing the activity.


    Shu Xian was obviously focused in making her assessment activity, not even noticing Ruo Xi who just came in and sat right behind her. With Zhang Ren and Shi Lian only noticing her presence, both of them also stayed quiet as they did their activity.


    Pan An walked in the aisles found in the ssroom, asionally looking into the papers of his students. With the ssroom only having whispers of students discussing the activity, the noise was actually a noise of productivity¡ªsomething that the professor didn''t mind.


    From time to time, his eyes swept on the woman who''s capturing his heart. Discreetly, he smiled at her the moment their gazes met, making sure that other students won''t see.


    However, that was only earlier when he had just arrived. With Shu Xian focusing now, she wouldn''t even dare look up from her paper, continuing to write on her draft and rechecking it before she rewrites the output onto her final paper.


    Shu Xian had her brows slightly knitted together. With the tip of her pen on her lips as she contemted, Pan An thought of himself absurd to be wishing to be that pen so he could feel the softness and taste the sweetness of her lips.


    Her furrowed brows were actually cute¡ªmaking him want to inch in closer and touch it to part them then nt a loving kiss on it!


    If only he wasn''t a professor doing his responsibility in the university. If he were a student sitting beside Shu Xian, he might take a chance to do something shameless as to give her a quick kiss even though it might raise an issue.


    But s, he could only keep his fantasies to himself! He knew better than to wait and be patient because if he acted rashly, not only will his work be affected.


    But Shu Xian''s studious goals as well could be jeopardized and he wouldn''t want that.


    Shu Xian looked at her paper once more. With her double checking again and again especially with how she formted her instructions and her activity items, a small smile tugged the corner of her lips, satisfied that what she did is already passable for Professor Pan An.


    She then put her pen down. With her moving her neck side to side as if to rx her tensed muscles, it made a soft cracking sound, her hair following the movement of her head.


    Pan An, who was currently in a far corner, watched her secretly. With the way she moved her hair and head showing the skin of her neck, it lit a fire of anticipation from within him, making it difficult for him to avert his gaze away from her!


    Since when did Pan An find Shu Xian so attractive? Both of them just met and he knew that they only lived together for quite a short time, but he was suddenly entrapped by her allure.


    Pan An acknowledged her beauty, yes...


    But right now, it''s as if she''s prettier than ever¡ªas if Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, had bestowed upon her elegance and charm that is at par with Helen of Troy, the woman who is believed to have a face thatunched a thousand ships!


    With Shu Xian now stretching her arms up, her back arched up slightly as she realized that she had slouched for a long time. As her hand slowly held the right part of her neck, she closed her eyes, circled her head to ease her tensed muscles, her lips slightly parted in the process.


    ''Damn, woman! What are you doing?'' Pan An thought, obviously mesmerized by the simple action that is not meant to seduce any man.


    Yes, it was not meant to seduce any man, but this woman is efficiently making his soldier stand in attention!


    "Shu Xian," Pan An snapped, the students in the ssroom looking at him, especially Shu Xian who was taken aback with his sudden call that etched urgency.


    "Yes?"


    "Come with me," Pan An answered, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "I almost forgot to tell you that the Chief Librarian Wang Fang has asked for you 10 minutes before the time which is now."


    "Oh?"


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times, knowing that their Chief Librarian is on leave because of her sister''s birthday.


    However, she couldn''t understand why Pan An would lie on such a thing and it would be embarrassing if she told him in front of the ss that it isn''t true so she went along with it, already moving away from her desk.


    "Please carry my things for me," Shu Xian told Shi Lian, her best friend grinning ear to ear as she nodded.


    "Shi Lian," Pan An then called out, surprising her as well. "Do collect the papers for me. Since I''ll be escorting Shu Xian to the library, I''d also be borrowing books. Consider this as an early dismissal of our session. Students, once done, do pass your papers to Shi Lian."


    "But¡ª"


    However, before Shi Lian could even retort and ask when and where to give the papers, Pan An and Shu Xian already left the ssroom, making Shi Lian groan. Zhang Ren chuckled at her frustrated reaction.


    "Don''t worry," he said, a sweet smile on his face as he put his hand on her shoulder. "I''ll help you out."


    And with that, Shi Lian just shook her head with disapproval as she collected the papers of the students who were already passing to her their activity.


    ''Both of them¡­ if they continue acting this shameless, I''d even have to make my way to ask the security to clear their CCTV footage from time to time... being one of the benefactors of this university!''

 Chapter 203 - Us

    Shu Xian didn''t know why Pan An had called her out of the ssroom. He made a reason that Wang Fang called for her but in reality, she knew that Wang Fang had a personal affair that she had to attend.


    Why would he make a sudden alibi?


    "What''s wrong, Professor Pan An?" Shu Xian asked the moment they both went out of the ssroom, Shu Xian acting like a student so no one would suspect them.


    However, Pan An didn''t say a word. What he did was a thing that Shu Xian least expected, the professor putting his hand on her arm, and then dragging her toward the empty ssroom where they were a moment ago.


    Shu Xian widened her eyes and blinked them in surprise. The moment the door closed behind her, Pan An made sure that it was locked, already not giving Shu Xian the chance to escape as he put his hand against the door, blocking her path.


    "P-Pan An?" Shu Xian now said his name, knowing that they''re alone inside the ssroom. "What are you doing?"


    Pan An still didn''t speak. With his forehead against hers as the tip of their nose rubbed against each other, Shu Xian found herself locking eyes with his.


    The professor''s breath fanned over her lips. With her suddenly feeling a surge of want and desire course through her body, Pan An held the tips of her hair yfully, his words then sending shivers down her spine.


    "You madden me, woman," he said, his voice sultry and seductive. "How could you do such a simple action that would arouse me so?"


    "Pan An?"


    Shu Xian was unsure of what he meant. However, hearing his words made her knees quiver in desire, the girl hitching her breath ever so suddenly when she felt his knuckles brush against the softness of her skin.


    She didn''t know exactly what he meant¡­ but somehow she knew that he meant that she was affecting him so like how he is affecting her right at this moment.


    "The way you move your head, baring your neck¡­ do you think I''d like you to do that with other people around?"


    "What?"


    Shu Xian spoke almost in a whisper. However, the tone of her voice etched desire, a smirk tugging the corners of Pan An''s lips, making him look mischievous.


    "Don''t feign ignorance now. Well, you may be unaware¡­ but with me seeing you do such an action even from afar, I only want it to be done around me."


    "Oh?"


    Shu Xian felt rather naughty right this moment. With a teasing smile appearing on her face, it made Pan An grin, liking the yfulness disyed on her face.


    "You mean¡ª" Shu Xian started, tilting her head to the right, baring the left side of her neck as her hair followed her movements. "¡ªlike this?"


    "Oh, yes¡­" Pan An replied, leaning down as his breath kissed her skin when he further said, "Just like this."


    Soon after, Pan An really had ced his lips upon her neck, making Shu Xian gasp as she felt the hotness and wetness at the same time.


    With her biting her bottom lip as she closed her eyes in pleasure, she then slowlybed her hand through his hair, Pan An liking the sensation.


    Oh how he really loved feeling her fingers run through his hair. Oh how he really loved the feeling of her allowing him to continue on as she pulled him closer to her.


    It could only mean one thing¡ªher desiring him all the same¡ªthe same way that he had desired for her.


    "P-Pan An¡­"


    Shu Xian stammered upon saying his name, her eyes slowly opening to attempt in looking at him.


    "Not here¡­ not now."


    "Why?" the professor asked against her neck, Shu Xian yfully rolling her eyes at him even though he wouldn''t see.


    "You perfectly know why," Shu Xian replied in an attempt to scold him, but it came out as nothing but a disappointed response.


    Why was it a disappointed response? Disappointment because they both know that they had to stop?


    Or disappointment because she wanted more but they couldn''t have it?


    As if sensing the tone of her voice, Pan An raised his head from the crook of her neck, giving her a devilish and hot lopsided smile that could make any woman swoon.


    Even her whom she thought would never do so.


    "I know perfectly why¡­ but what is this sadness etched in your voice, hmm?"


    Shu Xian then had a blush on her face. With Pan An letting out a soft chuckle, he put his hands on her waist, biting her earlobe that made her knees weaken.


    Luckily, Pan An held her in ce. If not, she would literally fall for him¡­


    "If you don''t want me to call for your attention and disturb your studies¡­ you better do your best not to ''incite'' your professor or else you''ll be having some punishment."


    "And what¡ª" Shu Xian spoke, Pan An raising his head to meet her eyes. "¡ªis the punishment?"


    "Ever so curious, Shu Xian," hemented, arching a brow at her as his mischievous smile had never left his face. "A quality of a student who''s eager to learn. But if you''re curious about the punishment¡­"


    Pan An then trailed off, his right hand slowly lowering down until Shu Xian''s lips parted, quite surprised to have felt the man before him cupping her ass.


    "You''ll definitely get a dose of your own medicine."


    Shu Xian arched a brow at him, taunting him even more.


    "What kind of medicine?"


    "Well¡­"


    Pan An couldn''t help but chuckle, his eyes nownding on Shu Xian''s lips.


    "The medicine that''s strong enough that you won''t even forget the taste of it."


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but giggle. With herugh cute and infectious, the professor couldn''t help butugh along with her for a few seconds before cing his lips softly unto hers to silence her.


    It was not the kind of kiss that was filled with want and desire like a moment ago¡­ but it was the kind of kiss that was filled with affection and care.


    Pan An''s thumb brushed against her cheek as his lips moved slowly, Shu Xian enjoying this kind of kiss as she sprawled her hand on his chest.


    Pan An''s left arm snaked around her waist, pulling her closer to him. He knew that both of them may be running out of time and that they should have to leave this ssroom before the bell would ring but he just couldn''t help it.


    Now that he is aware of his feelings towards Shu Xian, he allowed himself to show his affections and intentions, the girl before him all the more reciprocating as she felt the same way.


    Shu Xian felt her heart racing in her chest¡ªbeating crazily like a drum as if a drummer from a rock band is doing a drum solo. Somehow, it made her feel conscious of the possibility of Pan An hearing or feeling how fast and hard her heartbeat is.


    Even though she had that thought, deep within her, she wasn''t that afraid of him to sense. Shu Xian couldn''t put it into words yet, but she hopes that in this manner, Pan An could be able to feel how she ardently started falling for him.


    With both of them still continuing to kiss each other passionately and slowly, Shu Xian then grinned against his lips, breaking away from the professor''s loving smooches.


    Pan An then smiled, not even knowing what they''re smiling about. With Shu Xian suddenly stopping making him curious, he arched a brow at her, the tip of his nose on hers.


    "What are you thinking of?"


    "You," Shu Xian immediately answered, not even bothering to hesitate. "Us."


    Now that had gotten his attention. With Pan An still not pulling away from her as his left arm was still wrapped around her waist, he had no intention of letting her go, asking her a question.


    "And what about us?"


    Shu Xian didn''t answer for a moment. With her looking straight into his eyes, she saw her reflection on his pupils, making her feel beautiful right at this moment.


    She couldn''t see a clear picture of her in his eyes, of course¡­ however, with how he was looking at her with intent and with how his eyes reflected her vision, Shu Xian felt her confidence brimming proudly¡ªShu Xian felt herself beautiful beyond words that he could even say.


    As the silence between them made Pan An worry, he then furrowed his brows, saying her name with uncertainty etched in his voice.


    "Shu Xian?"


    Pan An looked serious, the smile on Shu Xian not leaving her face.


    "What''s wrong?"


    The girl in his arm just shook her head. With her nting a soft kiss on his lips thatsted for five seconds, she answered in a whisper that was capable enough to make the professor''s heart beat in his chest.


    "You''re making me crazy, Pan An. What the hell are you doing to me that''s so out of character?"

 Chapter 204 - You Know What I Mean

    "You''re making me crazy, Pan An. What the hell are you doing to me that''s making me act out of character?"


    Pan An couldn''t help but smirk. With his eyes drifting to Shu Xian''s lips, he pulled her further towards him, Shu Xian gasping as she felt something hard against her groin.


    "Pan An," she said with a slight panic etched in her voice. "What is this?"


    "You mean¡­" Pan An feigned ignorance, further pulling her close so she could feel him. "My desire for you?"


    Shu Xian knew that she actually wasn''t that innocent. However, it was still her first time to experience such a thing, making her blink her eyes at him in disbelief as herment in a form of a mumble made himugh.


    "It''s hard and¡ª"


    "Hard and what?" Pan An interrupted, Shu Xian''s face having a soft flush of pink.


    "N-Never mind," she stammered, obviously embarrassed with what she impulsively had said.


    "Anyway, we have to go. The first bell will ring soon and¡ª"


    Pan An kissed her again. It was differentpared to the kiss that they shared a moment ago¡ªthis time more demanding and more possessive.


    Pan An''s tongue brushed against the line of Shu Xian''s lip, Shu Xian letting out a small mewl of satisfaction as she closed her eyes and opened her mouth for his entry.


    She knew that it was wrong for them to do such an action in the university even and with the bell almost ringing. She was nervous that they might get caught considering that the time of the first lesson is already at its end.


    Students would usually roam around the hallways of the university before they would start the next lesson because they would be waiting outside until the first ss will be dismissed.


    With this in thought, suddenly, nervousness washed over her dazed state, Shu Xian snapping open her eyes to look at him. They broke away from the kiss, however, Pan An''s head resting on the crook of her neck and started kissing her skin.


    "Pan An," Shu Xian said his name in a form of a scowl. "If you don''t stop now, I''d be having to kick your balls beyond recognition."


    He couldn''t help butugh aloud when he heard her statement. With him already releasing her from his hold, Shu Xian narrowed her eyes at him, crossing her arms in front of her chest.


    "Tempting as it is, we have to stop what we are doing right now or else we''ll get caught! Students may be walking about outside of this room and if they see me and you together¡ªespecially your students whom you told that we''d be going to the library when you lied at them¡­ it will raise suspicions."


    Pan An nodded at her, his grin never leaving his face. It was because of this expression that Shu Xian arched a brow at him, feeling that Pan An is mocking her because of how he agreed to her with enthusiasm.


    "Anyway," Shu Xian just said, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "I''d be going out first and will be going to the library for a quick visit so as to not look suspicious because of the alibi that you gave. And then, you''d follow after. You have to borrow books."


    "Yes, yes," Pan An agreed, still nodding like a disciple in front of his master. "Your wish is mymand."


    Shu Xian just yfully rolled her eyes at him. Without saying a word, she already left, Pan An following in tow.


    From the back, Pan An watched the student in front of him walk with elegance, his smile not leaving his face as he was also relieved that the moment they left the empty ssroom, not a single student was found in the corridors.


    "Professor Pan An," Shu Xian called out, snapping Pan An from his thoughts when he remembered that Shu Xian is now formal because they were already out in the open as a professor and a student. "May I ask why that damned woman is here?"


    Pan An didn''t know whether tough or cry. She was so formal at first and now she was cursing under her breath about the arrival of Ruo Xi.


    Pan An at first did not like how one would address to his past lover in such words. However now, he realized that he was not bothered by it¡ªsurprised by the fact that he actually liked Shu Xian talking bad about her now because it would show him how she is interested in him.


    "Why are you asking?" Pan An asked, a teasing tone in his voice.


    Shu Xian just turned her head to look at him as they walked. With her narrowing her eyes at him, she just let out a scoff but still, she answered his query.


    "I was just wondering why a woman whom people thought had left the country, suddenly came back here as if nothing had happened. Your mother clearly warned me about her and had even asked me to make you forget about her. I was worried and¡ª"


    "You were what?" Pan An asked, still smiling mischievously as he liked the idea of thetter part¡ªher worried.


    "I mean¡ª" Shu Xian started and cleared her throat, noticing that she was speaking nonstop and every time she did so, she was frustrated or rather nervous. "¡ªI thought that my fears were going to happen."


    Though this time, she is absolutely frustrated because she didn''t like how the woman was acting coyly towards the man whom she started getting attracted to.


    So, this is what jealousy felt like. It was something bothersome because she never felt jealous about anything or anyone. But this¡­ it certainly makes one question about himself or herself.


    She had to admit that she almost lost her confidence a moment ago¡ªseeing how pretty she was, blessed even with a voluptuous body!


    She was about to cry and she remembered how she was about to break down upon the sight of her being in front of Professor Pan An.


    She wanted to walk out from that room to calm herself down, but s, the professor had followed her which she hadn''t expected at all!


    Shu Xian even thought of the worst-case scenario. She thought that Pan An would tell her that upon seeing Ruo Xi, he had not forgotten about her.


    It was crazy that Shu Xian even thought of that and had brushed aside what they had shared during her birthday yesterday, their sweet moments at the eve of her special day.


    Shu Xian right now found herself ridiculous! But with Pan An reassuring her of his feelings towards her despite them only starting to fall for each other, she was now certain of what is about toe and that she had nothing to worry about.


    Heck, she was so happy that she might even give Cai Li a call¡ªupdating her that what they had talked about during her visit could happen!


    She was right that she knew her son all along, and she was right that Shu Xian had the capability to get her son''s attention.


    Right here and then, she felt confidence brimming from within her, radiating in a powerful glow that even Pan An could sense.


    He didn''t know why, but he nodded approvingly, shoving aside their conversation for a while as they walked towards the library, surprising Shu Xian with hisment.


    "You know, you''re more charming than ever."


    Another blush swept Shu Xian''s face. With Pan An''s lips curling into a hot, lopsided smile, Shu Xian got a glimpse of it from the corner of her eye.


    ''This professor,'' she thought to herself, forcing herself not to swoon. ''He''s smugger more than ever, but not that I''mining¡ªhe has all the right to and I don''t even mind it!''


    With Shu Xian not giving a reply to what he said, Pan An redirected their conversation, remembering what she had told himst time.


    "You said you were afraid that the one you feared is going to happen. And what is that?"


    Shu Xian looked at him again, their eyes locked as they continued walking towards the library.


    "You know what I mean," she said almost silently, now avoiding his gaze as she was embarrassed of saying thetter part of her sentence. "I know how much Ruo Xi had affected you so. You even called her name the time you were drunk and you were always angry when people badmouthed her."


    Pan An didn''t know what to say. He hated to admit it, but she was right. With a sigh escaping his lips, he just shook his head and spoke in all seriousness, hoping that his words may give light to her dark suspicions.


    "That was before I met you."


    "Wrong," Shu Xian interjected, a cunning smile appearing on her face as she focused her sight on the path before them since they''re walking down the stairs. "That was also during the time you met me."


    And she was right again. With them already near the library, both of them silenced as they no longer knew how to continue this conversation without having to feel awkward.

 Chapter 205 - Unexpectedly (And Secretly)

    Shu Xian and Pan An arrived in the library. The moment they did, Shu Xian thought that he''s going to go back to the ssroom or to the faculty since he lied about being needed here, but still, she had to buy some time or else other people will suspect her.


    "Aren''t you going back?" she whispered, Pan An, shaking his head in protest like a kid.


    "No. I''m going with you."


    Shu Xian narrowed her eyes at him.


    "People will suspect us!"


    "They won''t," he replied with a scoff, yfully rolling his eyes at her. "Besides¡­ we''re not yet done with the conversation."


    "We will talk about itter," Shu Xian almost snapped in annoyance, not wanting the people who have their vacant time in the library to hear them. "Just pretend that you''re borrowing books and then go back! I''d have to make a quick detour here before going to my next ss because of you."


    Pan An feigned getting a heart break. With him pretending to wince as he put his hand on his chest, Shu Xian arched a brow at him, forcing herself not tough¡ªor even smile because of what he did!


    ''This Pan An¡­ he''s acting like a child!''


    "Fine¡­ we''ll talk about this during dinner time," he suggested, Shu Xian, blinking her eyes a few times.


    "Dinner time?"


    "Yes," Pan An answered, stopping in his tracks as it made Shu Xian stop as well. "I''ll be waiting for you at home after my sses in the afternoon and then we''ll drive to the same mall and eat there."


    "Alright," Shu Xian answered as an excited smile appeared on her face. "See youter, then."


    And with that, Pan An did reallye to borrow a book. As he went to the periodicals section to borrow thetest paper of the day, Shu Xian then walked up to their workstation in the fiction and inte library, surprising Yan Yan and Zhong Li on her sudden appearance.


    "Shu Xian!"


    Yan Yan greeted in a loud whisper, making Zhong Li choke on his drink as he was surprised with her sudden exmation.


    "So unusual of you to drop by! Don''t you have a ss?"


    Zhong Li wiped the corners of his mouth with his arm. With him shyly looking at Shu Xian as he nodded at her to greet her, Shu Xian smiled at the two, answering Yan Yan''s question.


    "Well, unexpectedly, we had an early dismissal and I thought of killing time," she reasoned, Yan Yan, arching a brow at her in confusion.


    "When you have like¡­ five minutes left before your next ss would start? You chose to be here?"


    Shu Xian cleared her throat, not expecting the time. People who knew her well would notice that she is lying because a person studious as her would prefer waiting outside of the ssroom until it has been cleared for the next ss.


    "I¡­ decided to be quite rebellious today, I guess."


    "Rebellious?" Yan Yan giggled, making Shu Xian''s eyes widen with what she said. "How can you be rebellious about that? Anyway, I heard it was your birthday yesterday, so bted happy birthday!"


    "Oh! Thank you so much!"


    Shu Xian smiled as she blinked her eyes in surprise, not expecting Yan Yan to know about her special day.


    "You knew about my birthday?"


    At the same moment, Pan An was seen walking up the stairs towards Shu Xian''s workstation. With him walking slowly and undetected, he listened to their conversation, wondering what they''re talking about as he hid behind the wall that was near the stairs.


    "Yeah, I heard about your birthday," Yan Yan answered, elbowing Zhong Li who was sitting beside her. "Zhong Li told me about it!"


    "I see!"


    Shu Xian turned to Zhong Li, a sweet smile appearing on her face that made his heart race along with the words that she said that made him blush.


    "Thanks for greeting me yesterday, too, Zhong Li. Thank you for the food as well¡ªand the sweet drink."


    Pan An''s ear twitched. With him hearing this, suddenly, he peered over the wall, looking at the people whom Shu Xian''s talking with.


    The moment his eyesnded on the guy whom Shu Xian is talking to, he saw a small blush appearing on his face, his lips thinning as he thought to himself:


    ''This guy gave her food and greeted her on her birthday yesterday?''


    "I-it was nothing," Zhong Li spoke, stammering on his words as well. "I felt a bit guilty of asking you to help me in my homework when it was your special day."


    Pan An furrowed his brows, not liking what he has heard.


    "Oh?" Yan Yan eximed in surprise, looking at Zhong Li and Shu Xian back and forth. "You two were studying together?"


    "Yeah," Shu Xian answered, "In the student''s lounge."


    "I see!"


    A teasing grin appeared on Yan Yan''s face as she narrowed her eyes at Zhong Li.


    "He''s a shy boy so I know both of you were alone for him to ask for your help~!"


    Pan An furrowed his brows, having the urge to show himself before them so they would stop, but his gut feelings are telling him that he had to listen more.


    This is so absurd¡ªa professor, a man at that, eavesdropping on someone else''s conversation! How childish and unprofessional of him¡ªbut he just couldn''t help it!


    It''s Shu Xian!


    "Aaand¡­"


    Yan Yan spoke again, teasing both of them that even made Shu Xian widen her eyes as she couldn''t believe what she has heard.


    "Zhong Li is stingy! He doesn''t share his food! With him sharing his food to you and is making such a small, but sweet effort to make your day, now this is something that would make me think!"


    Zhong Li red at Yan Yan, as if giving her a warning look to stop talking.


    "Stop spouting nonsense. Or else, I''ll¡ª"


    "You like Shu Xian, don''t you?"


    With Yan Yan''s question interrupting Zhong Li, his face suddenly turned beet red, the redness of his face oblivious to Shu Xian as she just shook her head and chuckled awkwardly. She scratched the back of her head, reprimanding Yan Yan at the same time.


    "Come on, Yan Yan. Zhong Li is just nice! Don''t tease him like this. I know he''s just being kind!"


    "Kinder than his personality," Yan Yan teased, letting out a scoff as she crossed her arms in front of her chest. "I''m telling you¡ªwe''ve been co-workers sincest year and he has never shared food with me! But to you whom he just met recently, he¡ª"


    "Shut up," Zhong Li interrupted and snapped under gritted teeth, his eyes like daggers aimed at her. "Shut up, or else!"


    "Or else, what?" Yan Yan probed, what he said as an answer making her drop her jaw to the floor.


    "Or else I''ll do an over break of one hour instead of 30 minutes so you won''t have a break."


    "You¡ª!!"


    Shu Xian chuckled, making sure that no one would be disturbed with herughing. With her making ament about them, both of them retorted as they didn''t like what she said.


    "You two look so cute together like a couple! A cat-dog rtionship!"


    "No!" both of them said in unison, Zhong Li, finding himself to scoff at her statement.


    "She''s not even the slightest bit my type," hemented as he waved his hand in disapproval, Yan Yan taking this opportunity to tease him again.


    "Well, what is your type, Zhong Li?"


    He suddenly swallowed, his body stiffening as he didn''t like the question thrown at him.


    However, with Shu Xian nodding in enthusiasm as she was curious as well, she had a beautiful smile on her face as she said, "Well? What''s your type? I''m curious, too!"


    ''No¡­'' Pan An thought, ring at Shu Xian''s back hoping that she would sense him. ''Why are you ignorant¡ªit''s obvious that he has an interest in you with how that other girl ims on how he acted towards you!''


    Shu Xian, Yan Yan, and unexpectedly (and secretly), Pan An, waited expectantly for his answer. With Zhong Li staring straight into Shu Xian''s eyes as Yan Yan''s gaze on him pressured him, he just averted his gaze away from her, only saying a statement that brushed off their curiosity.


    "It''s none of your business."


    "Tsk¡­" Yan Yanined as she clicked her tongue. "So boring of you. It''s obvious that It''s Shu Xian."


    "Wha¡ª"


    Before any of them could speak, suddenly, Pan An emerged from the wall. With Yan Yan and Zhong Li noticing him first, they widened their eyes in surprise, Shu Xian, turning her back as she wondered what could have surprised them.


    She opened her mouth in shock. Before she could even speak, Pan An put his hand on Shu Xian''s shoulder as casually as possible, Zhong Li''s body stiffening as he didn''t expect a professor putting his hand on a student''s shoulder.


    Even though it''s done casually¡­


    "Shu Xian¡­"


    Pan An said her name, a scary smile appearing on his face that made Shu Xian feel shivers down her spine.


    Shu Xian didn''t know why¡­ but she felt like if she didn''t follow him, he would have her punished!


    But what kind of punishment? Shu Xian didn''t know whether to be scared really...


    Or be expectant of it.


    "Aren''t you going to bete for ss?" the professor asked, cocking his head to the side as he tried his best to hide his annoyance. "Hmm?"

 Chapter 206 - How Could I Not?

    "Aren''t you going to bete for ss?" the professor asked, cocking his head to the side as he tried his best to hide his annoyance. "Hmm?"


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times as she didn''t expect that Professor Pan An woulde to the Inte and Fiction Library area after he borrowed books. She couldn''t help but look at him with astonishment in her eyes, observing the facial expression on his face.


    His lips were on a thin line and his eyebrows were slightly furrowed. With him looking sternly at Zhong Li as if he was a rebellious student, Shu Xian arched a brow at him and questioned why he suddenly appeared, brushing off his hand away from her shoulder awkwardly at the same time.


    "What''s wrong, Professor Pan An?" she asked, the professor looking at Zhong Li onest time before he slowly returned his gaze to look at Shu Xian.


    "I was about to ask you the same thing. What''s wrong? What are you doing here when you''re supposed to wait for your next ss?"


    Shu Xian widened her eyes in disbelief, her lips parting as the shock expressed on her face was no longer contained.


    As if used of being in the wrong, she put her right hand on her chest as she thought to herself the possible outburst that she wanted to say aloud.


    ''Why are you acting as if this is my fault!?''


    ''Weren''t you the one who lied to everyone about me being called by our Chief Librarian when she''s not even here?''


    ''How can he act as if I''m the one skipping sses!?''


    ''You''re the one who made a lie¡ªan alibi which put us in this situation in the first ce!''


    ''What is he so annoyed about?''


    However, thest question lingered in her mind. With her pouting as she let out a small sigh, she just walked down the stairs without saying a word, giving Zhong Li and Yan Yan onest look as if it was her indication of her unexpected goodbye.


    As Shu Xian walked down the stairs and went back to the ssroom, Pan An still remained, knowing that it''s his free ss and that he can stay here for the meantime to kill time.


    Zhong Li still had his eyes on the professor. He couldn''t help but think that there was something behind his re¡ªthat there was something behind the way he put his hand on Shu Xian''s shoulder as if acting like she''s his possession.


    With him now leaning on the desk, Yan Yan stood up and greeted him, doing her responsibility as a Student Assistant.


    "What do you need, Professor Pan An?"


    Yan Yan looked at Zhong Li from the corner of her eye. With a look of disapprovaling from her, she narrowed her eyes at him and whispered that''s enough for him to hear.


    "Zhong Li, get your act together! We have a professor as our patron!"


    Even though Yan Yan pointed that out, Zhong Li didn''t say a word. With them looking at each other, Yan Yan grew nervous by the second as she thought that maybe Pan An might give them a bad rating of their service.


    But little did she know, however, that both of them seemed to bemunicating with each other in their thoughts.


    ''Why do you act as if you own Shu Xian?''


    ''That is none of your business. And why do you talk to her alone?''


    ''As if I was keeping her to myself when she volunteered to help me!''


    ''You''re not going to get more time with her alone.''


    ''As if you control the course of events that are going to happen!''


    ''You dare question the thoughts of a professor?''


    It''s as if a lightning appeared in between their brows. With them looking at each other as if challenging each other, Yan Yan awkwardly chuckled, getting the attention of the professor.


    "A-anyway, Professor Pan An¡­ what do you need? Aputer unit to avail for inte use? Or a fiction book, perhaps, that you''d like to read?"


    Pan An shook his head. With him only giving Yan Yan a smile, he told his goodbyes, already leaving without expecting a reply from them.


    "I don''t need anything, thank you. I''ll be on my way."


    And with that, the professor already walked down the stairs. With Zhong Li and Yan Yan already left alone, both of them looked at each other in consternation, however, the annoyance in Zhong Li''s eyes had never left.


    "That was weird," Yan Yanmented, already sitting down on her swivel chair as she let out a sigh of confusion. She even crossed her arms in front of her chest as she thought aloud. "Professor Pan An walked up here for nothing? That''s a rather odd reason for an unexpected visitation."


    "Maybe out for a walk," Zhong Li said quickly like he snapped, already focusing on what he was typing as his force on his mouse clicker was somehow strong.


    "You seem to be in a foul mood," Yan Yanmented, narrowing her eyes at him at the same time. "Is it because Shu Xian had already left?"


    Zhong Li snapped his head to look at Yan Yan. With her question obviously getting his attention, he blinked his eyes a few times, stuttering over his words that made him look as if he''s "guilty."


    "I-It''s not because of Shu Xian, you dummy. Y-you''re saying too much."


    Yan Yan couldn''t help butugh. With her shaking her head, she continued to tease Zhong Li, saying something about what she noticed towards Pan An''s actions to Shu Xian.


    "I really don''t get why Professor Pan An suddenly visited our section. He even put his hand on Shu Xian''s shoulder! I wonder if he''s interested in Shu Xian."


    As if Yan Yan''s intention to tease Pan An had seeded. With him slowly turning his head to look at Yan Yan, his question made her smirk, the girl hiding her mouth behind her hand so he won''t notice.


    "You think that the professor is interested in Shu Xian?"


    "Well¡­" Yan Yan trailed off, trying her best not to talk. "I''m not sure, actually! But with him putting his hand on her shoulder, I wonder if¡ª"


    "That can''t be," Zhong Li interrupted as a scoff of disbelief escaped from his lips. "That''s not likely. He''s a professional. He shouldn''t have an interest towards his student."


    "Oh?"


    Yan Yan cocked her head to the side, stating her opinions andments aloud.


    "I think since it''s university level, it''s possible. She''s not in the elementary or high school, anyway."


    "No," Zhong Li retorted, his eyebrow twitching as he cringed at the thought. "He''s still a teacher in nature even though he''s teaching in a higher education. It may seem eptable because most of the students in college are in the legal age, but still, the image is not quite eptable."


    "Hmm¡­ you do have a point," Yan Yan nodded slowly, continuing to see if Zhong Li would continue to probe. "But we may never know. What if he''s interested in her and that he''s waiting until she graduates so he could pursue Shu Xian?"


    Zhong Li didn''t say a word. With him feeling slightly panicked at the thought, he felt his heart aching in his chest. His brows furrowed together, his lips thinning together.


    This sight before Yan Yan indeed made her think if Zhong Li is indeed interested on Shu Xian.


    With the sudden silence, Yan Yan crossed her arms in front of her chest, asking him a question that made Zhong Li look at her.


    "Do you like Shu Xian?"


    Zhong Li could have blurted out and say no. But with him not wanting to deny, he let out a small sigh, answering her question with another query instead.


    "What if I do?"


    Yan Yan widened her eyes in surprise, putting her hand on her mouth to suppress her shock.


    "Really?"


    Zhong Li sighed once more as he slumped to his seat, mumbling enough for Yan Yan to hear even though he found it difficult to open up to her.


    "I¡­ I don''t know," Zhong Li honestly answered,fortable enough to open up to Yan Yan since he only had a few friends, including her. "But maybe¡­ since I''m uneasy by the thought of the professor putting his hand on her¡­ and I also don''t treat other women kindly."


    "Oh, you got thetter part right, indeed," Yan Yan admitted, Zhong Li, ring at her as he narrowed his eyes at the same time. "Anyway, as to the first thing that you said, I didn''t expect you to be affected by it."


    Zhong Li shook his head, agreeing the same.


    "Me, either¡­"


    "And what surprised me¡ª" Yan Yan smiled, looking at the guy beside her with great interest in her eyes. "¡ªis the fact that you told me this when you''re close with Zhang Ren. You chose to tell me instead!"


    A small smile appeared on Zhong Li''s face. With him also finding it surprising for him to trust Yan Yan, he just patted her head out of the blue, making her heart race her chest for a bit.


    "Well, you''re a good girl who has been talking with me since we met. How could I not trust you?"

 Chapter 207 - Like A Whirlwind

    "That professor¡­"


    Shi Lian mumbled and grumbled herint and protest. The moment the university bell had rung, she had already collected all of the papers from the students and walked out of their ssroom so she could give it to their professor to the faculty room during their free time.


    "Do you want me to hold on to it? We can give it to him before lunch time," Zhang Ren suggested, Shi Lian sighing in relief as she handed him over the papers indicating her ease.


    "I know I''m happy for my best friend¡­ but I just can''t help but think that this professor is so unreasonable that he had to take advantage of it and¡ª"


    "Hush, now¡­ people are going to hear whatever it is that you''re talking about."


    Zhang Ren interrupted her by putting his free arm around his shoulder, not minding that he was doing it towards her. Shi Lian was quite taken aback by the unexpected gesture, but because of her annoyance, she couldn''t even manage to swoon or blush by what he had done.


    Shi Lian sighed. With him allowing Zhang Ren to put his arm around her, she felt calmer, but still, her worry was evident on her face.


    "We have to talk to them," Shi Lian said in a whisper, both of them already stopping in front of the ssroom where their next ss is. "They can''t go on like this. I know they realized their feelings that they have with each other, but this is too much."


    As they entered the ssroom, both of them sat on their usual seat. With Shu Xian still not present in the ssroom, Shi Lian knitted her brows together, wondering why she''s not yet around.


    "Did she n to skip her sses? If she did because of you-know-who, I''d definitely scold her because it''s not in her nature to skip sses!"


    Zhang Ren couldn''t help but pat Shi Lian''s head to calm her down. With him then keeping the school papers in his bag, he made Shi Lian feel better by doing what he thinks is best.


    Talking to her sweetly.


    "Don''t worry, Shi Lian," Zhang Ren started, nting a soft kiss on top of her head that made her eyes widen in surprise. "Let her have fun for today. She did have a roller coaster of emotions. She will be able to focus on the next days."


    Shi Lian looked at Zhang Ren, now a soft flush of pink visible on her face.


    "You think I should not worry too much?"


    "Yes," Zhang Ren answered with a chuckle, all of them in the ssroom waiting for their professor. "Besides, it''s not every day that she falls in love. Give her this time, and for sure, she knows her priorities. If I were in the position of you and me realizing our ardent feelings for each other, I''d¡ª"


    "What?"


    Shi Lian interrupted, trying her best not to smile sweetly at the thought.


    "What did you say?"


    A cheeky grin appeared on Zhang Ren''s face. He already knew what Shi Lian was smiling about, the thought of him and her showing their passionate feelings to each other.


    Even though he knew this and even though he saw the shyness on Shi Lian''s face, he still answered her question, making her further blush, her face already beet red.


    "I mean¡­ if I were to realize so suddenly that I love you dearly, I won''t be able to focus and I''ll be overwhelmed. I need time to unwind and get used to it. You''d feel the same, right?"


    With thest question asked, Shi Lian then showed him her smile, nodding at the same time as he agreed.


    "Well, you could say that."


    At the same time, the school bell had already rung. With the students already settling on their seat, that was the time that Shu Xian already arrived in the ssroom, Zhang Ren and Shi Lian widening their eyes as they finally saw her after being worried about her.


    Well, mostly on Shi Lian''s part. She was the one who was anxious most of the time.


    The moment Shu Xian sat beside Shi Lian, Shi Lian couldn''t help but hit Shu Xian''s leg with her hand, making her wince when she felt her palm on herp.


    "And why did it take you a bit long?"


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes and scoffed, shrugging as she answered her best friend''s question.


    "What am I to do? You know he lied and I couldn''t be honest or else other people will be suspicious!"


    "Well, she has a point," Zhang Ren agreed, Shi Lian narrowing her eyes at him then looked at Shu Xian again.


    "Anyway, you''re going to tell me all what had happenedter!"


    Shu Xian nodded, almost forgetting that Ruo Xi was in their previous ss. With her suddenlying into her thoughts, she then inched in closer toward her friends and asked them a question.


    "Well¡­ that woman¡­ where is she?"


    Zhang Ren and Shi Lian understood her immediately. As she got her notebook from her bag, Shi Lian answered her question, making Shu Xian sigh in relief.


    "She went away the moment the bell rang. Probably on her way to the faculty, I guess," she said, Zhang Ren, clicking his tongue.


    "Tsk, tsk¡­ I can''t believe that that was the one that you told your best friend. She''d rather be more interested if she heard this!"


    "Heard what?" Shu Xian asked, furrowing her brows together in wonder.


    "Well, the moment the both of you left..."


    Zhang Ren started, his grin not leaving his face. Luckily, the professor didn''t arrive yet, making them happy that they get to talk more before sses would start.


    "Ruo Xi huffed and puffed behind us in frustration. She probably knew that you-know-who is lying."


    Shu Xian grinned, liking what she has heard indeed! It''s as if her pride beamed around her in a beautiful glow, even Zhang Ren and Shi Lian could notice her radiance!


    "Oh? You think she was really pissed?"


    "Yes!" Shi Lian answered excitedly. "And you know, even I couldn''t help but stifle myughter. I felt your triumph!"


    Shu Xian and Shi Lian did a high five. With the professor of their next ss suddenlying, everyone then quieted down, already starting the second ss of the day.


    ***


    Pan An arrived in the faculty room. The moment he did, it''s as if the whole faculty talked about him¡ªeveryone silencing the moment he emerged in the room.


    With him arching a brow at them, he sat on his swivel chair and asked a question, the eyes of the professors on him.


    "What''s wrong? Obviously, you must be talking about me, right?"


    The others weren''t able to speak. However, with the professor who sat next to him being one of those whom he''s close with at work, he let out a sigh and spoke for everyone else.


    "Well, how could we not? With the fact of you having a fianc¨¦e as something that''s unknown, what surprised us more is the fact that she''s here working for the university. Isn''t that going to be awkward?"


    Pan An couldn''t help but scoff. With a shook of his head showing disappointment disyed, he crossed his arms in front of his chest, furthermenting on about what they have said.


    "You guys are more affected about this than I am."


    The professor in front of him widened her eyes in disbelief.


    "You don''t find it awkward, Professor Pan An?"


    The professor shook his head once more to answer. With a lopsided smile appearing on his face, what he said next made him look cool, the professor beside him chuckling as he saw his smugness.


    "Why would I be so awkward about it? She cane and work anywhere if she wants to. I wouldn''t mind."


    "Well, you do seem to have gotten over it," the professor beside him said, the other professors found in the faculty room eagerly listening to the conversation. "You were quite silent and surprised at first when she entered the room¡ªbut now, you really didn''t seem to mind."


    Pan An nodded. With him already opening hisptop, he waited for it to reboot, a sigh escaping his lips as hemented on what his co-professor had said.


    "Well, you weren''t wrong when you said I was surprised. I was. But right now, when she appeared right in front of me, ironically, it had proved me something different."


    "And what is that?" the female professor in front of Pan An asked, Pan An, looking and smiling at everyone as he knew that they were expecting for his answer.


    With Shu Xian''s imageing to his mind right here and then, he couldn''t help but grin ear to ear, making the professors in the room all the more curious of to what he meant when he gave them his answer.


    "I thought I wouldn''t be able to get over this¡­ but like a whirlwind, I just did."

 Chapter 208 - Lets Eat Together

    Before they knew it, lunch time already came. Shu Xian, Shi Lian, and Zhang Ren arrived in their usual spot in the cafeteria, the far-off table found in the corner of the location.


    Even though it was distantpared to other tables found in the cafeteria, they found themselvesfortable secluding themselves from other people.


    Besides, they often talk about topics that should be kept a secret¡ªtopics like Shu Xian being romantically involved with the university''s professor, Pan An.


    As they were eating their lunch, Shu Xian brought left over food fromst night''s birthday celebration.


    They didn''t mind eating left overs. The foodst night tasted like heaven! Besides, it made Zhang Ren and Shi Lian quite happy that they didn''t have to bring their lunches for today.


    Shu Xian told Shi Lian and Zhang Ren what had happened after Ruo Xi came into the ssroom and it prompted her to walk away. She started narrating from the time that Pan An followed her and what had happened after in the empty ssroom.


    Shi Lian and Zhang Ren both have bbergasted expressions on their face. With Shi Lian covering her mouth with her hand, Zhang Ren''s mouth instead was open in aghast, not expecting what he had heard.


    Shi Lian and Zhang Ren thought that Shu Xian and Pan An talked in the next room, but little did they know that they did more than that¡ªeven naughtier than they expected!


    What got their attention more was the part where Shu Xian told them that Pan An lied just for him to talk to her in the empty ssroom again and warned her not to act "sexy" (when she didn''t intend to act sexy) in public ces!


    After Shu Xian silenced, she took a piece of chicken in her mouth, chewing while Zhang Renmented about her story first.


    "Wow¡­ I didn''t peg Pan An to be this kind of person. I mean¡­ in general, both of your rtionship development is going rather fast, don''t you think?"


    "I agree," Shi Lianmented in a heartbeat, her rolling her eyes at the same time. "I''m happy and all about you finding the possible start of your love life¡­ but I couldn''t help but think and suggest that you be careful because it''s as if today, you two aren''t aware of your surroundings."


    "I know," Shu Xian replied and nodded, now eating a bite of Japanese maki. "You guys do know that I''ll be able to focus on the following days once I get the proper assurance or get the hang of it, right?"


    "I told you so," Zhang Ren said, now looking at Shi Lian. "I may have known Shu Xian for only a short timepared to you, but I know that she''s just distracted now. It can get overwhelming like I said. And¡ª"


    "Yeah, yeah..."


    Shi Lian interrupted him, waving her hand dismissively in the process as she took a maki into her mouth and spoke with her mouth full, but still coherent enough for them to understand.


    "Still¡­ you two have to be careful. I wouldn''t want to make my way and check the security of this university."


    Shu Xian nodded and didn''t say a word. However, she had a faint flush of pink on her face, along with a smile that tugged the corner of her lips.


    As the three of them continued eating, Shu Xian remembered that Shi Lian collected the activity papers from the other students, blinking her eyes a few times at her as a thought passed her mind¡ªasking a question about it to Shi Lian with the hopes of it concealing her idea.


    Of wanting to visit Pan An in the faculty room by apanying her best friend to deliver the papers.


    "Anyway," Shu Xian started, the two of them now looking at her. "Have you already submitted the papers?"


    The way Shi Lian rolled her eyes at her once more gave the indication to Shu Xian that she had already read between the lines in her question.


    With Shu Xian''s lips turning into a tight line as she feigned ignorance (even though she knew that Shi Lian already knew), she stayed quiet and waited for her answer.


    "Shu Xian, don''t you think I don''t know what you''re thinking. You want to apany me in submitting the papers to the professor."


    Zhang Ren chuckled, Shu Xian biting her bottom lip as she furrowed her brows, asking a question that made Shi Lianugh.


    "Is it that obvious?"


    "Oh, yes," Shi Lian answered immediately. "You''re noting with me. Seriously, with how the events earlier happening, it already makes people think otherwise about you two! I''ll be submitting the papers alone."


    "But¡ª"


    "She''s right," Zhang Ren interrupted and agreed with Shi Lian, now serious as he is also concerned with his friend. "We will be having our duty hours in the libraryter. Our Chief Librarian did indeed say that she might being back today. If not, on Monday."


    "Poopie¡­"


    Shi Lian and Zhang Renughed as they both shook their head, Shi Lian, whispering so that the other students who were passing by wouldn''t hear her.


    "Anyway, you shouldn''t be sad¡­ what you should be worrying about is the time you get hometer."


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times, a bit confused.


    "What do you mean?"


    Zhang Ren and Shi Lian looked at each other, a cheeky grin appearing on their face. However, Zhang Ren was the one who answered her question, making Shu Xian blush in an instant.


    "With you two realizing your feelings towards each other because of the sudden appearance of that new professor, do you think that your passions will not die down especially that you two are alone together and are living together? Shu Xian, you and you-know-who had been kissing... passionately!"


    "Yeah," Shi Lian agreed, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "And you told us that he was rather a bit touchy. What more if you two are alone together."


    Shu Xian hadn''t thought of this at all! With the two pointing this out, her thoughts suddenly went wild and haywire, numerous questions and scenarios popping in her head.


    ''That would be the time that we woulde hometer after our dinner¡­''


    ''When we get home after realizing our feelings with each other, what then would happen?''


    ''They did indeed say that a man and a woman who''s passionate and is left alone could have the best moments of their lives.''


    ''Best moments of their lives¡­ could that mean in the bedroom..?''


    ''Wait¡­ maybe the saying is not that actually perverse and it meant their lives in general.''


    ''With me feeling Pan An a moment ago¡­ does that mean that I really give that effect on him?''


    ''Oh, geez¡­ don''t tell me that we will have more moments like that behind closed doors.''


    ''We have more privacy at home and maybe¡­ maybe¡­''


    ''His kiss¡­ the warmth of his body¡­ my legs turning into jelly¡­ goodness¡ªdon''t tell me there will be more?''


    Shu Xian''s face turned redder by the second. With Zhang Ren and Shi Lian deducing that her thoughts may be going berserk, both of them couldn''t help butugh, theirughter getting Shu Xian''s attention.


    She narrowed her eyes at them and crossed her arms in front of her chest as she said, "You two didn''t have tough at me¡­ I¡ªI didn''t think this through until you pointed it out! And now, I''m nervous."


    "Hey, now," Zhang Ren started, shaking his head. "I think there is nothing to worry about, you know. You-know-who may be acting towards you like this, but he is a sensible man."


    "True," Shi Lian said and nodded in agreement as she further added to what he said. "Besides¡­ you-know-who is an adult. He knows that you''re going to be surprised if things were going by so fast. If he is sincere towards you, he''ll make sure you''ll feelfortable."


    Shu Xian smiled at the reassurance that their friends gave her. With a nod, the three of them continued eating, already changing the topic into something different so as to make Shu Xian rx.


    And for the two not to tease her from time to time.


    ***


    Shu Xian and Zhang Ren were already in their workstation. Two hours had passed since the start of their duty at 1 PM, and the two of them were already encoding the other theses and dissertations that arrived.


    Soon after, Shu Xian found herself stopping. With her noticing that it was already three in the afternoon, she turned to Zhang Ren and announced her break time.


    "I''ll be going to the student lounge now."


    "En."


    With Zhang Ren focused on his encoding of his share of researches, Shu Xian got her bao and her bottled water, then proceeded to the student lounge.


    However, the moment she opened the door and closed it, she was bbergasted to see pasta marinara served on the table, along with a chocte milkshake beside it with whipped cream on top.


    What surprised her more, however, was the fact that Zhong Li was looking at her with a blush on his face, greeting her as he stood.


    "H-hey, Shu Xian. Let''s eat together."

 Chapter 209 - It Was Because Of Her

    "H-hey, Shu Xian. Let''s eat together."


    Shu Xian couldn''t believe what she just saw. Her mouth opened to say something, but no words left her lips as she stared at the appetizing pasta that was served on the table, along with a delicious-looking chocte shake with whipped cream on top.


    Shu Xian even found it funny that she would want to demand for a cherry on top of it, but still¡­ Zhong Li obviously bought this for a takeout and it''s for her even¡ªwhich actually surprised her!


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times in disbelief. It was obvious that it''s for her but then, it''s as if she wanted to look for a confirmation as she asked Zhong Li a question.


    "Is this for me?"


    "Y-yes," Zhong Li answered with a stammer, clearing his throat as well while he tugged the neckline of his shirt as if he was finding the difficulty to breathe. "It''s yours."


    Shu Xian hesitantly sat across him. With her putting her bao and then bottled of water down beside the pasta, she actually smiled at the food before her, the girl already slowly pulling the te towards her.


    Zhong Li smiled approvingly, happy that he was able to get something good for Shu Xian. With him immediately giving her a disposable fork, Shu Xian took it from him gratefully and started to twirl the fork on the pasta for easy consummation.


    "Why did you buy me food? Do you need something?"


    "What?"


    Zhong Li blinked his eyes a few times, quite unsure of what she meant. After Shu Xian put one forkful of pasta in her mouth, she chewed and swallowed slowly before she allowed herself to speak again to reply to his query.


    "I mean¡­ you always give me food when you need something. Is there something troubling you in your English activities?"


    Zhong Li felt a slight pang of pain in his heart for his intentions to be seen this way. Shu Xian saw his gestures as something that he does because he needed something when in truth, he was genuinely giving her food with no hidden intentions.


    Well, Zhong Li knew that he is to me for that. For the past few days that Shu Xian was helping him in his English activities, Zhong Li often thanked her by giving her food.


    However, during her birthday, he had given her food as his present to her as well. Although, now that it''s an ordinary day and with him not actually seeking help from her in doing his homework, it was understandable that Shu Xian might think that he needed something.


    "Zhong Li?"


    Shu Xian calling out to him had snapped him out of his stupor. With Zhong Li looking at her, Shu Xian slightly cocked her head to the side, her brows slightly furrowed together as she took a small sip of the sweet, chocte shake beside her pasta.


    "What''s wrong? Are you shy of asking help from me? You know, you shouldn''t because¡ª"


    "I''m not seeking for help," Zhong Li interrupted, his voice rather snappy as he found it difficult to voice out his feelings. "I mean¡­ I''m not giving you food because I need something."


    Shu Xian set aside her drink on the table again. With a small smile on her face, she asked him a question¡ªalmost in a mumble to herself since she didn''t know whether it''d be good to ask this to a slightly aloof guy such as Zhong Li.


    "You mean¡­ you just wanted to give me food?"


    "Yes¡­"


    Zhong Li had a soft hint of pink on his face, visible for Shu Xian to see.


    She wanted to tease him since this is not something usual to see on a man such as him, but then again, she wouldn''t want to make things awkward between them so she just kept herment to herself.


    ''Zhong Li looks cute and is actually nice!''


    "A-Anyway," Zhong Li started, stammering again. "Enjoy eating. I just¡­ wanted to hang out with you and get to know you better."


    "Oh!"


    Now this took Shu Xian by surprise, but it wasn''t something that bothersome. She grinned ear to ear at Zhong Li and proceeded to eat, actually happy that Zhong Li looked like he was willing to be friends with her.


    "I''m sorry toment about this¡­" Shu Xian trailed off, taking another forkful of pasta in her mouth before continuing right after she chewed and swallowed. "But I take it that this is difficult for you to do and say aloud since it''s something that you don''t often do?"


    Zhong Li nodded. "Yes."


    "Well¡­" Shu Xian beamed, making Zhong Li''s heart race in his chest as he saw the most beautiful smile ever. "You don''t have to worry. I''m actually d that you see me as your potential friend."


    Both of them hadn''t said anything. With Shu Xian continuing to eat as she enjoyed her food, Zhong Li just watched her with a small smile on his face, thinking about the girl in front of him and what the hell was he doing that was so out of character.


    Zhong Li knew that he had never done this before. He knew that this was something foreign to him¡ªmaking friends with someone else, and a female at that.


    When he became close with Yan Yan, it only came naturally and he wasn''t actually the one who did the effort into talking to her much. Yan Yan was talkative during their work hours together and Zhong Li got used to it until she crawled her way into being his friend.


    But with Shu Xian, it was different. Both of them only started talking because she was helping him with his English activities but now he''s making his way into doing efforts such as talking with her voluntarily and also giving her simple gifts such as food.


    Thetter part about him giving food as a gift was what surprised him, to be honest. He knew that he was stingy and selfish when it came to food and that he was frugal¡ªnot spending his money unless he needed and wanted to.


    However, when Shu Xian came to mind, he didn''t know why, but he''d be happy to do something for her.


    Even something as simple as this is okay as long as he''d be able to put a smile on her face.


    With Zhong Li now showing Shu Xian his sweetest smile, Shu Xian was slightly taken aback the moment their eyes met. With her straightening her posture on the seat, she felt quite uneasy to be watched while eating, now pushing her bao to Zhong Li.


    The man before her blinked his eyes a few times. With him reluctantly getting the bao from her, he arched a brow at her and asked a question.


    "What''s this?"


    "You eat. Take it," Shu Xian answered immediately, the corner of her lips being tugged into a smile. "I don''t like it when I''m the only one eating but you aren''t."


    Zhong Li took the bao and opened its bag with a big smile on his face. He couldn''t help butment about what she said, taking a bite of the bao afterward.


    "You''re too nice, Shu Xian."


    "You, too, Zhong Li," she replied, taking her milkshake to have another sip. "I actually like the food that you gave me. It''s as if I''m expecting to see you every time it''s my break now."


    What she said made him stop chewing for a while, but soon, he continued doing so for him to swallow his food.


    As Shu Xian continued eating her food the moment she put her drink down, Zhong Li was pulled into his own thoughts again, what she said ringing in his mind three times.


    ''It''s as if I''m expecting to see you every time it''s my break now.''


    ''It''s as if I''m expecting to see you every time it''s my break now.''


    ''It''s as if I''m expecting to see you every time it''s my break now.''


    Zhong Li now thought to himself if he would be finding himself frequently in the student lounge just for Shu Xian to have her break with him. He even started to think about the food that he''s going to bring and started calcting how much he will spend for the week!


    Because of that, his body almost stiffened upon the realization that he is slowly and somewhat changing because of the woman before him, making him look at her one more time as he took another bite of his bao.


    As Shu Xian continued eating her food, she was now oblivious about him watching her as she enjoyed taking each forkful of pasta in her mouth, along with the small sips of her chocte drink to push the food down.


    Zhong Li became aware of the beating of his own heart¡ªhow it was racing in his chest while he couldn''t keep his gaze away from Shu Xian before him.


    Only then did he realize that Yan Yan could be right.


    He is starting to like her¡ªand that''s the only epted justification as to why he suddenly started changing.


    It was because of her and he actually liked the idea.

 Chapter 210 - The Soul Eaters Possession

    "Devin, do you love me?"


    Hearing her question that had snapped him out of his thoughts, the Soul Eater opened his eyes slowly to meet her blue eyes once more. He smiled foolishly as his right hand reached out to her face, his thumb caressing her bottom lip.


    "Is that a question you dare ask your husband?"


    Angeal pouted like a child.


    "Tell me you love me... or I''ll cry."


    Devin chuckled, making Angeal pout more as she narrowed her eyes at him. When Devin ceased his jovialughter, he didn''t answer her question. Instead, he bent down as he pulled her closer to him, his lips smoothlynding on hers to give her a loving kiss.


    ''I love you, Angeal. Before I even knew it, my heart yearned for you.''


    ***


    Zhong Li cringed when he read the story that Shu Xian was reading on her phone. Shu Xian couldn''t help but roll her eyes at him yfully when she watched him put back her phone on the table while she sipped her remaining milkshake.


    Both of them continued to stay in the lounge and talked about their interests. Zhong Li really wanted to get to know Shu Xian so he asked her what she wanted to do during her free time, Shu Xian telling him first that she loved to read.


    Getting his curiosity, Zhong Li wanted to know what kinds of books that she read because he is a reader himself¡ªwanting to know the genres of the story that she likes.


    He guessed at first that Shu Xian would like cheesy romance stories such as this, but he didn''t expect it to be this cringe-worthy.


    "What?" Shu Xian asked, getting her phone as she looked at the synopsis of the Soul Eater''s Possession by MysticAmy. With Zhong Li shrugging his shoulders, he answered her question truthfully.


    "It''s too cheesy for me," he admitted, crossing his arms in front of his chest as a smirk appeared on his face. "I read, but not these kinds of stories. I read science fiction and also, I read system stories like Solo Leveling."


    This time, it was Shu Xian who shuddered. With Zhong Li letting out a scoff, he just shook his head, listening to the opinions of Shu Xian.


    "Typical of men who don''t like romance stories. Well, I can''t me you guys! It''s the same as you boys thinking that we like sappy romances."


    Zhong Li grinned, this time, showing his teeth that was unexpectedly perfect. Shu Xian had not actually noticed how nice his teeth was¡ªmaybe it''s because he rarely smiled.


    "If you try to read at least 30 chapters of what I''m reading, then I''ll give what you''re reading a shot."


    "Oh!"


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times with curiosity, nodding at him in agreement.


    "I actually like the suggestion! But first¡­ read the other parts of the synopsis as I''m sure you only read the conversation that Devin and Angeal had."


    Zhong Li narrowed his eyes at her.


    "You really know that I gave up upon reading the dialogue exchange¡­"


    Shu Xian nowughed, her eyes turning into beautiful crescent moons as she hid her mouth with her hand.


    "Come on¡­ it''s not actually that bad!"


    "Hmph."


    Zhong Li didn''t know what to say so he just harrumphed. With him getting Shu Xian''s phone from the table, he then continued to read the other parts of the synopsis provided by the author.


    ***


    Punished by the Almighty Seraphim, Devin was branded a fallen angel and was given a curse to be a Soul Eater¡ªa being who is hungry for souls and feeds on them for sustenance.


    Devin was bound on earth, looking for clues on how to cure his irrevocable curse until a desperate old man saw the Soul Eater and begged him to save his newborn granddaughter''s life.


    However... ites with the price of selling both of their souls.


    With the old man giving both of their lives to the Soul Eater, what path lies ahead for Angeal as she grows in a house full of magical immortals?


    ~


    The Almighty Seraphim sighed, shaking herself from her thoughts. She then spoke, nting more curiosity in the mind of the Dominion who was watching over the Soul Eater.


    "Continue watching over them. She is his cure, but it will lead her to oblivion."


    ~


    With the Soul Eater cursed and with them eventually knowing that the sweet innocent girl he saved is the cure, will their rtionship be a boon or a bane?


    Will they perhaps have sweet love, forbidden love... or maybe even both?


    With the given thoughts at hand, will fate bless their lives... or curse them even more?


    Let us know the answers to these questions as we unravel the story of Angeal being the Soul Eater''s Possession.


    ***


    "Hmm¡­"


    Zhong Li continued to read the synopsis. With him already seeing the prompt of R-18 content shown along with the note that the story contained slow burn romance, he couldn''t help but arch a brow at Shu Xian and made ament.


    "I think I''m starting to regret asking you to read the that book I like whilst I read yours."


    "Heeeey¡­"


    Shu Xian pursed her lips into a pout, slightly taking Zhong Li aback as he didn''t expect her to look cute.


    With her cheeks slightly puffed as well, along with a soft blush on her face, Zhong Li had the urge to pinch her cheeks.


    But he knew that he had to stop himself. It would be awkward for him to do so since they''re just getting to know each other.


    Heck, he couldn''t even do this to Yan Yan, another woman whom he''s closer withpared to his blossoming friendship with Shu Xian!


    With that in thought, he just mped his hands together, his fingers inteced with each other so as to control his urge of wanting to squish cute Shu Xian''s cheeks.


    "How could you say something and then not want to do it? I was excited, you know," she said almost in a mumble. A light chuckle was then heard from Zhong Li.


    "Fine, fine," Zhong Li said, shaking his head as he forced himself to read the description of each volume. "Let me see if the contents of each volume will get my attention.


    ***


    Volume 1: Nunc Domum


    When the Soul Eater, Devin, and his personal servant, Ivar, found no clues about the curse, they finally went home after 18 years. However, when the two arrived in the mansion, Devin''s curse suddenly went amok when he met the human girl, Angeal. What could be the girl''s involvement in his curse?


    Volume 2: Est Ignotum


    As the immortals and the mortals spent their days with each other, they are more confused than ever with not only with the feelings they have for a certain person, but also with their background, with their loyalty, and with what lies ahead. To them, there are a lot of things that are unknown...


    Volume 3: Actio Culmen Cadentia


    The peak of their lives had finally arrived as secrets and revtions, stirring their judgments and what they believe in. As they all go on with their lives, what will they decide for others, and of course, for themselves?


    Volume 4: Et Requiem


    With all the events that had transpired, each one of them had started to question one''s judgment and decisions. Now that these actions had been falling, what will Devin, Angeal, and everyone do to face what''s ahead of them?


    Volume 5: Insidiamini Torquet


    Everyone''s lives are now practically caught in series of unexpected twists and turns. As they are to face the challenges that are thrown at them, what would everyone do as everyone is in it for a shocking revtion about their fate? Will they fight for friendship, freedom, or for love?


    ***


    "Well?"


    Shu Xian beamed as she read along with Zhong Li. With her almost resting on his shoulder, Zhong Li looked at her from the corner of his eye, his heart beating in his chest.


    It made him think and it made him conscious¡ªhoping that Shu Xian won''t hear his heart in the silence of the room.


    However, the thought of them alone and the thought of them talking together made him happy and giddy, wanting to savor this precious moment together.


    "Well¡ª" Zhong Li trailed off, Shu Xian now backing away as she crossed her arms in front of her chest, expectant of his reply. "¡ªsince you''re insistent of me reading your book, fine, I''ll give it a chance despite it not getting my attention because of how sappy it is."


    Shu Xian narrowed her eyes at him. With her nodding once, she replied to what he said as if both of them were challenging each other.


    "Fine. I''ll read the book that you''re also reading so we''re even."


    With that, the two of them continued to talk to each other, especially about their interests when ites to reading.


    If it were other people, Zhong Li wouldn''t bother to read other people''s rmendations.


    However, if it''s Shu Xian, he''d be willing to since it may give them something more to talk about.


    If that''s what it takes for him to talk to her and be friends with her, then he''d really double his efforts.

 Chapter 211 - Try To See

    Shu Xian finished her break and decided that he would read The Soul Eater''s Possession a chance.


    It was unexpected because Zhong Li found himself already in the 136th chapter of the book. It had only urred to him that AllNovelFulls are actually this fun to read.


    What he didn''t expect at all was his interest in reading romance when he always liked science fiction and also system or cultivation novels!


    Not minding what he''s reading as he also felt giddy in his chest, he continued reading the story.


    ***


    "Well, what are you waiting for?" Devin broke the silence, making Angeal snap out of her thoughts. "I thought we''ll be practicing?"


    "Oh, right, right..." Angeal bit her lip then got another copy of her script. "You''ll be Romeo and I''ll be Juliet."


    Devin scoffed. "Obviously."


    Angeal just narrowed her eyes at him as she read her script for three times to refresh her mind. The Soul Eater felt satisfied with only reading the script once so after he read it, Devin sat beside Angeal on the bed as he waited for her signal.


    "Okay!" She looked at the man sitting beside her. "Let''s start!"


    Devin nodded and with that, it had started their acting session in order for Angeal to be prepared for her Speech and Stage Arts examination tomorrow.


    "I profane with my unworthiest hand, this holy shrine: my lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand, to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss," Devin started, his tone of voice and his acting on point with his character. It had taken Angeal slightly aback, but it didn''t waver her thoughts from saying her lines.


    "Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much. Which mannerly devotion shows in this, for saints have hands do touch. Palm to palm is holy palmers'' kiss."


    Devin cocked his head to the side, being in character as he continued saying his lines. "Have not saints lips and holy palmers too?"


    Angeal shook her head, staying in character as well then she continued. "Ay, pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer.


    Devin nodded as he looked intently at Angeal''s eyes. For some reason, the two stayed in character so well, Angeal felt her heart beating fast as if she was really Juliet.


    "O, then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do. They pray, grant thou, lest faith turn to despair."


    Angeal leaned in closer, Devin''s eyesightnding on her lips. She held his hand (even though actions weren''t involved in the examination tomorrow), then continued saying her lines, making Devin''s eyesnd on her lips.


    "But, Saints do not move their palms for prayers'' sake."


    Devin''s gaze still hadn''t left her lips. For some reason, Angeal''s face started heating up, indicating that she is starting to blush. As Devin spoke, his voice became seductively sultry, making Angeal bite her bottom lip.


    "Then move not. While my prayer''s kiss I take."


    Devin put his forehead against Angeal''s. They stayed silent for a few seconds, the silence almost deafening. Both of their hearts were beating fast¡ªas if it synchronized with each other. For some reason, it made them both conscious¡ªscared... that the other might hear their hyperactive heart.


    Breaking the silence, Devin spoke, his breath fanning over Angeal''s lips.


    "Thus from my lips, by yours, my sin is purged."


    Angeal''s lips slightly trembled, their forehead still against each other. Her eyesnded on his lips, then her gaze slowly went up to meet his purple eyes, then continued saying her lines.


    "Then have my lips the sin that they have took."


    Devin held her face with his hand, his thumb caressing her cheek. Angeal knew that they were acting... but to her, it seemed so real. She then wondered if this is how Romeo and Juliet could''ve felt if it were to happen in real life.


    If it did, like not a work of fiction, then the feeling seemed magical...


    "Sin from thy lips? O trespass sweetly urged! Give me my sin again."


    With that, the two still continued staring at each other. As Angeal''s breathing started to quicken, her chest tightening as her heart raced, she averted her gaze, breaking their close proximity.


    "Thank you, Devin. I¡ª"


    What had happened next took her by surprise. Devin''s lipsnded on hers, interrupting her statement. Her eyes blinked a few times, still not believing that they had actually kissed. He initiated it...


    But she didn''t mind it.


    Closing her eyes, she went with the flow. She wrapped her arms around his neck, making Devin deepen the kiss. When his tongue licked Angeal''s lips as if asking for entrance, she willingly opened, their tongues now intertwined.


    "Mmm..."


    Angeal moaned against his lips, sending shivers throughout Devin''s body. He embraced her tightly, her hairbing through Devin''s hair out of pleasure.


    Still not breaking away from their passionate kiss, Devin slowlyid Angeal on the bed, making him go on top of her.


    As the kiss went on, Angeal felt heat course through her body. When she felt Devin''s hand on her waist, she was slightly startled, but she did not push him away.


    ''What is this feeling,'' Angeal thought, foreign to the feeling.


    When Devin''s lips parted from hers and started kissing her neck, she gasped as she felt shivers down her spine, her fingernails digging onto his back.


    "D-Devin... wait..."


    Hearing her voice stained with uncertainty, Devin suddenly stopped. He slowly sat up, making him face Angeal.


    Both of their faces were beet red as they stared at each other hungrily... insatiably.


    Realizing what he did and what they had almost done, Devin blinked his eyes a few times, feeling more aware than ever of what had happened between them just now.


    He never felt this way before¡ªand experiencing it for the first time¡ªwith Angeal even, it was so unexinable... he didn''t know what to do! But for some reason, he felt...


    Badly good about it.


    "I-I''m sorry, Angeal."


    In a blink of an eye, he had magically disappeared right before her eyes, making Angeal sit up slowly.


    ''What did I just feel? Devin and I... we...''


    Angeal bit her lip, almost making it bleed. She held her chest as it started tightening once more, giving her the difficulty to breathe. Angeal sighed as she held her chest, wanting it to calm down.


    ''We were just acting... but why did it feel so real? Why did it feel so... good?''


    ***


    Zhong Li''s eyes widened and he found himself bbergasted that he had actually enjoyed the first 136 chapters of the book and he went by it in a breeze!


    Upon reading those parts, Zhong Li felt his heart racing in his chest as he felt the desire growing between the ML and the FL. He even started to wonder what could a kiss feel like if it made them passionate.


    Does it really feel that good?


    Zhong Li attempted to swipe the page down to unlock the next chapter. But he groaned aloud, quite surprising himself with his sudden outburst. With him rolling his eyes at himself, he realized that he had no more coins left and even fast passes to read the next chapters!


    "Damn it," Zhong Li cursed under his breath as he set his phone aside with a sigh. "Allowance day will be quite far from today. I can''t wait this long."


    Suddenly, he thought of Yan Yan. With the thought of him borrowing money for a while to buy coins for his app, he suddenly stopped in his tracks, cocking his head to the side as he wondered what has gotten into him.


    Shu Xian just told him to try to read the book that she was reading, only to find out that he found himself reading it despite him not liking the genre at all!


    Heck, what surprised him all the more was the fact that he liked reading and even reached 136 chapters!


    Is this the effect of liking someone? You grow to make yourself learn to like her likes and dislikes just for you to het to know her better?


    It sounded foolish. It sounded so stupid. However, Zhong Li found himself shoving the thought aside as he actually liked knowing what Shu Xian likes!


    ''As long as it gives us something more to talk about,'' he thought, saying it again in his mind like a mantra being memorized. ''As long as it gives us something more to talk about.''


    Zhong Li then let out another sigh. His lips were tugged in a small smile, Zhong Li already standing up from his seat as he went outside the student lounge.


    The moment he came out, he saw Zhang Ren and Shi Lian busy tending to the patrons who came to borrow books or either use theputer. With him discreetly watching her as he walked away, Zhong Li came to a decision.


    ''I really want to be friends with Shu Xian,'' he spoke to himself in his thoughts, Zhong Li already walking down the stairs and into the hallway of the library.


    ''Once I''m friends with her, I''ll try to see if we can further our connection.''

 Chapter 212 - First Date

    Before they knew it, it was already the end of the day. It also indicated Shu Xian and Zhang Ren that their duty had already ended.


    After doing their time out from their duty hours, both of them already exited the library. To Shu Xian''s surprise, she saw Shi Lian waiting for Zhang Ren outside of the library, a teasing grin appearing on her face as she looked at them back and forth.


    "Oh, you two¡­ you seem to be progressing pretty well, too!"


    Shi Lian yfully rolled her eyes at her andmented on what she said as she folded her arms in front of her chest.


    "As if you''re not progressing with you-know-who."


    "Aha!" Shu Xian narrowed her eyes at Shi Lian. "So, you do not deny it?"


    "What is there to deny?" Zhang Ren said, surprising the girls as he wrapped his arm around Shi Lian''s shoulders. "You''re already seeing it, right? As if we want to lie about this."


    "Ahh¡­"


    Shu Xian smiled, Shi Lian slowly blushing as she didn''t even bother swatting Zhang Ren''s hand away from her.


    "You guys enjoy. I could see that you two are going on a dinner date," Shu Xian added, both of them nodding as Shi Lian replied to what she said.


    "Yes. We talked about it a moment ago."


    "Enjoy! I''ll be having a night out myself, too, before we have the weekend tomorrow!"


    "Aaah¡­"


    Zhang Ren and Shi Lian eximed to tease her. With them chuckling, Shu Xian further exined in a form of a whisper so other passersby won''t ever hear their conversation.


    "When he called me out a while ago, he told me that we will be going out for dinner."


    "Aaah¡­" Shi Lian replied, narrowing her eyes at Shu Xian to further tease her. "Then when do you think we''ll be having our double date?"


    "I think¡­ hopefully, soon."


    Both of them chuckled and then bode Shu Xian farewell. As Shu Xian walked going home, she couldn''t help but grin ear to ear with the thought of Pan An waiting for her.


    It was not like this days ago. She was always eager to go home because even before she started liking Pan An, they had been enjoying each other''spany.


    Now that they are showing each other''s intentions and interests towards each other, now she found her heart fluttering and she felt it all the way to her stomach.


    Is this what they meant when they said "butterflies in my stomach?"


    Maybe so. She had never experienced such and had always thought that it was a feeling of difort. But now that her heart is starting to like someone, she felt giddy and warm inside.


    Like a teenager falling in love!


    Shu Xian even skipped and hummed to herself as she was walking home. As she stopped in front of Pan An''s door, she was getting her key in her bag so that she could open the door for her entry.


    However, when Shu Xian started turning the knob, she almost gasped aloud when Pan An pulled her inside, immediately shutting the door behind her.


    "P-Pan An¡ª"


    "Shu Xian."


    The professor interrupted Shu Xian by putting his hand against the door so as to not let her escape. With his free hand getting her bag that slung on her shoulder, he set it aside on the floor for a while, Shu Xian''s heart racing in her chest as both of them were staring at each other intently.


    At the same moment, Wan Wan barked at her to get her attention. Knowing that during this time the moment she gets home that she would have to walk her for her potty session, Shu Xian looked at Wan Wan, then back at Pan An and spoke to him in almost a whisper.


    "Pan An¡­" Shu Xian said his name, the skin of her lips feeling his breath fanning over her. "I have to walk Wan Wan."


    "Done," Pan An replied in only one word before he added, "Ten minutes before you got home, I gave her a walk. It''s just that she wants to get your attention."


    "Then¡­"


    Shu Xian looked at Wan Wan who had her tongue out of her mouth as she looked at her owner expectantly.


    "Let me give Wan Wan attention and¡ª"


    "No," Pan An interrupted once more, Shu Xian blinking her eyes a few times as she did not expect what she heard next. "I''ve been waiting for you since my time out two hours ago. I want your attention."


    Pan An then started kissing Shu Xian''s neck. With a light gasp escaping from Shu Xian''s lips, she couldn''t help but furrow her brows in slight pressure, her hands running through his hair like ab.


    She wanted to stop him, but this gesture actually made it better as she was further pulling her towards him!


    Though she remembered right here and then that they would have to go to dinner like he said, making him remember as she slightly pushed him away from her.


    "What?"


    Pan An said in a low, sexy protest, his breath now fanning the skin of her neck, sending shivers down her spine.


    "You said that we''d be going to dinner," Shu Xian reminded, both of them now looking at each other as their eyes locked gazes. "I''m excited and famished¡­ I want to go and eat."


    Pan An smiled. With a nod, he understood what she said, not wanting to make her feel ufortable and too hungry.


    However, deep down, he also felt a slight disappointment as he wanted to have an intimate moment with Shu Xian.


    Although, he knew that he had to wait. They''re just developing and starting their budding romance, after all. He should have to be understanding and patient.


    Especially now that it''s Shu Xian''s first time being involved in a rtionship.


    Pan An nted a soft kiss on her forehead. With Shu Xian smiling as she felt his affection, Pan An then pulled away from her and stood straight, crossing his arms in front of his chest.


    "Go prepare what you needed to prepare, then. I''ll be waiting for you at the garage and will secure the house."


    "Alright," Shu Xian said and nodded, already going inside of her room then shut the door.


    Pan An let out a sigh. With him looking at Wan Wan who now looked at him, he smiled and crouched down to give the dog a sweet pat on the head, Wan Wan appreciating it whole-heartedly.


    "I think I''m scaring your owner," Pan An said as he talked to the Samoyed dog, Wan Wan just sticking out her tongue as she looked at the professor. "I''ll try my best not to surprise her too much. I''ll be patient and will take care of her. I promise."


    As if Wan Wan understood him, she barked, Pan An now checking the house to secure their home then made way to the garage to wait for Shu Xian.


    ***


    Shu Xian bit her bottom lip as she looked at herself in front of the mirror. She wore the clothes that Cai Li had given her when they talked. She forgot her shoes in her home that time because she was drunk, but then again, it was soon brought home by Pan An''s family secretary.


    She then wore the heels and afterward, looked at herself in front of the mirror. She then tied her hair into a ponytail, showing the skin of her neck. She knew that it would be cold, so she got a coat from her wardrobe¡ªthe only coat that she had and wore every time it was cold.


    She thought to herself that now that she is getting allowances from being a student assistant, she could be able to earn up money so that she can use it to buy more clothes.


    She got her lip tint on the vanity table. She then applied some to make her lips look more pink and slightly red, also applying a soft blush on her cheeks to give her more color.


    Cai Li''s mother was right when she was dressing her up. She only needed to apply a few make up on her face and she would still look pretty.


    She always pushed aside thepliments of people¡ªtelling her that she''s beautiful.


    However, now she wondered why she suddenly felt more confident of herself¡ªseeing herself attractive when she never actually did.


    Is this the effect of falling in love? Is this the effect that Pan An is giving her because he assured her of his feelings?


    With a big smile on her face and with excitement swelling up from within her, she stood up from her vanity mirror and ruffled the edges of her skirt. She then went out of her room and saw that Wan Wan was already settled on the carpet and sleeping.


    She bent down to give her a goodbye pat. As she made way to the garage, her heart raced as a thought passed her mind.


    ''Should I consider this as my first date with Pan An and disregard the days before because that was just an act?''

 Chapter 213 - Something Important

    The moment Shu Xian went to the garage to see Pan An, the professor was immediately in awe. It was as if he saw a goddess visit before him, a loving smile appearing on his face as he appreciatingly marveled her beauty.


    "Wow, Shu Xian," he eximed, reaching out to hold her right hand so he could nt a kiss on her knuckles. "You look very beautiful tonight."


    Shu Xian arched a brow at him to tease him.


    "Only tonight?"


    Pan An couldn''t help but chuckle. With him pulling Shu Xian towards him, he teased her.


    "Always¡ªand I''m too stupidlyte to even realize that."


    Shu Xian yfully rolled her eyes at him. With her saying something as if to test what would Pan An say after, she still said it, expectant of his reply.


    "But I wore this on the day that I visited your mother. I still look pretty even though I used the same clothes?"


    "Of course," Pan An immediately answered, making Shu Xianugh out loud with what he said next. "If it makes you feel any better, you also look good even if you wear a sack."


    Shu Xian hit his chest andughed as she shook her head. With Pan An already opening the door of the car, Shu Xian entered with excitement then Pan An soon followed after¡ªalready starting to drive the moment he already buckled himself on his seat.


    "Where are we going to have dinner?" Shu Xian asked, Pan An turning on the AC but making sure that Shu Xian won''t feel cold.


    "In a fancy restaurant overlooking the city lights. I have reserved the ce."


    "Such a romantic, I see," Shu Xianmented, Pan An showing a lopsided smile that made him look more mischievous.


    "How could I not¡­ when I have such a greatdy beside me?"


    "You know what," Shu Xian started, narrowing her eyes at him as she turned her body slightly to look at him. "You really know your way with words. You don''t say that much about me before and now you''re treating andplimenting me as a princess."


    "I''m sorry," Pan An apologized, a soft chuckleing right after. "It''s not like I meant to do that. I mean¡­ I was already starting to feel something towards you. It''s just that I have been confirming if it''s sure and true."


    Shu Xian found herself unable to speak and reply. With her only nodding and with her now looking at the road before them, she nodded her head slowly as Pan An continued to speak.


    "Shu Xian, let me be honest with you. I didn''t expect myself to find attraction towards you."


    Shu Xian looked at him once more and continued to listen to him speak.


    "I find you attractive, yes¡­ but I was quiet about it. You''re beautiful, Shu Xian. Your mysterious background entices me more to be further interested in you."


    Shu Xian didn''t know how to ept that. What he said made her feel like an experiment and that he was a scientist unraveling some unknown information.


    Because of Shu Xian''s doubtful expression on her face, it made the professor notice her uneasiness without her having to speak about it.


    "Hey, I mean¡­ I''m drawn to you in a way that I want to get to know you. Don''t get me wrong, please. That is not my intention."


    Shu Xian only nodded, gesturing for Pan An to further talk and exin himself so she could understand better.


    "I realized¡­ that I''m starting to adore you. I''m just too stubborn to ept it so I often push it away."


    "I know."


    Shu Xian finally spoke, a small smile appearing on her face as she nodded slowly.


    "It''s because of Ruo Xi, isn''t it?"


    Pan An went silent, but he nodded once to answer. With a sighing to his face, he stopped the moment the traffic light showed red. He took this opportunity to look at Shu Xian to further exin his feelings towards her.


    "Shu Xian, I''m sorry that I kept showing my frustration towards people including you about Ruo Xi. I was¡­ to be honest, I didn''t know that I still had her there¡ªin my heart."


    Shu Xian felt a slight pang of pain in her chest. With her face turning to look away so she could look at what''s outside her window, Pan An knew that what he said made her feel difort so he caught her face by cupping her cheeks with both of his hands.


    "Shu Xian, please do not misunderstand now. She may havee back¡­ but her appearance made me realize what I truly want."


    Shu Xian felt her eyes pooling tears. With her lips in a tight line as she felt her heart racing in her chest, she spoke as her lips trembled, stammering on her words as well.


    "A-are you sure that you want¡­ me? Did it cross your mind that y-you might''ve been using me to forget her?"


    What she said was a like a punch jabbed to his stomach, but he couldn''t me her. Shu Xian is young and she never even liked anyone in her whole life and yet here he was¡­ an experienced man in love and she was living with him.


    The only thing he could do now is to keep reassuring Shu Xian. He felt stupid that he showed his frustrations towards Ruo Xi to her and even called her name when he stumbled upon Shu Xian''s room.


    He had nothing and no one to me but himself.


    Even with this in thought, he wasn''t discouraged.


    Rather, he was encouraged to keep showing and telling Shu Xian of his feelings towards her.


    "Shu Xian¡­"


    Pan An said her name and had nted a kiss on her forehead, in hopes that it will make her feel better.


    "Our affection towards each other came upon us earlier today like thunder and lightning¡ªsudden but strong. If you still doubt my actions and words, I can''t and I won''t me you as it will only tell me to further prove myself to you and that is no problem."


    "Pan An¡ª"


    "I''ll fight. I''ll continue to reassure you no matter how many times it must take for you to know my intentions."


    Shu Xian tried her best to fight back her tears. With her hand fanning over her face even though Pan An still cupped her cheeks, he couldn''t help but chuckle at her when he heard what she said.


    "I can''t cry¡­ my makeup."


    "Oh, Shu Xian¡­"


    Pan An briefly nted a kiss on her lips.


    "Other than me telling you that we''re to have dinner, I did this with the intention of asking you something."


    "Oh?"


    Pan An released her from his hold as the traffic light showed them to get ready and he drove the moment it showed green.


    "What is it that you want to ask me? You can ask me now. I''m curious."


    Pan An had a smirk appearing on his face. With him looking at her from the corner of his eye, he answered her.


    "You will know soonter. Be patient as this is something important."


    "Hmph¡­"


    Shu Xian harrumphed and crossed her arms in front of her chest. As she pursed her lips into a pout, she looked irresistibly cute and if Pan An wasn''t driving, he would have pinched her cheeks until the pressure turned it red.


    "You''re making me curious as to what you want to ask me. If you want to ask me something, don''t make me curious and wait¡­"


    Pan An find her childlike ways irresistibly cute. As he curved down the road and stopped on another red light, he then spoke as he leaned on his backrest to rest for a while.


    "I was about to ask you if we can further our rtionship."


    Shu Xian''s heart raced as she didn''t expect to hear that from him. With her eyes widening in surprise as she looked at him, her face naturally turned pink.


    "Wh-what do you mean?"


    Pan An smiled. He turned his head so he could sincerely look at her, and further exined what he meant that was intentionally said to make her heart flutter.


    "Do you really want me to point it out that I want you as my girlfriend?"


    "Y-you¡­ what!?"


    Pan An''s smile turned into a wider grin, showing his perfect teeth. With the traffic light showing green once again, he continued driving, Shu Xian blinking her eyes a lot of times as she couldn''t believe what she just heard.


    "You''re joking¡­ y-you must be joking me, aren''t you?"


    "No. It''s what my mother would''ve liked and don''t get me wrong, I''m not doing this just for her."


    Pan An then looked at her briefly.


    "I''m also doing this because I realized that I want you and I want to get to know you."


    Shu Xian found herselfpletely at a loss for words. With the organ in her chest continuing to beat erratically, she stayed quiet and started pinching her leg, in hopes that she wasn''t dreaming.

 Chapter 214 - Already Understood

    ANNOUNCEMENT:


    To be honest, I got demotivated writing and decided to give up because of some mean people who just couldn''t hold back with their words.


    Little do they know that the author is tired, most of the time falling sick, and most of the time stressed because of the busy schedule. Little do they know that despite all these, the author still writes so as to not disappoint the readers.


    I already had a breakdownst night because of emotional stress as well and those negativements already got to me. I know I should push it aside and disregard it so I won''t be affected, but I''m human, too, and at some point, I get overwhelmed.


    Please don''t be surprised when I suddenly stop writing. I will be focusing on my mental and physical health since I need to. Words hurt more than physical pain and I''d like to condition my emotional well-being and confidence.


    Do know that I will be posting updates from time to time. If ever the author''s note below is empty, I may no longer have the enthusiasm to leave messages when everyone knows I always do so because I love interacting with my readers. :(


    However, I''ll update when I know I can. I''ll try my best to cope since you readersfort me as well and motivate me to do better.


    This I''m sure: I will NEVER drop my books as I want to finish it for everyone and for my integrity as a writer, too.


    Also, this is a dedication to ms_Aggarwal (and her other two alt ounts) for being one of those people who had made me smile after I criedst night.


    You guys are the best. You''re the very reason why I work hard other than my passion for writing.


    But do know... that there is a difference between constructive criticism and being intentionally mean. ^^


    Thank you and I hope you understand. :) See you when I see you (here in WN). Take care always!


    Regards,


    MysticAmy.


    ***


    Shu Xian still couldn''t believe what she just heard. With her blinking her eyes in disbelief as what Pan An said rung in her mind a few times, even alternatively!


    "Do you really want me to point it out that I want you as my girlfriend?"


    "I''m also doing this because I want you and I want to get to know you."


    "Do you really want me to point it out that I want you as my girlfriend?"


    "I''m also doing this because I want you and I want to get to know you."


    Geez! It''s as if the professor''s sultry voice lingered in Shu Xian''s mind and stayed with the intention to be stuck on her like a chant or mantra needed to be remembered!


    Shu Xian felt her face heating up and all she could do to calm herself down was to fan her face as if it would do her any good!


    Pan An already parked his car and chuckled while he did so. With Shu Xian quiet and in a daze on her seat, he knew that she was shocked and didn''t know how to process this.


    Pan An didn''t leave his seat, however, he unbuckled his seatbelt so he could turn to look at Shu Xian.


    "Shu Xian," he called out to her, the girl slowly turning her head to look at him as her eyes fluttered in disbelief.


    "I''m dreaming... aren''t I?"


    She said it almost in a whisper which made Pan An grin. It was obvious to him that Shu Xian couldn''t believe it so he spoke to her patiently, wanting to sincerely convey his message and intentions.


    "You''re not, Shu Xian. I''m serious."


    Pan An inched in closer, leaning his body to the right so he could almost touch her.


    "I want to talk to you about this and I want to assure you that my intentions and feelings are true."


    "Oh, Pan An..."


    Shu Xian''s lips trembled as she felt butterflies in her stomach, never having the experience to have a man confess his feelings towards her in such a way like Pan An did.


    She had other guys who liked her before in high school, yes... but not as serious as Pan An''s and she often brushed it aside.


    Now that she got a heartfelt confession, she knew that it was true and sincere and she felt her heart bursting in affection.


    "I... I don''t know what to say. I... but I''m happy."


    Pan An smiled, reaching out to her face with his right hand and caressed her cheek with his thumb.


    "You don''t have to say anything," Pan An muttered, only for Shu Xian and him to hear. "Let me prove it to you not only through words... but through loving actions."


    And before Shu Xian could even digest the words he told her, she felt his lipsnd on hers, her eyes instinctively closing upon his touch.


    He stayed and moved his lips for only a few seconds, Shu Xian feeling the affection said in his words through his kiss.


    Pan An kissed her briefly as he then parted from the kiss. Even though it was short, Shu Xian''s heart was beating hard and fast like a runner joining a marathon!


    The moment their eyes locked, Shu Xian felt shy. She then rested her head on his chest, Pan An wrapping her in his arms as his right hand patted her back.


    "What''s wrong?" He asked, his voice rather breathy as he wanted more from the kiss...


    But he knows that he has to wait.


    Shu Xian shook her head against his chest. With her voice muffled as she spoke, Pan An rested his chin on top of her head and sighed as he closed his eyes, wanting this moment tost.


    "Nothing... I''m overwhelmed, but I''m happy... incredibly happy."


    Pan An liked what he heard. With him kissing the top of her head, he remembered how long it was to have held a woman in his arms. He thought that he would remember Ruo Xi right here and then but oddly enough...


    He didn''t care about her as if she had never been a big part of his life.


    All he cares about now is the woman who suddenly came into his life. Remembering the day when she was at the park and was almost attacked, he shuddered at the possibility of him noting to the rescue.


    That very idea angered him. The idea of those men touching her and hurting her in every way unimaginable tormented him even though it didn''t happen.


    If time would repeat itself, he would still do the same thing as long as it will lead him to save Shu Xian.


    As long as it will lead her to him so she could be his.


    "Pan An?"


    "Yes?"


    Pan An snapped out of his thoughts when Shu Xian called out to him. When she raised her head to break his embrace, she said something that made the professorugh.


    "I''m hungry."


    Pan An smiled as he gave her onest kiss on top of her forehead. He then unbuckled Shu Xian from her seatbelt and left the driver''s seat, on his way to open the passenger''s seat.


    Shu Xian came out with Pan An reaching out his hand to her in which she took gratifyingly. With a sweet smile on her face, the professor then made sure to lock the doors of their car for security.


    At the same moment, the guard of Pan An''s mall approached him since he immediately noticed their boss'' car.


    "You''ll be having your dinner here tonight, Mr. Pan An?"


    "Yes," Pan An replied with a smile, already giving him the keys of his car for security. "Please watch over my baby."


    "Of course."


    Shu Xian arched a brow at Pan An when she heard how he addressed to his car as his "baby." The moment Pan An held her hand and started to walk, Shu Xian followed, already saying herment on what he said.


    "Baby? You call your car baby?"


    Pan An chuckled, wanting to tease her.


    "You jealous?"


    "Seriously?" Shu Xian narrowed her eyes at him. "I may be younger than you but I''m not that childish as to be jealous of something that is not alive. It''s just a car."


    "Woah, woah, woah!"


    Pan An stopped in his tracks, yfully arching a brow at her.


    "What did you say? Just a car?"


    Shu Xian crossed her arms in front of her chest, confidently tipping her head up to show her pride.


    "It is! Why? I know your car is important, but not as important as some of the people who are important in your life, right?"


    Pan An didn''t answer Shu Xian for a while. With a grin on his face, he snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him, now replying to what she said.


    "Of course, my love. That''s already understood without you even exining it."

 Chapter 215 - What It Meant

    "You are interested in poems?"


    Shi Lian and Zhang Ren decided to walk going to Molto Affamato. With them talking about their own hobbies and interests to further get to know each other, Zhang Ren stated that he is interested in poems and that very thought surprised Shi Lian.


    "Wow! The fact that you are interested in poetry is something that I didn''t expect."


    Zhang Ren and Shi Lian were walking, holding each other''s hand. With a yful grin on his face, they continued walking as he said a suggestion.


    "Want me to tell you a poem that I love to the point I got it memorized? There are actually two as it is a reply to the other poem."


    "Oh?"


    Shi Lian by this time was actually interested, now cocking her head to the side.


    "Then tell me."


    Zhang Ren nodded approvingly at her interest. He then told her the poems that were his favorite.


    "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love by Christopher Marlowe."


    "Sounds romantic," Shi Lianmented, Zhang Ren now saying the poem in verbatim.


    "Come live with me and be my love, and we will all the pleasures prove, that Valleys, groves, hills, and fields, woods, or steepy mountain yields.


    "And we will sit upon the Rocks, seeing the Shepherds feed their flocks, by shallow Rivers to whose falls melodious birds sing Madrigals.


    "And I will make thee beds of Roses and a thousand fragrant posies, a cap of flowers, and a kirtle embroidered all with leaves of Myrtle;


    "A gown made of the finest wool which from our pretty Lambs we pull; Fair lined slippers for the cold, with buckles of the purest gold;


    "A belt of straw and Ivy buds, with Coral sps and Amber studs: and if these pleasures may thee move,e live with me, and be my love.


    "The Shepherds'' Swains shall dance and sing for thy delight each May-morning: If these delights thy mind may move, then live with me, and be my love."


    Shi Lian all the more found Zhang Ren amazing that he was able to memorize that poem¡ªverbatim¡ªevery word.


    "Why do you love the poem?" she asked, and Zhang Ren hadn''t yet answered her question. With a grin on his face, he further said something more interesting that piqued Shi Lian''s curiosity.


    "You have to listen to the reply of the nymph to the passionate shepherd."


    Shi Lian blinked her eyes a few times in wonder.


    "There is more?"


    "Oh, but of course," Zhang Ren replied, both of them still walking going towards Molto Affamato. "The Nymph''s Reply to the Shepherd by Sir Walter Raleigh."


    And with that, Shi Lian silenced again to further listen to Zhang Ren speak.


    "If all the world and love were young, and truth in every Shepherd''s tongue, these pretty pleasures might me move, to live with thee, and be thy love.


    "Time drives the flocks from field to fold, when Rivers rage and Rocks grow cold, and Philomel beth dumb, the restins of cares toe.


    "The flowers do fade, and wanton fields, to wayward winter reckoning yields, a honey tongue, a heart of gall, is fancy''s spring, but sorrow''s fall.


    "Thy gowns, thy shoes, thy beds of Roses, thy cap, thy kirtle, and thy posies soon break, soon wither, soon forgotten: in folly ripe, in reason rotten.


    "Thy belt of straw and Ivy buds, the Coral sps and amber studs, all these in me no means can move toe to thee and be thy love.


    "But could youthst, and love still breed, had joys no date, nor age no need, then these delights my mind might move to live with thee, and be thy love."


    After Zhang Ren has said the next poem, Shi Lian was really amused that he had memorized two foreign poems as if he had really read it by heart.


    Making Shi Lian all the more curious, she asked how, making Zhang Ren chuckle with because of her sudden interest.


    "May I ask¡­ how you were able to memorize a poem that is foreign to our country? You''re a math major. How is that even possible?"


    "Well, I couldn''t say," Zhang Ren said honestly, trying his best to answer her. "I often run to my grandfather''s ce because of my family. And I have grown fond of reading as a way to pass the time. Makes you think why I didn''t take up foreign literature as my major, no?"


    "Yeah," Shi Lian agreed, cocking her head to the side once more. "Why?"


    "It didn''t ur to me. Honestly, I find myselffortable in mathematics since I always loved the subject since I was young."


    "I see¡­ so reading is just a hobby¡ªa pastime that you love?"


    "Yes," Zhang Ren answered, "and oddly, I find it amazing that I memorized those poems when I only read it like¡­ twice¡­ four times? But it has struck me, though¡ªhow the poem in the first had gotten a reply."


    Shi Lian smiled and made ament about the two poems as well.


    "Well, the first one sounds romantic. However, the reply of the nymph made it sound like she doesn''t appreciate the shepherd at all."


    "True," Zhang Ren agreed along with a chuckle. "Which is why I truly find it amusing¡ªthose two poems. It was popr during that time when I searched it on the."


    "Wow¡­ you really like studying literature from time to time. There is something more to you than meets the eye."


    "Perhaps," Zhang Ren replied, his smile not leaving his face. "Maybe if I''d have the motivation to study another thing, maybe literature would be another thing."


    Zhang Ren then further discussed about the first poem as if he was a professor discussing to a student.


    He told her that "The Passionate Shepherd" is a poem of seduction. In it, the speaker tries to convince his listener toe to the country and be his lover.


    The speaker makes his case on the basis of the luxuries they will enjoy together in the countryside, describing it as a ce of pleasure that is at once sensual and innocent.


    He wants his "love" to simply sit on the rocks for a while and appreciate the scene, without worrying about their responsibilities.


    Although the joys the speaker describes may be fleeting, they are still rich and seductive. Listing them, the speaker makes a case for embracing the pure pleasure of love and rejects the idea that doing so might have negative consequences.


    As its title suggests, "The Passionate Shepherd" is thus a passionate poem, full of sexual tension. But, diverging from traditions that associate sexuality with sin and death, the poem portrays this sexuality as an innocent.


    There seem to be no costs associated with the pleasures the speaker describes in his seduction. Instead, the countryside is presented as a ce of y and sheer joy, song, and dance.


    The speaker refuses to admit any problems, troubles, or downsides into the world he imagines upying with his "love." Instead, he urges his love to just live in the moment, enjoying the sensual pleasures he lists for their own sake, without worrying about the consequences.


    Indeed, the speaker offers these delights as an escape from responsibilities and consequences.


    He then further proceeded to talk about the second poem as well. The poem, "The Nymph''s Reply to the Shepherd," was written by Sir Walter Raleigh, and is a response from a nymph rejecting a shepherd''s proposal of love.


    By expressing in imaginative detail the reasoning behind her rejections, stanza-by-stanza, the speaker within the poem, a young female nymph, responds to the shepherd''s vision of their "happily-ever-after."


    The nymph, having superior rationality, coolly objects the shepherd''s offerings and exins to him that all he proposes is of the limited timeframe of a mortal being; his offerings will notst.


    As the stanzas progress, the darker, innate meaning of the nymph''s eternal message bes lesstent and can be manifested in the shepherd''s mortal view of life. It quickly bes apparent throughout the poem that the nymph is attempting to help the shepherd.


    While the shepherd can only focus on his love for the nymph, thinking only of the gifts that he will give her, she attempts to show him the irony of their discourse, rying to him the mortality of his pastoral life.


    As Zhang Ren continued to discuss, even Shi Lian who thinks literature is so boring now found herself to be appreciating it with the way Zhang Ren had been discussing it pretty well. People who would listen to him would think that he is a very intelligent person with how spontaneous and coherent he is.


    Shi Lian listened to every word that came out of his mouth as if it were gospel. She smiled with every interest at how animated Zhang Ren was and even the guy himself noticed how enthusiastic he was in talking about a topic like this with Shi Lian.


    Maybe this is what it meant to like someone and having your affections reciprocated.


    Both of you are interested to whatever it is being talked about regardless of your differences.

 Chapter 216 - Think Of Pan An

    [WARNING: This chapter contains mature R-18 content. You have been warned. You may skip if you wish to, or you may continue reading.]


    ***??


    It was already eight in the evening yet Ruo Xi was still wide awake, even though she knew that she had an early shift tomorrow.


    She was so pissed with what had happened today that after she was done observing, she excused herself and talked to the dean and went immediately home!


    Ruo Xi''s blood was boiling and she couldn''t help but curse Pan An, especially that Shu Xian for stealing his target away from her.


    She felt stupid when she remembered that she intentionally tripped herself to get his attention, only to find out that Pan An was unaffected.


    Shu Xian did it, too, but Pan An helped her out instead!


    With that in mind, she wanted to forget her embarrassment and decided to feel good by being narcissistic.


    She wore her ck sleeping gown that emphasized the curves of her body. She then untied her red hair that was in a bun, which made her hair look slightly more. She looked at herself in front of the body sized mirror then gave herself a wink.


    "Now aren''t you a beautiful and sexy woman," sheplimented herself then sat on the bed.


    The moment her eyesnded on the window, she remembered Pan An when she decided to forget him.


    "Stupid Pan An... not giving me his attention when he did that for me before. I hope you have a splitting headache," she mumbled to herself, almost cursing him, but what surprised her was when she heard a familiar voice inside her room, which gave her blood a jolt.


    "Who are you cursing under your breath? Is it me because I''mte?"


    Ruo Xi turned her head to look at him and feigned ignorance. She then shook her head as a smile crept her face, Hao Jiao Long admiring her voluptuous body as she wore such a seductive night gown.


    "Mm¡­ do you want to get it on tonight?" he even asked, Ruo Xi actually liking the idea as she wanted Pan An out of her thoughts.


    "Oh, indeed, baby¡­"


    Ruo Xi stood up, now tugging her husband''s necktie to pull him closer towards her.


    "I want it hard and rough tonight."


    Hao Jiao Long grinned. He always liked how Ruo Xi wanted it hard and rough. It had always given their sex life excitement as they also explored anything that they could think of.


    However, with him falling in love with her, he wanted to be sweet and decided to make a surprise.


    "I have a gift for you."


    "Oh?"


    Ruo Xi blinked her eyes, letting him go as she reached out to his hand that was giving her a small box.


    "A jewelry?"


    "Yes," Jiao Long answered, a small smile appearing on his face. "And something more, too. Get the paper from the box."


    Ruo Xi nodded and did as she was told. With her admiring the ring that had a real diamond on it, she wore it on her finger and then got the paper that was under it.


    "Read it."


    Ruo Xi looked at the paper then started reading it in a whisper.


    "You can use me to say hello, and to say goodbye. I''m no good when I''m too dry. I can be quick or I can be slow. What am I?"


    When Ruo Xi read this, Jiao Long shrugged his shoulders, feigning ignorance.


    "What is it?"


    Ruo Xi realized it was a riddle. She raised her brow and said the only answer that came to mind.


    "Your dick?"


    Jiao Long almostughed out loud, finding her answer unexpected that it caught him off guard.


    "My what?"


    Ruo Xi watched the man beside her as he stifled hisugh to the point that hey his back on the bed. Jiao Long started rolling on their bed inughter as he held his stomach and mouth, trying to suppress hisughter.


    She rolled her eyes at him then sat on top of him, suddenly shutting him up. She held both of his hands, pinning him down as her hair slowly fell on him.


    Now this¡­ is something that Jiao Long would really enjoy. He loved it very much when Ruo Xi takes the lead.


    From this view, Jiao Long being under his wife, he found her seductive. Heck, she wore a ck fitted night gown, and her cleavage was showing, as if sending him an invite to devour her


    Jiao Long raised a brow at her, feeling yful.


    "What are you doing?" he asked her that even though he knew that she wanted to get it on. "Don''t you want to take things slow?"


    "Oh,e on. We''ve been married for years now and that''s what you think? Let''s get it on. Now!"


    Ruo Xi sounded demanding, but Jiao Long didn''t care. He turned the table around. Ruo Xi was startled when suddenly, her husband gained the upper hand. In just a second, he is now pinning Ruo Xi down on the bed.


    Jiao Long smiled then he held her face, remembering the riddle he asked her to answer.


    "Now what is the answer to the riddle?"


    Ruo Xi rolled her eyes at her. She wanted toin but she wanted to at least credit the effort of her husband and said her guess one more time.


    "I told you¡­ it''s your dick!"


    Jiao Long chuckled, letting out his sexy, hungry voice.


    "It''s a kiss," he said, answering the riddle then he gave Ruo Xi a peck on the lips.


    "Oh!" Ruo Xiughed as she put her hands on Jiao Long''s shoulders, making the distance between them lessen. "But before you leave, moving with our bodies was often our goodbye. It is certainly painful when dry... and you either move quickly or slow."


    When Ruo Xi said this in her usual naughty demeanor, the man smirked.


    "Well... aren''t you smart," he remarked and he started kissing her neck then spoke beside her ear. "But do you know that I''m always hungry for you?"


    "Mmmm..."


    Ruo Xibed Jiao Long''s hair with her hand as she felt tingly with every kiss her husband gave her. His free hand started tracing the curves of her body slowly, as it traveled its way up to one of her breasts, making the girl stifle her moan, somehow conscious of herself even though they''re married.


    "How about the hello part of the riddle? You missed out on that one," Jiao Long asked, his voice now lower and sexier than ever. The girl looked at him, her face flushed red as she unbuttoned his shirt.


    "This is your hello after being away from whatever errand that you needed to do," the woman whispered beside his ear and Jiao Long smiled, giving the girl he loves a deep, passionate kiss.


    The moonlight passed through the window, giving the couple a romantic evening. Their bodies started grinding on each other slowly, their hands exploring every inch of their body. Their tongues intertwined, giving theirte night a passionate start.


    Ruo Xi then sat on top of Jiao Long. She felt him hardening beneath her, making her moan against his lips. He held the back of her head as they kissed, their tongues intertwining with each other, sending shivers down Ruo Xi''s spine.


    "Mmm, Jiao Long..."


    Ruo Xi tipped her head back when she felt him kissing her neck. His hands traveled from her waist up inside her thin nightgown, then he cupped her breast with his hand, his fingers flickering her nipple.


    "Are you cold? You''re wearing something so thin," he asked against her neck, making Ruo Xi look down to kiss him on the cheek.


    "You think I''m cold?" she said as she started rubbing herself on him. "There is such thing as body heat," she added, making her husband chuckle against her skin.


    Jiao Long and Ruo Xi kissed each other once more. With their hot kiss, both of them were now naked before each other''s eyes before they even knew it.


    As heid on top of his wife, she felt his dick hardening on her, making her moan. As they kissed passionately, Jiao Long rubbed the head of his dick on her entrance, teasing her.


    He started kissing her neck. Ruo Xi ran her hand through Jiao Long''s hair as he slowly went down, his kiss traveling her body. When his lips stopped on those familiar mounds that he loved, he dly yed with her nipple with the tip of his tongue, making her shiver in desire.


    "Mm¡­ Jiao Long¡­"


    However, her body almost tensed when she almost called out to another man''s name as she remembered him despite her husband touching her with all the love and desire that he has.


    ''Mm¡­ Pan An¡­''


    Jiao Long sensed Ruo Xi''s body tense slightly. With him stopping for a while, he raised his head and looked at her, concern stered on his face.


    "Ruo Xi, is everything alright?"


    However, his wife didn''t say a word. With her just leading his lips on hers, they both kissed as Ruo Xi started to imagine a different man who was making love to her.


    She couldn''t help but think of Pan An even though she knew that she''s married to his ex''s best friend.

 Chapter 217 - Mystery Of The Accident

    "My baby you will always be."


    Gu Meili took a deep breath as she closed her eyes, whispering to herself a poem that she memorized to heart.??


    "My baby you will always be no matter where you are. You''re like a little part of me, whether near or far."


    Wang Fang sat beside her and drank her tea, Gu Shufeng reading his papers as they both listened to Meili.


    "I counted all your tiny toes when you were fresh and new. Words can''t express how proud I was that I''d be given you."


    It was a poem entitled "My Baby You Will Always Be," by Ms Moem. Both Wang Fang and Shufeng knew that every time Mei Li said this poem, she would always remember the little girl whom all of them couldn''t ever¡ªand would never forget.


    Gu Yan Ran.


    "Your tiny little newborn face, I couldn''t have loved more. And though your face was new to me, ''twas like we''d met before."


    Meili felt a painful lump in her throat as she tried her best not to cry. Even though she found it difficult to speak, she wanted to finish the poem as they were in front of Yan Ran''s little grave.


    "And so each day you grew and grew, as I looked proudly on. Until one day, I looked and saw¡­ your baby days were gone."


    A single tear escaped from the corner of her eyes. Shufeng sighed as Wang Fang furrowed her brows, feeling the sorrow of Meili as she still couldn''t let go of Yan Ran''s death.


    Neither of them did, actually. With the part of the poem hurting them all, Yan Ran met death without having given the opportunity to grow.


    And this broke their heart.


    "But once my baby, you will always stay that way for all my days. My baby you will always be¡­ and I''ll love you¡­ always."


    Meili already broke into tears, her sobs silent but still showing the hurt that she carried all the years. Wang Fang sighed as she held her hand,forting her in the best way she can.


    "If she were here, I know that Yan Ran would love you so and we could have given her everything that she deserved."


    "Of course, Wang Fang," Mei Li said, forcing a small smile on her face. "She didn''t deserve this. We would have given her the whole world."


    "She would still be alive and be 20 years old," Shufeng said in an angry mumble, enough for the other two to hear. "And I''d be damned¡ªI feel useless not finding a single clue about that¡ª"


    "Father," Wang Fang interrupted, now turning her body to look at him. "Don''t stress yourself out¡ªyour blood pressure."


    The three of them went quiet. With a sighing from her parents, Wang Fang let out another sigh, saying something to lighten up the mood.


    "If Yan Ran were still here, she wouldn''t want you two to look this way. Please be happy. We will get to the bottom of this, I swear we will."


    Meili this time looked determined. With her wiping her tears away with her handkerchief, she looked at her husband.


    "20 years may have passed, but I will still not let go¡ªI will not give up. I know you won''t either. With your pride and all."


    "Hah!"


    Shufeng scoffed, now the three of them letting out a soft chuckle as she made ament.


    "You know me so well, dear. My pride won''t let go of all this. I have to tell you two¡ªI may have a strong backer!"


    "A strong backer?" Wang Fang asked, cocking her head to the side as she was immediately curious about what he said. "And who is your strong backer?"


    A grin tugged the corners of Shufeng''s lips. The confident look on his face made Meili and Wang Fang feel hopeful that they may get leads to the person who may have intentionally done the ident before.


    Little by little, they will get to the clues in search for the person¡ªthey just knew it!


    "Well?" Meili urged, poking her husband''s arm with her index finger. "Out with it, old man!"


    Shufeng yfully rolled his eyes at his wife. He would be insulted to be called an old man, however, since it was his wife, he wouldn''t dare make a fuss about it.


    Pushing it aside, he answered her question instead, but not quite as he wanted them to guess.


    "The most powerful man in the business world in Country S."


    "Who?"


    Wang Fang knitted her brows together as she was not so much familiar about the prominent people in the business world even in other countries.


    With Meili''s eyes widening in surprise however, she tried her best to suppress her gasp as she put her hand against her mouth.


    "Y-you¡­ you''re not joking me, are you?"


    Shufeng scoffed once more, rolling his eyes in the process as he put his papers down on the pic table before them. He then crossed his arms in front of his chest, baffled that even his wife doubts him.


    "How could I joke about something like this when it''s about the most powerful man in another country? I wouldn''t dare! Besides, this is about our daughter. How could I joke about this?"


    Meili and Wang Fang felt his insult in the words that came out of his mouth. With Meili caressing his arm apologetically, she then coaxed him by apologizing the best way she can.


    "I didn''t mean that, darling¡­ it''s just that I find it amazing that someone powerful like him is willing to help us! My husband is amazing, indeed!"


    "Hmph," Shufeng harrumphed, a small smile appearing on Wang Fang''s face as she knew that his simple snort is already an acknowledgement of her mother''s apology since Meili had alsoplimented him. "Good that you can see that."


    "Anyway," Wang Fang spoke, getting her parents'' attention. "Who is this powerful man in Country S? I''m sorry, I''m not that much familiar."


    "Oh, he is an amazing man, child~!" Meili started, her eyes twinkling as Shufeng nodded in agreement. "He practically owns all of the businesses in Country S! He''s like the richest man from where he lives¡ªa legend in the business world!"


    "Indeed! And I have talked to him during my stay in Country S over some drinks. Your mother always warned me about being tipsy¡ª"


    "You were tipsy?" Meili interrupted, narrowing her eyes at him suspiciously. "You told me you didn''t drink when you were in Country S."


    Wang Fang was now suppressing herughter once more. With her putting her hand in front of her mouth, Shufeng shoved his wife''s retort for a moment, further narrating what he wanted to say.


    "Anyway, it was a good thing I was drinking regardless of your mother''s warning. I was a bit tipsy and it got me to talk about Yan Ran, and the old man¡ªI didn''t notice he was sitting beside me when I was ranting to the bartender. He listened to me and offered his help!"


    "Oh, why are you so shameless and embarrassing!?"


    Meili didn''t find what her husband had said such good news at all! The thought of him in such a condition before a prominent and distinguished man made her cringe, Meili hitting her husband''s arm numerous times in disapproval.


    "Dear! That''s not the point here," Shufeng whimpered, Wang Fang no longer keeping herughter in and just let it out. "Were you listening? He was willing to help!"


    "You could have told him in another way than show your vulnerability! Oh, goodness, Shufeng¡­ have you ever thought that some people might hear what you two were talking about?"


    "No," Shufeng immediately replied, Wang Fangughing all the more with what she heard next. "I sobered up the instant he told me the words, ''Oh, poor you, Mr. Gu,'' and the conversation continued from there! I was in the best mind, I promise!"


    Meili shook her head, no wordsing out of her mouth. With her letting out a sigh of disappointment, Shufeng just continued talking, in hopes that his wife would disregard the fact of him being drunk.


    "Anyway, he will help¡ªtruly! We will be having an evening conferenceter, and I want you to talk to him with me, Meili! You as well, Wang Fang!"


    The girls blinked their eyes a few times.


    "Wh-what?" they said in unison, Shufeng nodding his head enthusiastically as he grinned.


    "He will help us¡­ Mr. Chen¡ª" he finally said his name, making Wang Fang want to search who this man is all the more. "¡ªhe will definitely help us with his connections."


    "Oh, Shufeng!"


    Meili stood up from her pic chair and had sat on Shufeng''sp, surprising him when she wrapped her arms around his neck.


    Both of them were already middle-aged men and women, but still, Wang Fang found it sweet that her parents could act this way without having shame at all.


    "I''m so happy¡ªwhy haven''t we thought of talking to him before? Oh, he''s really a family man! Mr. Chen is willing to help us!"


    And with that, the three of them felt hopeful that they will get a single, but strong clue about the mystery of the ident that had happened 20 years ago.

 Chapter 218 - Understand

    Pan An and Shu Xian already arrived in the restaurant. The moment they went to the rooftop, it had set a romantic setting, the ce only lit up with candles that illuminated the ce.


    Their table was specifically found in the middle of the rooftop. With a waiter leading them to their location, Shu Xian gratefully ced her hand on Pan An''s arm. The professor then smiled and walked with her following beside him.??


    "Good evening. This will be your table for the duration of the evening. Enjoy."


    Pan An just nodded at the waiter. With him already pulling the chair for Shu Xian to sit down on, she elegantly sat down on the chair, already eyeing the food that was before them on the table.


    "Wow, they already served food?"


    "Indeed," Pan An replied, already sitting down across her and pulled his seat closer so he could sit closer to the table. "I already told them that we will be arriving in a few minutes and that prompted them to prepare the food."


    "Wow! You''re really prepared," Shu Xianplimented with such a sweet smile on her face, Pan An, appreciating her reaction.


    "Of course. You did say you were hungry, so I made sure to prepare this."


    Pan An then lifted the cover from their food.


    With Shu Xian grinning excitedly as she saw the steak on a hot, sizzling tter, her eyes twinkled like stars as she loved the gravy boiling on top of the hot steak. The scent of the buttered vegetables being fried as well is what made her hungrier.


    "Oh¡­ I can''t wait to have this in my stomach. To be honest, I''m famished!"


    As Shu Xian was about to get her cutlery to devour her dinner, Pan An quickly but safely got her food from her side, making the girl''s eyes widen in surprise.


    "Hey, why did you¡ª"


    "I''m going to slice your steak for you, silly," Pan An interrupted, already pushing his steak aside for a moment then started to turn her steak into smaller versions for her to eat. "Eat your mashed potato first while you wait."


    And Shu Xian did as she was told like a little girl. With her getting her spoon and with her carrying the small bowl in her other hand, she started to eat the mashed potatoes and chewed slowly, admiring the professor in front of her.


    She never imagined having such a handsome and aplished man before her. Heck, she never even imagined dating a man such as him!


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but smile from time to time as she marveled at Pan An. He looked extra handsome today. He had the effort to change into new clothes¡ªa simple three-piece suit for this special asion.


    It made her feel special that Pan An has prepared more than what she had expected. She thought that they would only eat in a usual,mon ce¡ªonly to find out that he had reserved a romantic ce such as this.


    It was her first date even so she knew that this is going to be a memorable one that she will not forget.


    Pan An looked at her as he continued slicing her steak. Arching a brow, he asked her a question, snapping Shu Xian out of her thoughts.


    "What are you thinking of? Am I being too slow?"


    "Oh, no, no!" Shu Xian immediately replied, putting down the small bowl of mashed potatoes then got her table napkin to wipe the corners of her mouth. "It''s just that¡­ it just couldn''t quite sink in¡ªthe fact that both of us are having a date."


    Pan An by this time had already finished slicing her steak into smaller pieces for her. With him already giving back her te, Shu Xian waited for a while for Pan An to start slicing a small piece of his steak and putting it in his mouth before she started eating for courtesy.


    "So you consider this as our first date, and not the one that we had during the time that we met my mother?"


    "Well," Shu Xian started, chewing a piece of her steak before she swallowed then replied. "To be honest, I didn''t consider that first outing as our first day because we decided it was a ruse."


    Pan An yfully rolled his eyes at her and nodded once in agreement.


    "Well, true. You do have a point! Anyway, now that we are having a date with the intention of you officially being my girlfriend, I have a question to ask you."


    Somehow, this prompt made Shu Xian feel slightly nervous. With her brows slightly furrowing together, she took a sip of her sparkling water, putting it down after she was sure that it was enough to calm her down.


    "Well, what is it?"


    Pan An didn''t answer for a while. With him putting down his cutlery down, he narrowed his eyes at her, what he asked making Shu Xian cough on the steak that she just recently put in her mouth.


    "What did you talk about with Wang Lei and with my mother?"


    Shu Xian knew that Pan An was asking too much! The talk that he had with Wang Lei and with Cai Li werepletely different and if he is asking about those specifically, then that would mean that she would have to tell him what they have talked about separately!


    Besides, his question made Shu Xian think that Pan An is taking this opportunity to ask her since they are already going to be a couple!


    But even though Pan An may think of this, Shu Xian thought that she still had the right not to tell him anything and that he should not obligate her to do so because she has to have her own privacy.


    Shu Xian''s lip curled into a teasing smirk. With her taking a sip of her sparkling water to push down the food that she took in, she answered his question, but not the answer that he was looking for.


    "You may be asking me to be your girlfriend officially, but I am entitled not to tell you anything since this is between me and your best friend, and between me and your mother."


    Pan An let out a small sigh, however, a smile still appeared on his face afterward. With both of them continuing to eat as they enjoyed their dinner, the professor just let it slide as he changed the topic.


    "Either way," he said, a smug grin tugging the corners of his lips. "You are going to tell me eventually. I''ll just have to build up your trust towards me."


    Shu Xian didn''t reply to what he said and just chuckled on her seat. With them already talking about other stuff lightly, both of them enjoyed the ambience of their date location.


    With the city lights at their side captivating, to Shu Xian, the candles that lit up their table was more beautifulpared to the artificial ones in the city.


    With them having a light conversation about what they had done for the day other than being naughty in the empty ssroom beside their first-period room, both of them knew that they had to get to know each other further if they want their rtionship to work.


    Both of them are aware that they only know little of each other, and that they should take this opportunity to talk about one''s likes, and dislikes¡ªand other things that will help them understand each other.


    ***


    [ANNOUNCEMENT:]


    To those who are reading my other two stories which are The Soul Eater''s Possession and idental Harem: Let''s Kiss Again!, I''m sorry.


    The reason for the apology is that I had no choice but to go on hiatus on those two stories starting today because being a teacher is taking a toll on me now.


    With me having an advisory ss, grade 7 students at that, I would have to devote my time to work and guide these students.


    However, this story, Fancy Me, Professor!, will still be updated daily because it is under its MGS. This is my third month of MGS and itsst month of MGS will be on September.


    To those of you who don''t know, MGS means that we need to have four months of non-stop writing so we can get our guaranteed $200 per month (for four months only). Once the MGS period is over, I will be slowing down and may put this book on hiatus, too.


    But I will try my best to write in all three of my stories if I have the time. Though, I won''t promise you about daily updates starting October onwards (especially in my other two titles) because I will not only teach grade 7 English, but I will also teach grade 11 ABM and HUMSS.


    I hope you guys will understand! I may frequently update once the Christmas break starts, or if there are long weekends or holidays. :D


    Anyway, thank you so much for the support and for the loving messages. ^^


    You guys are the best!

 Chapter 219 - Left No Space

    Pan An and Shu Xian stayed in the restaurant for more than two hours. They absolutely enjoyed the wonderful steak prepared by the restaurant and they decided to enjoy the view that was before them.


    Both of them were talking about random stuff such as their likes and dislikes. It turns out that other than theirrge age gap, most of the things that they shared to each other areplete opposites.??


    He likes the cold weather, she likes the hot weather. He likes spicy food, she doesn''t like spicy foods. He prefers going outside, but she preferred to stay indoors. He would rather watch movies, she would rather read the books.


    From the things that they shared, it was obvious that they are opposites. Even then, they find it amazing that they are attracted to each other.


    "I think we have something inmon," she said, making him cock his head to the side and wonder.


    "What do you think do we have inmon?" He asked, curiousity evident in his voice.


    "That we love studying and that we love dogs."


    With Shu Xian pointing that out, he smiled at her sweetly and nodded his head once.


    "I guess you can say that. We do have at least some things inmon."


    Maybe the saying "opposites attract" really define them as a newly-formed couple. Even then, they knew that they would have to further get to know each other so they know what the other likes and what the other doesn''t like.


    It is better to know each other in friendship and in a romantic rtionship so they will know how to adjust to each other.


    However, even though they were talking about this as of this moment, Pan An thought about another thing at the back of his mind.


    He really wanted to know what Shu Xian had talked about with Wang Lei and Cai Li.


    Letting out a sigh, Shu Xian arched a brow at him in wonder.


    "What? It seems something is bothering you."


    "We need to talk," Pan An immediately answered, Shu Xian nodding once as the professor stood up and then extended his arm for her to take. "Let''s go to my hidden room found in this mall."


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times.


    "You... have a private, hidden room in this mall. If it is an apartment building, I''d understand. But... a mall?"


    Pan An didn''t say a word. With him just rolling his eyes at her, he urged his arm again for her to take, Shu Xian now standing up from her seat as she felt that she had no choice but to follow him.


    "Come on, Shu Xian," Pan An said, already starting to walk away with her hand now on his arm as he led the way. "Being a rich man, nothing is weird anymore as almost everything is possible."


    Shu Xian scoffed at his smugness. With them already walking away from the restaurant, it was evident that Pan An need not pay for their stay.


    Well, heck, it was obvious why. He owns the building and everything in it! Why would he pay?


    With Pan An''s sigh still lingering in her thoughts, Shu Xian looked up at him and asked about it.


    "Well... aren''t you going to tell me what the sigh is all about?"


    Pan An looked at her from the corner of his eye. With a smile tugging the corner of his lips as the employees of the mall greeted him, soon after he answered Shu Xian''s question.


    "Since we are already talking about our rtionship, can''t I at least know what it is that you talked about with Wang Lei?"


    Shu Xian went quiet for a while. She knew that if she talked about what she and Wang Lei had talked about, then it would mean that she would have to talk about what she had talked about with Cai Li.


    It''s because her conversation with Wang Lei is connected with her talk that she had with Pan An''s mother.


    "Well? Shu Xian?"


    When Pan An urged again, Shu Xian snapped out of her thoughts, now furrowing her brows as a soft blush appeared on her face.


    "To be honest, I wouldn''t want to be talking about this because it is somewhat an embarrassing topic and that... is also connected with the conversation I had with your mom."


    Pan An stayed quiet for a while. With him turning to a fee corners with Shu Xian following in tow, they have somehow reached an area that is secluded and out of visibility from civilians.


    However, there were some men dressed in ck, wearing dark eyesses even that made Shu Xian blink her eyes a few times in wonder and at the same time amazement.


    "I feel like I''m in a movie. Is this ce really top secret?"


    "Of course," Pan An said, a man wearing ck already opening a door for them so they could enter a gigantic room. "I hide this from my mom. It''s a ce where I can run away if she bothers me too much."


    Shu Xian didn''t know whether tough or cry at his statement. However, before she could even react, her jaw almost dropped to the ground.


    From the hallways on the way going here, it was purely white, having only a red carpet leading here.


    However, when the room was revealed to her, it showed an extravagant bachelor''s pad! It obviously had its ownfort room, and from the far corner, a small kitchen where he could prepare his food.


    What had caught her attention, though... was the fact that there is a king-sized bed from their left and that its sheet were ck and velvet-red.


    The cloth was in silk, too! Suddenly, her thoughts started running wild as she thought what it felt like to lie down on that bed, naked even and with Pan An at the side--


    "Shu Xian?"


    Before she could even continue her mini, growing fantasy, a soft hint of pink appeared on her face, making her feel shy to look at Pan An.


    "Y-you have a wonderful ce," Shu Xian just stammered, Pan An not replying for a moment. He then took her hand in his, Shu Xian slowly raising her head to look at him.


    "You know... I love this ce, too. It''s where I can calm down, where I can escape what I want to escape as I find sce."


    Pan An then smiled at her, Shu Xian''s heart racing in her chest as she listened to what he said next.


    "You''re the only outsider of my safe haven that ever stepped in. I may trust other people than you, but then again... I felt morefortable showing you this ce. Heck, I couldn''t even open this up to Wang Lei that I have a secret base!"


    Shu Xian smiled at him. With Pan An kissing the back of her palm, he spoke again that sent shivers down her spine as she felt his breath fan over her skin.


    "Tell me, Shu Xian," he started, his voice sultry as it was like a symphony to her ears. "Are you officially mine?"


    Shu Xian locked gazes with him. As the professor took a few steps closer, he pulled her towards him, wrapping his arms around her waist to give her a warm embrace.


    "Because I''m yours... even before you could say yes. I''m sure now, and it wasn''t because I''m using you to forget someone if that''s what you think."


    Not even a single word escaped from Shu Xian''s mouth. She knew what she wanted to say. She wanted to say that she no longer thinks of him that way, but somehow she found it difficult to express it through words.


    The words stayed in her throat like a lump and the only thing that she wanted to do was to show him her answer through a simple action that even he didn''t anticipate.


    Shu Xian did a tiptoe. With her nting a brief kiss on his lips, Shu Xian then shyly, but sweetly looked at him afterwards, and spoke in soft little words that made his heart flutter.


    "I''m yours, then. Because if I don''t call this love, then I wonder what it is that''s making me crazy foe you when I haven''t felt this way before."


    Pan An showed a foolish, but triumphant grin on his face. With him now cupping her face with both of his hands, his thumbs caressed her cheeks, Shu Xian smiling at him, too.


    "Tomorrow''s the weekend," he said, almost in a whisper. "And I want to spend more time with you... I want to further get to know you. Alone."


    "Oh, Pan An..."


    Shu Xian held his hands that cupped her face, her heart still beating crazily in her chest.


    "I feel the same way. How is this possible in such a short amount of time?"


    "I don''t know," he replied, closing his eyes as he rested his head against her forehead. "But what I do know... is that we feel the same way and I could see no reason why we shouldn''t push through."


    And with that, the professor pulled her in a tender, loving kiss, his student now wrapping her arms around his neck as they left no space between them.

 Chapter 220 - Something More

    Shu Xian felt different in the way Pan An had kissed her this time. She felt the tenderness, the care, the affection in his kiss, making her heart flutter in her chest.


    With her arms now going down and her hands now holding his arms as if she was in need of support, Pan An''s left arm snaked around her waist and pulled her towards him, both of their bodies against each other.??


    Pan An''s lips moved, and so Shu Xian allowed him to do so. With him doing it slowly and passionately, he then teasingly opened Shu Xian''s lips for entry.


    At first, she found it weird that she was startled. Both of them had heated kisses before, but why did she suddenly feel different now that they''re alone and that they are having an intimate moment with each other?


    Is it because they are no longer being naughty in the university?


    Is it because they are granted more privacy now?


    Is it because they are alone now and they are more free to do whatever they want?


    Is it because¡­


    She is expecting for something more now?


    Shu Xian''s body froze the moment thetter thought crossed her mind. With Pan An noticing how she felt uneasy, both of them broke away from the kiss, though Pan An had never pulled away from her, his arm still around her waist.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Pan An''s question came out breathily,pletely and obviously heated up from their kiss. With Shu Xian blushing still and with her eyes shyly looking at him, she answered his question¡ªalmost in a whisper.


    "I¡­ never mind."


    Shu Xian was about to tell him, but she suddenly felt ashamed of telling her own thoughts. However, Pan An let out a soft chuckle as his right hand held her face, reassuring her that everything will be okay and that he will not judge her.


    "You can tell me what you''re worrying about, Shu Xian. Let me understand you¡ªlet me get to know you. We are indeed a couple, no?"


    "Yes," Shu Xian replied, a small smile appearing on her face as she agreed to what he said.


    "Good. Do you feel ufortable? Do you want me to stop? I understand if you do. I may be scaring you with how things are progressing and¡ª"


    "No, you''re not," Shu Xian unexpectedly interrupted, not only surprising the professor, but surprising herself as well. "I¡­ I mean¡­"


    "What is it?"


    Pan An was patient with her. He understoodpletely. He is indeed her first boyfriend. It is understandable that she is this way since it''s her first time involvement in a rtionship.


    "Y-you¡­" Shu Xian averted her gaze and slightly pouted her lips as she answered in a mumble that was enough for both of them to hear in this big, quiet room. "You don''t scare me¡­ I don''t feel ufortable¡­ I don''t want you to stop."


    "What?"


    Pan An heard what she saidpletely, but still, what had caught his attention was thest part of her statement.


    ''She doesn''t want me to stop,'' he thought, trying his best to suppress his grin that might ruin the moment if Shu Xian knew that he felt proud of himself to make her feel that way. ''She said that she didn''t want me to stop!''


    Shu Xian slowly tilted her head up to look at him. With her biting her bottom lip, her face turned from a shade of pink to red as she still felt the hotness of their kiss.


    "Is it¡­ bad for me to think this way at the start of the rtionship?"


    "What is?" Pan An asked, blinking his eyes a few times as he is now honestly confused about what she''s saying. "What were you thinking? Let me know and I''ll try my best to answer you. I will not judge you¡ªI promise."


    Shu Xian was quiet for a while as she continued biting her bottom lip. With a sigh escaping her lips, she then answered, surprising Pan An with what she said.


    "That I was¡­ thinking for something more."


    "Something more?" Pan An blinked his eyes a few times, wanting to confirm the meaning behind her words. "What do you mean by ''something more''?"


    Shu Xian puffed her cheeks. It was obvious that she was shy being honest about it, but she knew that she couldn''t express it in a better way other than telling him the truth.


    "Something more¡­ than the kiss."


    "Shu Xian¡­"


    The way Pan An said her name had the tone of eagerness to it, and at the same time, a tone of reluctance.


    He had to be honest to himself, however, that her statement was inviting, making him want to do certain things to her.


    He imagined carrying her to the bed.


    He imagined pinning her against the wall, his leg in between her as he devoured her neck.


    He imagined hungrily kissing her as if she was food and water.


    He imagined sitting her on the kitchen counter with her legs wrapped around his waist and¡ª


    "Pan An?"


    Shu Xian snapped him out of his thoughts the moment she said his name. She then started feeling nervous as she thought that Pan An might not like what she had said, now wanting to take it back and pretend as if nothing is wrong.


    "You know what, forget it," Shu Xian said, Pan An now focusing on her when he had not just a moment ago. "I didn''t mean to say that. I know you wouldn''t want it and¡ª"


    "I wouldn''t want it?"


    Pan An interrupted her, making her gasp as she felt Pan An''s left hand cupping her bottom, making her feel him hard against her groin.


    "Shu Xian, you''re na?ve to ever think that. Imagine what you could''ve done to me, dear woman¡­ oh, how I wanted you to myself when we were in that ssroom."


    Shu Xian didn''t know what to say. With her letting out a squeal as Pan An carried her in his arms with ease, he then walked towards the nearest couch and settled her there. The cushions beneath her bounced, Shu Xian feeling like prey as Pan An pounced on her like a lion.


    "P-Pan An?" Shu Xian stammered, her brows knitting in anxiety. However, she did not push him away. "What are you doing?"


    A cheeky grin appeared on Pan An''s face. With him inching in closer as Shu Xian now practicallyid down on the couch, her beneath the professor, Pan An started tracing his finger on her shoulder, to her neck, to her corbone¡­


    Shu Xian hitched a breath as her lips parted in anticipation, not able to avert her gaze from Pan An as he stared at her with longing and interest as well.


    His finger then stopped on the curve of her waist. With his full hand now settling there, Shu Xian bit her bottom lip as he felt his thumb settle on her hip, expectant of what''s to happen next.


    "You said you were expecting ''something more,''" the professor said, his voice sultry as it traveled in Shu Xian''s ear and sent shivers of pleasure down her spine. "I wonder¡­ what you have thought about when you said, ''something more.''"


    Pan An''s left hand started tugging the necktie that Shu Xian gave him as a gift. With his right hand now letting go of her waist, Shu Xian gasped as Pan An raised both of her hands up, tying her wrists together with the necktie.


    This was something that Shu Xian didn''t expect at all! She thought by "something more," they would only have minimal petting and touching.


    But being tied by a present she gave him?


    The idea was wild and out of her imagination¡­ but she had to admit to herself that she actually liked it and anticipated on what''s to happen next.


    Shu Xian swallowed. With Pan An looking at her as if he was admiring a masterpiece, he gave her an appreciative nod, a mischievous, yet sweet smile tugging the corners of his lips.


    "You look exquisite under me, Shu Xian. If you allow me to, I can set your expectations about your imagination for ''something more.'' Or¡­ even better."


    Pan An then bent down and started kissing her neck, Shu Xian letting out sexy breaths of pleasure as she closed her eyes in satisfaction.


    "Maybe¡­" Pan An stopped for a while, now whispering against her ear as he bit her earlobe slightly. "I can go beyond your expectations of ''something more.''"


    Pan An then kissed her tenderly and fervently, Shu Xian moaning against his lips. With their tongues intertwined, Shu Xian felt her body tingling against his touch, Pan An''s hand now slowly making its way up to one of her breasts to cup it.


    "Mm¡­"


    Shu Xian let out a soft whimper, her body feeling weak and powerless with her underneath the professor and with his touch.


    As both of her wrists were tied together as well, she knew that she wouldn''t be able to do anything unless she kicked him.


    But s, the thought of kicking him had never surfaced in her mind. With her thinking about his invitation about "something more," she allowed him to show her what it meant to have¡­


    "Something more."

 Chapter 221 - I Cant Promise You

    [WARNING: This content contains R-16 content. If you are ufortable, you have been warned. But if it further incited your interest, then continue and feel free to read~!]


    ***??


    Pan An knew that he was being passionate and daring towards a woman who had no experience at all. However, he couldn''t help himself but show her of his affections. He couldn''t help but not resist as he wanted to touch her¡ªto feel her¡­


    To taste her.


    Pan An had begun his seduction slowly, tempting her with his touch, his kisses. Pan An wanted Shu Xian to anticipate what would happen next and even though he did something daring like tying her wrists together, Shu Xian didn''t seem to mind which made him want to continue.


    Now that he wanted to feel touched, he released her hands by untying the necktie, expectant that she would use themter on.


    In his kiss, he wanted to make her feel breathless. Well¡­ actually, he was the one breathless¡ªor maybe both of them at the same time!


    Their moment may have started with just a kiss, but this time, Shu Xian said that she wanted something more.


    And Pan An is more than willing to give it to her and show her what it meant to have something more.


    Pan An broke away from the kiss. With him now settling his head on the crook of her neck, his breath tickled her skin. Shu Xian''s lips parted as her brows knitted together in pleasure and at the same time anticipation.


    "You know¡­ I never thought of doing something like this towards a woman who is inexperienced."


    Shu Xian didn''t know how to take that.


    Is she to take it as apliment because it would mean that she is the only woman who had made him act this way?


    Or is she to take it as an insult because that would mean that he had her as ast resort?


    "Don''t get me wrong, Shu Xian."


    Pan An spoke in a sexy whisper that sent shivers down her spine. It was as if he had also read his mind with the statement that he had said!


    "But even before I realized my feelings for you, I always found you attractive but I always held myself back because I wouldn''t want to do things to you without even having the slight interest."


    It made Shu Xian gasp as she felt Pan An squeeze her left mound. Only now did she realize that he had never left his hand away from her, making her bite her bottom lip as their eyes met.


    "You''re not hesitating¡­ shall I take this as a signal to continue on? Hmm?"


    Pan An started squeezing softly like he was holding a stuffed toy that he only wanted to squish carefully.


    With a soft moan escaping from her lips, Pan An felt her nipple hardening against her dress, a teasing smirk appearing on the professor''s face as he liked the sensation and reaction.


    It would only mean that Shu Xian is feeling pleasure in his touch.


    "Shu Xian¡­ you aren''t wearing anything underneath to protect them?"


    Shu Xian shook her head. With her unable to answer as Pan An fondled her nipple in between his fingers even though she was still wearing her dress that his mother had given her, Shu Xian wanted to say that she didn''t wear anything.


    She always hated wearing bras because she always felt the difficulty to breathe! And if she knew that she could conceal her chest with a coat, she wouldn''t bother wearing a bra because she''d rather have the coat on with her.


    She wanted to exin to Pan An¡­ however, his touch is making it difficult to do so.


    "Mmm¡­ naughty Shu Xian. Do you know what I''m thinking of right now?"


    Shu Xian heard his question, but still, no words came out of her mouth. With Pan An letting go of her breast for a while, his finger slowly trailed up to her arm then to her shoulder, his index finger settling under her strap to slowly pull it down from it.


    "Since you''re not wearing anything underneath that would cover your breasts¡­"


    Shu Xian hitched a breath when the left strap of her dress was now down to the middle of her arm, exposing one of her mounds.


    Pan An then looked at it appreciatively for three seconds, before a lopsided smile appeared on his face the moment he locked eyes with her once more.


    "I''d like so much to feel you¡ªwithout this bothersome cloth of your dress in the way."


    "M-mm..."


    Shu Xian tried her best to stifle her moan when she felt his warm hand cup her once more. With his finger flicking her nipple every now and then, Pan An enjoyed her squirm underneath him as he watched her with satisfaction.


    Shu Xian didn''t expect that from this mere touch of him, she would feel this good! She knew that it''s more likely since it is her first time and she always expected for something more and was curious about what it would feel.


    But she didn''t expect that it would be this exciting¡ªthat it would excite every nerve of her body.


    It was like her body was slowly screaming its desire to be further touched¡ªShu Xian desperate to satisfy the growing desire that is swelling up from within her.


    "P-Pan An¡­"


    It was the first word that came out of her mouth, his name even and that she stammered. With the professor arching a brow at her as he could see the frustration in her eyes, he feigned ignorance as he urged an answer from her.


    "Tell me, Shu Xian¡­ what do you want?"


    "Y-you know what I want," Shu Xian replied, stuttering one more. "I want more¡ªI want something more."


    Pan An smirked. With a nod and without having the intention to say any more words, he further bent down as his hand continued to squeeze.


    As Pan An seductively stuck his tongue out, he watched Shu Xian, his eyes looking up at her as he licked the tip of her breast that made her squeal.


    "Oh!"


    "Oh?"


    Pan An''s breath blew over her nipple. With Shu Xian''s dress already pooling up in her upper thighs, the professor wondered if she would be bothered like him by now and wanted to strip her naked forfort and ease.


    However, he knew that he had to take things slow and to treat her gently so that she won''t be afraid of him.


    There wille a time that they will explore¡ªhe assured himself in his mind. For now, he would have to take his sweet time until Shu Xian is fullyfortable with him in doing such sexy adventures with him.


    With him shaking himself out of his thoughts, he let out a soft chuckle, asking her a question once more that made Shu Xian feel slightly impatient.


    "Do you like this? Do you want to try something else?"


    "No," Shu Xian immediately answered, now engaged in their suggestive conversation. "I want more. Do something more."


    "You mean¡­"


    Pan An feigned ignorance even though he already knew what she meant.


    "Like something more on¡­ this?"


    Pan An started licking and sucking her nipple. With Shu Xian letting out soft mewls of pleasure, it turned on Pan An more, wanting to satisfy the woman beneath him in other ways.


    But since she requested to feel something more on this specific ce, then he would have to grant that request first before proceeding to what he wanted to do.


    With his finger and with his mouth¡­ with his tongue¡ªon and in a different part of her body.


    "Oh, my¡­"


    Shu Xian''s voice was breathy as she ran her hand through his hair. She was tugging on some of it as well, making Pan An wonder if she wanted to push him away, or to further pull him towards her.


    "Mmm¡­"


    Shu Xian''s legs parted as if giving more space for him in between her. Liking what she did, it made Pan An raise his head from her breast for a while, looking down on her insatiably as he started lifting her dress up to pool by her hips.


    Shu Xian''s eyes slightly widened in surprise. With Pan An looking at her as her lower part was now exposed, she pressed her thighs together in an attempt to conceal herself even though she was still wearing her underwear.


    "Shu Xian," Pan An said her name, his hand settling on her knees to stop it from further pressing her thighs together. "You look seductive in red underwear."


    Shu Xian didn''t know how to react to that. With her face red, Shu Xian''s mouth formed a perfect "O" when she felt his finger enter her underwear to tug it down her legs.


    "W-wait!"


    Shu Xian spoke hesitatingly, Pan An respecting her sudden reluctance. With his hand stopping but still not letting go of her underwear, Shu Xian held his hand that was on her hip, as if giving him his permission even though he had not asked for it.


    "Go on... but d-don''t scare me¡­ alright?"


    Pan An found her cute even though they were having such a sexy moment together. With a single nod, he quickly nted a kiss on top of her forehead and settled there for a while, reassuring her that he will be gentle and he will be patient with her.


    "I won''t, Shu Xian. I will not scare you, I promise."


    He then parted away from her forehead. With a cheeky grin on his face, what he said next had made Shu Xian''s heart race in her chest, not expecting what she had heard.


    "But I can''t promise you that I will not try to do some daring things towards you."

 Chapter 222 - Under My Supervised Instruction

    [WARNING: This content contains R-16 content. If you are ufortable, you have been warned. But if it further incited your interest, then continue and feel free to read~!]


    ***??


    "I won''t, Shu Xian. I will not scare you, I promise."


    He then parted away from her forehead. With a cheeky grin on his face, what he said next had made Shu Xian''s heart race in her chest, not expecting what she had heard.


    "But I can''t promise you that I will not try to do some daring things towards you."


    Shu Xian hitched a breath the moment Pan An tugged her underwear down, the skimpy cloth traveling down her legs in an insatiable manner.


    Pan An and Shu Xian locked eyes with each other, Pan An enjoying Shu Xian''s expectant gaze. With her underwear now down her ankles, Pan An now sessfully undressed her of it and then he settled it on the carpeted floor.


    "Now¡­ do you want to remove your dress, sweetheart?"


    Shu Xian was nervous¡ªscared of what''s going to happen tonight.


    However, the race in her heart was that of excitement, the woman nodding at him to give him her answer without even saying a single word.


    "Alright."


    Pan An then pulled Shu Xian''s arm to make her sit up. With Pan An lifting the dress off of her body and head, he settled it down on the carpeted floor as well, now marveling at Shu Xian''s body before him.


    Shu Xian felt embarrassed. With her hair in a ponytail now messy and disheveled, she was aware of how she felt exposed before him.


    She shyly covered her chest by embracing herself, now biting her bottom lip as she was unsure of how to react and what to do next.


    Shu Xian looked so innocent¡ªyet so tantalizingly seductive before the professor''s eyes! With a teasing smirk appearing on the professor''s face, he then reached out to her hair and urately pulled her hair tie gently that held her hair together in one ce.


    The moment her wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, Pan An arched a brow at her approvingly as he made ament that made Shu Xian''s heart further race in her chest.


    "You look hotter this way, Shu Xian¡­ oh, so hotter¡­ and obviously way more inviting."


    Shu Xian''s lips curled into a small, shy, but appreciative smile. With Pan An now unbuttoning his shirt, Shu Xian watched him and marveled at his chiseled chest until her eyesnded on his perfectly formed abs.


    Noticing the heated gaze on his body, Pan An''s grin widened, making her snap out of her thoughts with the question he threw at her.


    "Do you like what you''re seeing?"


    Shu Xian then quickly returned her gaze on him. With him standing up from the couch, Shu Xian didn''t know whether to move or to stay because he knelt before her, now holding her left ankle and started to unstrap the buckle of her three-inched heels.


    After doing so, he got her right ankle and kissed it softly before doing the same thing. Shu Xian watched him with lips parted, secretly enjoying how Pan An is treating her right now.


    He was obviously seeding in his seduction. She knew to herself that she was now practically captivated by his every move, wanting to know what he would do next that might soon make her crazy!


    The moment he set aside both of her heels, Pan An''s right hand had not actually left her ankle, his hand now creeping up that made her body freeze with how hot and teasing his fingertips are against her skin.


    "Shh, Shu Xian," he said almost in a whisper, giving her a mischievous lopsided smile. "Rx."


    But Shu Xian found it difficult to do so. With a man kneeling down before her as his hand slowly crept up to her leg then now resting on her knee, he slowly parted her legs in order to see a slight glimpse of her.


    Shu Xian wanted to press her thighs together to conceal her sensitive part that she never even touched with pleasure in mind because she was rather close-minded and ignorant when ites to that.


    However with Pan An before her now and with him showing her wondrous of things that they may have done with their bodies, now she couldn''t help but wonder what it must''ve felt like to touch oneself¡­


    What it must have felt like to have someone you adore touch you himself.


    "Tell me, Shu Xian," Pan An spoke again, getting her attention. "Have you tried touching yourself?"


    Shu Xian had not said a word but she shook her head to answer. With a smug grin appearing on the professor''s face, he teased her with what he said, making Shu Xian find it sexy with how he phrased his words.


    "You don''t have to worry, dear Shu Xian," he started, his eyes not having the intention to look away from the beautiful woman before him. "As a professor, I will definitely help you by teaching you how and will enlighten you¡­ how this will feel beyond great."


    Shu Xian hitched a breath. With him standing up then sitting down beside her, he put his left arm around her shoulder, then held her left hand and guided it near her entrance.


    With Pan An''s right hand holding her right hand, he then guided it into touching one of her breasts, Shu Xian closing her eyes in pleasure as she whimpered under his unspoken instruction.


    "Let me guide you," Pan An said in a whisper, biting her earlobe gently and then he proceeded to rest his head on the crook of her neck. "And I''ll make sure that as your professor, you will get the hang of it... under my supervised instruction."


    ***


    ANNOUNCEMENT:


    I''m sorry for appearing here suddenly, but I will make an event wherein readers will be given a code to redeem 100 coins! ;)


    So how does this work? I have 10 redeem codes specifically for this book and also, I have extra codes that I can give to those deserving readers as well! :D


    For the 10 redeem codes that I have for this book, you are to participate in the race of the top 10 readers of Fancy Me Professor!


    Now how does this work? Alright, let''s have the mechanics.


    1.   The event will start August 21, 6 PM to August 31, 2021 11:59 PM, GMT+8.


    2.   Readers will show their support by either sending stones and/or sending gifts to boost the contributions that they gave based on the total that is calcted by the system.


    PS: To see your contributions, you can look at the information of the book and then click on top fans. It will show a list of the fans of the book and the numbers shown on your name is the total contributions you gave for the book.


    3.   Take note: the event may be short, but I know that there are a lot of deserving readers who will get codes. :D


    4.   Award of 100 coins will be given on the first day of the next month, September 1, to the TOP 10 READERS.


    5.   To redeem, you would have to DM me for the redemption code via Discord: MysticAmy#4614, or on Insta: @mysticamyyy. (PS: Though, I''m more active on Discord. If you want immediate replies for the redemption code, do chat me there!)


    6.   ALSO¡­ it is NOT mandatory for you guys to join. ^^


    7.   If the winner fails to contact me for the redemption code, I will be giving it to other deserving readers. :D I will personally reply to theirments in the book to tell them to chat me for the code.


    So now that we have this mechanics, we will have another part of the event to those who are:


    1.   Generous giver of gifts


    2.   Leaving a review which has great exnations


    3.   Leaver of greatments


    4.   Generous giver of golden tickets


    5.   Generous giver of power stones


    For those who will send me a magic castle as a gift, you will be given a side character to the story that will have your name of choice and the side character will stay not only in a few chapters. ;) Also, the giver of a magical castle as a gift will have a nice chapter dedication!


    So, if you''re up in participating to this event, feel free and you will get a reward!


    Sorry for suddenly filling up most of the chapter, but I will make it up to the next ones, I''m sure. ;)


    Anyway, I want to extend my thanks to every one of you, especially to those understanding readers who understand my busy schedule. ^^ You guys have no idea that I cried most nights because of stress but your messages helped me.


    I love you all and I''m lucky to have you! If you want to chat with me while I write and while I also prepare lessons for my students, please do join my Discord group. :D I''d be happy to chat with you all there!


    Link: https://discord.gg/6zu66jUrym


    Thank you and take care everyone, wherever you are! Mwah!

 Chapter 223 - Desperately And Wantonly

    [ANNOUNCEMENT: This chapter contains mature R-18 (yeah, we''re leveling up) content. So if you''re ufortable and if you''re young, do skip as you have been warned. But most of you I know would be more invited to read this so feel free. XD]


    ***??


    Shu Xian had never touched herself out of pleasure before. However, there were times when she was curious when she was either dressing up or bathing.


    Although the thought crossed her mind before, never did she proceed with it as she was shy of the thought even though most people in her age tell her that it''s normal.


    She thought that it would be weird touching yourself all over your body. But somehow with Pan An doing these naughty stuffs with her and with him guiding her even, she felt good and she thought that it might not be so bad after all.


    Shu Xian rested her head on the couch''s rest when she felt Pan An sucking and licking her neck. With her lips parted, she hitched a breath when she felt Pan An''s hand still guiding her right hand on her breast, teacher her how to fondle herself.


    "Squeeze, Shu Xian. It''s yours¡­ you may do whatever you want with it."


    And Shu Xian did so, with Pan An''s guidance. With her hand squeezing and fondling at her own nipple, she let out soft moans, biting her bottom lip as she tried her best to suppress it.


    "You don''t have to be shy around me, Shu Xian," Pan An whispered hotly beside her ear, giving a gentle bite on her earlobe that sent her a shockwave of pleasure coursing through her body. "It''s only me¡­ and I''d love it if I hear you more."


    "P-Pan An¡­ mmm¡­"


    Pan An smirked, liking that Shu Xian is now getting morefortable in letting out her sounds of pleasure and satisfaction.


    "Yes, Shu Xian. Don''t be shy¡­ I''m the only one here¡ªjust you and me, alone¡­ together."


    Shu Xian felt electricity and heat course through her body. With her parting her lips further wider into a perfect "O", she felt Pan An moving her left hand that was on her sensitive part, feeling a different kind of wetness to it.


    It was something caused by pleasure and at the same time, want.


    "You don''t have to think on how to do this, Shu Xian," he said, whispering against her ear once more. "You just move your finger like this¡­ until you feel overwhelmed."


    And Shu Xian did so. At first she felt awkward that she felt ignorant, but what can she do? This was something that she had never done even when she was alone!


    She had watched sexy scenes from movies from time to time, but it had never urred to her that it would happen to her and that she could try!


    Shu Xian gasped when she circled her finger around her clitoris, a deeper flush of red appearing on her cheeks as she continued pleasuring herself.


    "Mmm¡­ Pan An¡­"


    "Naughty," the professormented, a teasing smile appearing on his face as he left a small mark on her neck by sucking on her skin. "Were you imagining me just now?"


    Shu Xian didn''t say a word. She just continued fondling on her breast with her right hand, and then continued circling her finger on her clitoris.


    With her moaning and then whimpering as she felt her body weakening on the couch, she thought that she wanted to lie down or else she''d melt in his arms!


    Pan An''s hands still hadn''t left hers. With a satisfied and entertained smirk that had never left his face, he lifted his head from the crook of her neck and slowly removed both of his hands away from her.


    She then slowly opened her eyes as she wondered why he was pulling away, the professor now standing up before her as he leaned on the post of the bed behind him.


    "Oh, don''t stop, Shu Xian. Let me admire you¡ªlet me watch you."


    Shu Xian had to admit, she was embarrassed doing such a thing before him but when she saw his heated gaze on her as if he was pleasured and entertained with what he was seeing, she continued touching herself, her eyes not leaving him even once.


    "Mmm¡­"


    Shu Xian closed her eyes in pleasure, leaning her head back on the couch''s rest as she further slumped down due to her building pleasure. With the sight of that inviting, Pan An wanted to strip himself naked and take her on but he knew that he couldn''t be the wild lion for now.


    ''Be patient, Pan An,'' he thought to himself, watching her as he felt his desire course through his veins. ''You will take her soon enough¡­ but you have to wait.''


    Pan An didn''t want to scare her. Pan An didn''t want to hurt her either. He needed to make her feelfortable about herself at least before he can learn and show her how he can love her through his actions in bed.


    "Aaah!"


    Pan An snapped himself out of his thoughts when he watched Shu Xian squirming on the couch before him, as if she is almost reaching her climax. With him wanting to tease her and with him wanting to know what she was thinking, too, he spoke, getting her attention.


    "Tell me¡­ what were you thinking of?"


    "You!" Shu Xian immediately answered as she shot her fiery eyes at him, longing for his touch instead. "I was thinking about you, Pan An. It''s my first time doing this¡­ but I was thinking of you!"


    "Thinking of me¡­ how? What was I doing?" Pan An urged, slowly walking towards her as she continued touching herself, her pace quickening than it was before.


    "I remembered¡­ your kinks."


    Pan An arched a brow at her. "My kinks?"


    "Your kinks¡­" Shu Xian hitched a breath as she felt her pleasure heightening from within her. "I thought of me¡­ straddling on top of you and then making out with you. But instead of me touching myself, you were the one who¡ªnngh!"


    Shu Xian''s breath quickened. With this sight mesmerizing to Pan An, he gritted his teeth as he tried his best not to attack her on the couch.


    ''Damn this woman¡­ she is just so tantalizing like a subus with an image of an innocent angel!''


    Shu Xian gasped as her body slowly stiffened, indicating that she is almost there. With Pan An turned on with her telling him that she imagined themselves doing one of his kinks, he knew that it had further helped her imagination to have made her reach her climax this quick!


    Other than this being her first time, it is understandable that she would orgasm this fast.


    "P-Pan An! I can''t¡ªI¡ªah!"


    "Shit."


    Pan An cursed under his breath, now quickly walking towards Shu Xian as he lost control and could no longer watch her.


    He no longer didn''t want her to move. He wanted to move for her. He wanted to pleasure her himself!


    With her taken aback as she felt his strong arms carry her off the couch, he then reached the bed in threerge strides.


    Pan An settled her there on the bed rather roughly since she felt herself bounce. However, the soft cushions and pillow underneath them softened hernding.


    "Pan An?"


    With her climax interrupted she somehow felt frustrated that it was dyed. Shu Xian widened her eyes when she saw that Pan An settled himself in between her legs, his hands keeping her legs apart and in ce while he settled his head right in front of her.


    "W-wait¡­ what are you¡ªaah!"


    Shu Xian arched her back when she felt his mouth and tongue pleasure her entrance. With both of her hands clutching on the sheets for dear life, she moaned loudly this time as this was differentpared to when she was touching herself.


    "O-oh my god! Pan An!!"


    Shu Xian saying his name aloud made him feel good¡ªhis pride growing from within him.


    He was happy that he was the only one to teach her how to be naughty.


    He was d that he was the only one to touch her this way¡ªto taste and feel her this way.


    He can''t wait for the moment that they''d offer themselves to each other. But he knew that he had to wait and it should not be now.


    Shu Xian has to befortable¡ªShu Xian has to feel good and open about this.


    "Aaah! Nnngh!"


    Shu Xian''s right hand released the sheets from her clutch then it proceeded to get a fistful of Pan An''s hair.


    She couldn''t understand herself if she wanted him to stop¡­ or if she wanted him to keep the hell on going.


    ''This is all so damn good¡­ so damn good!''


    "Pan An!"


    Shu Xian gasped his name aloud, her eyes wide open and her brows furrowed in sheer pleasure.


    "More! I want more!"


    "Naughty student," Pan An said in a scolding and teasing tone as he stopped for a while, looking up at her and watched her arch her back. "Patience¡­ or do you want me to punish you?"


    "The hell! Punish me! Please! I''m begging you!"


    And with that, it switched on the devilish side of Pan An as he continued devouring her, now sliding one of his fingers inside of her that made her insatiably ache for him as he put it in and out of her in a quick rhythm.


    And when Pan An felt herself getting wetter and getting tighter, that''s when he put another finger inside, making her scream and thrash her head side to side, her moans of desire heard in the room.


    "Pan An!"


    Shu Xian started yearning for him and she knew that she wanted to have Pan An here¡ªright now.


    Desperately and wantonly.

 Chapter 224 - Can I... Touch You?

    [WARNING: This chapter contains mature R-18 content. I''ve been spoiling you guys already. XD Anyway, enjoy. If ufortable, do skip since you are already warned. If not a warning, then feel free to read. :3]


    ***??


    It was as if the earth stuttered on its axis. Shu Xian never knew that she could arch her back this much, her body twitching as she could no longer contain the pleasure coursing through her body.


    It was as if her energy had been drained all away from her. With her slowly easing her back on the bed, sheid their naked and sleepy, Pan An now pulling away from her as he felt her hand loosening from his hair.


    He lifted his head up and then smiled at Shu Xian who now had her eyes closed. With her letting out deep breaths as if to calm herself down, Pan An felt that his pants were getting tighter when he realized that he had not beenpletely satisfied with what had happened.


    ''Shit¡­ I have to deal with this now. And fast.''


    Wanting to still take care of Shu Xian, Pan An carried her and settled her on the pillow. Not even bothering to let her wear her clothes, Shu Xian rxed when she felt Pan An cover her with a nket.


    It was obvious that she was tired and overwhelmed. With Pan An nting a kiss on top of her head, he whispered near her ear, wondering if Shu Xian was still awake for her to hear him.


    "I''ll just go to thefort room."


    Not expecting a reply from the tired Shu Xian, Pan An immediately went to the restroom and then stripped himself naked.


    With him opening the shower and then adjusting it to a warmer temperature, he grunted when finally his shaft was released free from the tightness of his pants and underwear.


    He could still remember Shu Xian trembling in pleasure under his touch. He could still remember and hear the moans and screams especially when she said his name!


    Shu Xian in a pleasurable state was like ecstasy to him. He wanted so much to further touch her¡ªto further feel her¡ªto further taste her.


    Though he couldn''t take her in this time. Shu Xian has to take it slow and he should not make her feel scared.


    Pan An hitched a breath when he went under the shower and then proceeded to hold his rock-hard shaft. With it awake and standing up, he imagined Shu Xian and moved his hand up and down in a moderate pace, letting out a sigh of satisfaction as he said her name.


    "Shu Xian, Shu Xian¡­"


    Pan An put his left hand against the bathroom wall, the man continuing to satisfy himself. He started to imagine Shu Xian and what he could have done if ever things were to further escte.


    He imagined Shu Xian''s answer a while ago¡ªher doing one of his kinks of straddling on top of him. He imagined sucking her neck, he imagined fondling her breast, and he imagined Shu Xian rubbing herself against him as part of their forey.


    Pan An then imagined either taking her on the couch, or taking her on the bed instead. He imagined that after he tasted her, Shu Xian would get a taste of him back.


    A woman as innocent as Shu Xian would make it feel awkward especially to her once she knows that he wanted her to touch him there. He imagined looking straight into Shu Xian''s shy eyes, them locking gazes as she slowly moved her hand up and down on his length.


    The thought further turned him on, making him quicken the pace of his hand. With him gritting his teeth in pleasure, he furrowed his brows and closed his eyes with what he had imagined next.


    He thought of her shyly bending down, but still curious to know what it would feel like having him inside her mouth. He imagined Shu Xian giving his head a little lick beforefortably opening her mouth to take him in.


    "Aaah¡­ Shu Xian¡­"


    Pan An felt pathetic that he had to resort to this for the meantime but he had no choice. Shu Xian fell asleep and even though she still has the energy for it, he had to take it slow for the youngdy who''s so innocent.


    He wondered when he could have more moments with her¡ªhe wondered when he can finally have her!


    Pan An started imagining Shu Xian sucking and licking, bobbing her head up and down. He quickened his pace once more as he felt pleasure course through his body, wondering what it would have felt like to have his shaft engulfed in heat and wetness.


    "Shu Xian¡­"


    Pan An imagined settling himself above Shu Xian. He imagined her shy, but expectant eyes on him as he parted her legs¡ªhe imagined settling himself near her entrance.


    He imagined her wrapping her arms around his neck, or settling it on his shoulders as she clung on to dear life. He imagined slowly putting himself inside her, Shu Xian gasping with the size and feel of him as it is her first time having something inside her.


    He imagined Shu Xian saying his name the moment he came inside her in one quick thrust to im her virginity. He imagined how tight and wet she must be with him inside her¡ªhe wondered if Shu Xian would feel good.


    The thought made him nervous. What if one day if given the chance to do it, she wouldn''t like it? What if one day he would hurt her? What if one day she wouldn''t enjoy?


    ''No¡­ Shu Xian isn''t like that,'' he thought, continuing to imagine her as he jerked off. ''She enjoyed¡ªshe screamed and moaned for me. She would like it¡ªI''d just have to make sure to be gentle before going rough.''


    Pan An now thought of her wrapping her legs around his waist. He imagined ramming himself in and out of her harder, faster, deeper¡ªher fingernails digging on his back.


    "Damn!"


    He cursed under his breath when the thought further turned him on. He was already nearing to his climax, his hand quickening its pace as he continued imagining to himself his fantasies that he wanted to have with Shu Xian.


    He started imagining her captured in his fervent kiss as he continued thrusting himself in and out of her. He imagined their breaths mingling with each other, both of them looking at each other in such heated gazes.


    He imagined getting her crazy¡ªunable to think under his touch! Oh, he couldn''t wake to definitely make her insane.


    If it would take for both of them to only touch each other until they could finally do the deed, then he''d do it as long as Shu Xian''sfortable with their sexual interactions.


    "Aaah! Fuck!"


    Pan An felt as if he was about to burst! With him leaning his forehead against the bathroom wall, he let out his seeds, his hand stopping midway as he panted.


    He nkly stared at his shaft and realized that it had not yet calmed down, a mischievous and slightly annoyed smirk appearing on his face as he talked to his member as if it were human.


    "Come on¡­ be patient. Rx, you''ll get what you want soon."


    With the warm water from the shower continuing to run, he then let out a sigh as he started cleaning the floor first before started to bathe.


    With the thought of Shu Xian sleeping naked on his bed, he wondered he if could resist touching her, knowing that he had to sleep beside her.


    Hell, he had to control himself! Attacking a woman in her sleep is something that he wouldn''t do even though he knew that it was so tempting to touch her. Maybe he could only embrace her and kiss her¡ªbut not further touch because he really respects her.


    After his quick shower, he then put on a bathrobe, turning off the shower and then went out of the bathroom. The moment he was out, his eyes slightly widened to see that Shu Xian was sitting up, the sheet wrapped around her as she looked at him shyly.


    "Shu Xian?" Pan An called out to her, wondering why she was up when she was just sleeping minutes ago. "Why are you up? Are you alright?"


    The moment Pan An sat on the other side of the bed, Shu Xian nodded once and then bit her bottom lip as if she was contemting whether to say it or not.


    Luckily for her, Pan An noticed that she was hesitant, but at the same time, would want to say something. So he urged her, nting a soft kiss on her forehead before asking her a question.


    "Tell me, Shu Xian. I told you that you can tell me anything since we''re a couple now."


    And with a nod, Shu Xian did so. However, what he said was something that Pan An had not said at all, his heart racing in his chest as she said something so suggestive.


    "I can''t help but think that I felt good¡­ but don''t you also need to feel good?"


    Pan An blinked his eyes, unable to absorb what she had said.


    "What?"


    Shu Xian fell quiet for a full three seconds. With her then holding Pan An''s hand, what she said next had made Pan An''s jaw almost drop in surprise.


    "Can I¡­ touch you?"

 Chapter 225 - Melted In His Arms

    "Can I... touch you?"


    Pan An blinked his eyes a few times in disbelief upon hearing the words that escaped from innocent-but-not-so-innocent Shu Xian''s lips.??


    Did he hear right? Did he just hear Shu Xian ask him if she could touch him?


    Why?


    "Why are you asking me this?"


    Pan An had to ask her aloud. With him still bbergasted as he was unsure if he heard her right, Shu Xian sighed and pouted and answered him almost in a whisper.


    "I said I felt bad that I felt good and you didn''t. Geez... you''re making it difficult for me to answer you. This is something I''m notfortable to do."


    "I''m sorry," Pan An immediately answered, nting a soft kiss on top of her head. "I know, but I just couldn''t believe it."


    "W-well?"


    Shu Xian stammered, urging an answer from him as she was waiting for his reply to her question.


    "What do you think?"


    "Shu Xian..."


    After saying her name, Pan An let out a small sigh and went quiet for a full three seconds before talking again.


    "You have no idea how inviting that idea you just told me."


    A small smile appeared on Shu Xian''s face. With her lying down on her right side, Pan An settled beside her, sharing the nket with her.


    "Especially now that I''ve just showered and then I''m naked underneath this. You''re naked, too."


    "So..."Shu Xian bit her bottom lip, Pan An chuckling with what he heard next. "You want to... or?"


    Pan An yfully rolled his eyes at her. With him gently pulling Shu Xian in his arms, she felt warm in his embrace, her head resting on his chest.


    "Oh, Shu Xian... it really is tempting, but I think we should take it slow. We have to slow down, especially now that it''s your first time even touching yourself."


    A hint of pink shade appeared on the woman''s face. With her shyly looking at Pan An, she furrowed her brows, sharing him his concern.


    "But Pan An... you were not pleasured. I..."


    "Silly girl."


    Pan An pinched the bridge of her nose, Shu Xian further blushing with what she heard.


    "You think I did nothing inside the bathroom? I thought of you and satisfied myself."


    "G-geez..."


    Shu Xian puffed her cheeks, not knowing how to react to that so she just spoke and said what she thought wasbest.


    "You''re such a naughty guy... you know that, right?"


    "Only for you," Pan An said, nting another kiss on top of Shu Xian''s head. "Only you, Shu Xian."


    However, when she heard thetter part, she couldn''t help but be pulled in her own thoughts.


    Only her, really?


    He had a past rtionship with a woman whom he really loved to bits! Heck, she may have been his first and he says only her?


    Well, it may be true since Pan An is only dating her and that should be the case.


    But Shu Xian wondered if it''s the same thing with her. She wondered if Pan An had said the same words to her since Ruo Xi is his first love.


    Of course he has had sexy moments with her for him to be this good and experienced. Of course he knew what to say because he had dated someone before.


    Shu Xian knew that she shouldn''tpare, but she just couldn''t help it.


    It is her first time being in a rtionship and the thought of him having this moment with his ex in the past and the possibility of him saying the same words to her, it ached her heart.


    Noticing that the girl is in a deep thought as her brows knitted together, Pan An tapped the in-between of her two brows with his index finger, getting her attention.


    "What''s wrong?" He asked, Shu Xian now staring straight into his eyes. "You know that you can tell me anything."


    Shu Xian was reluctant, but she knew that Pan An has a point. With her letting out a small sigh, she then decided to tell him since honesty is good when ites to rtionships.


    Yes, she may feel doubts about what to do here and there as this is their first day of officially dating each other. But still, she had to trust what she thinks is right and she had to trust Pan An since he isn''t the type to lie and he had experiences before.


    "I can''t help but think," she started, Pan An intently looking at her to listen. "that you may have said the same words to her... and had done the same."


    What she said had struck Pan An''s heart, making him silent. It had made him think right at this moment, starting to think of Ruo Xi and what they have shared in the past.


    Ruo Xi was his first love. Of course he told her before that she was the only one he fell in love with and that she was the only woman whom he got himself involved with.


    However, this time, it''s different. He knows for sure that Ruo Xi and Shu Xian are different and thatparing and contrasting them won''t do any good.


    He had to tell her, too, thatparing herself to Ruo Xi will further nt doubts and self-depreciation. Pan An knew that he had to advise Shu Xian to focus on herself and themselves as a couple and nothing else.


    Easier said than done, but it takes two to tango. They have to talk about this and at the same time, learn how to manage this together.


    They have to ovee this together and besides...


    What is important is now, and not the past.


    Like the saying which goes: "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present."


    "Pan An?"


    Pan An snapped out of his thoughts when Shu Xian called for his attention. With her worried expression not leaving her face, the professor realized that he may have been in a daze for a long time, ignoring her in the process.


    "Are you alright? Did you find what I said annoying?"


    "No, Shu Xian," Pan An immediately answered, wrapping his arm around her to embrace her. "I''m sorry, I was just thinking of how you came into my life like a whirlwind."


    "Mmm... you don''t like it?"


    "Of course not," Pan An replied, now giving a quick kiss on her lips. "It''s just that it was not something I expected. Not what I expected, but something I couldn''t hate. I did start to fall in love with you when I thought I couldn''t."


    Shu Xian smiled, liking what she has heard as she felt her heart flutter.


    "Then, why are you quiet?"


    "Well, to be honest," Pan An started, smiling at her as well. "Your question got me thinking."


    Shu Xian went quiet as she listened to Pan An. With both of them talking seriously this way, it made her feel that they were further getting to know each other, which is a good thing.


    Since they are in a rtionship, it is needed, right?


    "I have to admit, you were right when I said things that I have told you to her before as well."


    A frown appeared on Shu Xian''s face, making Pan An''s heart slightly ache. However, he had a perfect exnation to it and he hopes that Shu Xian would understand.


    "I was young, Shu Xian. She was my first love. I was like a hopeless romantic thinking that it wouldst forever, that''s why. But do know that this time, with you, it''s different."


    "Oh?"


    Shu Xian looked at him, tipping her head up so she could get a clearer view of his face.


    "It''s our first day dating. How could you say I''m very different from her?"


    "Of course, you are."


    Pan An held her hand then put it on his lips to give her fingertips a feather-like kiss.


    "Both of you arepletely different. To her, I''m like a lost puppy only relying on my feelings to act when ites to her. But with you... oh, with you, it''s different."


    Shu Xian arched a brow at him and asked, "how?"


    "Take today, for example," he began, Shu Xian blushing once more as she remembered the naugthy deeds they have done tonight. "Given your innocence and weakness, I could have taken advantage of you. I could have said yes to your words a moment ago, but I chose not to."


    "Why?"


    Shu Xian sounded like a little girl asking an elder a question. With Pan An patient with her, he just answered her truthfully, giving her another kiss but now on the knuckles of her hand that he held.


    "Because I want our first time to be special, Shu Xian. Not only based because of curiosity and sexual drive. I want to connect with you emotionally because I do not want to hurt you, either. I want it to be something sentimental. I want it to be something memorable not only for me, but also for you because you matter to me."


    And with that, tears started forming in her eyes as she felt her heart welling up from within her. With Pan An''s lips now lovingly iming hers, she melted in his arms as she now felt the sincerity in his words.


    And from this moment on, she believed him. She knew that she had to believe him.


    With all her heart, and with all that she is sincehe did choose her after all the time that he was all alone and moping.

 Chapter 226 - May Be Plotting Something

    [SHORT ANNOUNCEMENT: Please drop the book if you find it boring and if you don''t like it. Leaving negativements will only hurt the author and will further demotivate him or her especially if he or she is having a stressful day at work and he or she forced himself or herself to write for the day. If you don''t have anything good to say, keep them to yourself. Thank you.]


    ***??


    Shu Xian excused herself so she can have a quick shower to freshen herself up before going to sleep. With Pan An waiting for her in bed, both of them decided to take things slow and indeed, it is something that they need for their rtionship.


    After Shu Xian took a shower, she then wore a spare bathrobe that Pan An gave her from his wardrobe and wore it.


    She was about to ask if this was reserved for someone but Pan An told her that he already asked one of his employees to have one prepared here in this room since they''re going to stay in for the night.


    The moment Shu Xian came out of the bathroom, she removed the hair tie that was keeping her hair in ce, now going to the bed to lie down beside Pan An.


    "I''m worried for Wan Wan. I don''t stay outte and when I do, I bring her with me when I go to sleep overs with Shi Lian."


    "You don''t have to worry," Pan An said, pulling her in his arms and gave her a kiss on top of her head. "I already talked to our trusted secretary and asked him to send someone over the house to keep watch and take care of Wan Wan."


    Shu Xian smiled, kissing Pan An''s cheek.


    "Thank you. Wan Wan is very important to me. Don''t worry. She''s a good girl. She won''t harm the person you asked to keep watch. She''s that smart."


    Pan An and Shu Xian pulled each other in an embrace. With herfortable in his arms, Pan An looked at her, wanting to get to know more about Shu Xian and her dog, Wan Wan.


    "If I may ask¡­ how did you and Wan Wan meet?"


    "Oh! It''s actually a sweet but kinda sad," Shu Xian said, further continuing her story. "I ran away from my uncle, no? When I was looking for a ce to stay, I saw a box with an abandoned puppy. It was even a rainy day."


    "So, it was Wan Wan?" Pan An asked, letting out a sigh as he did not like stories of animals abandoned. "That''s sad to know if it''s Wan Wan."


    "It is Wan Wan," Shu Xian said, a small smile appearing on her face as she reminisced and told Pan An the story. "So I took her in. Strong and jolly puppy that she is despite the rain that day. And since then, we were inseparable. She''s the one who saved andforted me that day."


    Pan An kissed the top of her head.


    "Even though I was not a part of your life before, I''m d that Wan Wan was there to give youpany and to make your day better."


    "Yes. So that day when you saved me¡­ I couldn''t help but get angry and I attacked those men. It''s because Wan Wan is like my family now. No¡­ not like¡­ but she is really my family now."


    Pan An held her face, his right hand cupping her cheek as his thumb caressed her as well.


    "Do you want that we''ll give Wan Wan a monthly check up to the vet? I''d dly take her with you. She''s a good dog and I already grew attached to her in such a short time."


    "Oh!"


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times, her heart feeling warm that Pan An had suggested this.


    "Wan Wan is not your pet, but I''m happy you''re willing to do so. However, she is my pet and¡ª"


    "You don''t have to worry about that," Pan An interrupted, arching a brow at her as a smug grin appeared on his face. "Other than me loving Wan Wan, remember that this man is rich? I''m not going to use my name, of course. But my sry from teaching in the university."


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but scoff as she yfully rolled her eyes at him. With Pan An liking her reaction, he kissed the top of her nose, Shu Xian giggling upon his touch.


    "How proud of you. However, I do appreciate you using your own money since it is your hard work rather than use your family''s poprity and wealth."


    "Of course," Pan An said, his smile turning sweeter. "If I want to spend more time with you, then I''d rather do the effort based on what I have and what I can."


    "Thank you."


    At that same moment, Shu Xian was pulled into her own thoughts. With her remembering his family and with her remembering that her sister is here, she then raised her head to look at him and spoke.


    "You know, Pan An¡­ I want to know more about your family when given the chance. Especially your sister. Since she''s here and she was even there when she celebrated my birthday. Do you think there will be a chance that I will meet them?"


    "That''s not actually a bad idea," Pan An said, nodding to what she said in agreement. "Also, I do appreciate you wanting to know more of my family. Usually girls would fear getting involved with someone''s family especially if they are of the affluent type."


    Shu Xian chuckled, yfully rolling her eyes at what he said.


    "Oh, don''t get me wrong. I am nervous to meet your family especially your sister since I do not know much about her. However, I do want to get to meet them. In a way, this can also make me learn more about you."


    Pan An felt warm in his heart when he heard Shu Xian''s justification. With a smile on his face, he further pulled Shu Xian in his arms, now speaking seriously as he remembered her case when ites to her family.


    "I''m sorry about you not knowing much about your family. You know, if you do know them, I''d sincerely want to know them and formally ask their permission into courting you and I''ll definitely get to know them."


    Shu Xian''s smile then soon turned into a frown. With the sad expression on his face, it gave an ache to Pan An''s heart, not wanting to see her this way.


    "Shu Xian, I''m really sorry about that. I mean¡­ I know they''d be good parents because even though you had a toxic environment before, you turned out just fine."


    "Thank you." Shu Xian then looked up at him once more, now morefortable about talking to him on her thoughts about her family. "If they are still here, I really want to meet them, too. There must be a pretty big reason why my uncle hid me from most of the people and had not told me about them."


    Pan An arched a brow at her.


    "So¡­ your parents? They''re not dead as he ims to be?"


    "I don''t think so," Shu Xian replied, letting out a sigh. "He said bad stuff about my parents, but he seems secretive. He never wanted me near his office. It''s like he''s keeping something from me. I tried secretly snooping in from time to time especially at night, but his office is heavily guarded."


    "So you gave up?"


    Shu Xian let out another sigh.


    "Actually, yeah. I gave up on it. Though at the back of my mind, there is a strong urge telling me to keep on searching. If he is heavily guarding that office, then possibly there is something that he is keeping."


    "Hmm¡­"


    Pan An then fell into silence and allowed himself to be pulled within his thoughts even with Shu Xian beside him. With her noticing that he was suddenly deep in thought, she waited for him expectantly, curious about what he''s thinking.


    "What are you thinking of?" Shu Xian urged, Pan An answering her anyway.


    "I''m thinking if I should try to investigate about your background with the help of my family. My family is also known in the country with what they have contributed in the business world. I''m guessing we may have connections that we can ask the help of¡ªtrusted, of course."


    Shu Xian bit her bottom lip. Hearing this, she couldn''t help but feel hopeful.


    Even when she was young, she always thought about her real parents. If her uncle was the one "taking care" of her, then there could be possible leads that her parents are still alive¡ªhe''s just keeping it a secret from her!


    If that is the case, then for whatever reason?


    "We could assume something," Pan An spoke, snapping Shu Xian out of her thoughts. "Your parents may be someone powerful as well and then your uncle may have done something to offend them."


    "Then why is he keeping me?" Shu Xian replied, furrowing her brows together. "A ckmail?"


    "Perhaps," Pan An immediately answered, both of them turning serious. "And he may be plotting something serious that is why he raised you up to this point until you ran away."

 Chapter 227 - Now It Made Sense!

    "What? You finally found her?"


    "Yes."??


    He Shen and Zheng Zi were talking inside the office. Zheng Zi immediately came into He Shen''s office to inform him about what he had found out.


    They had been on a long mission to look for Shu Xian. Ever since she ran away, her information even her enrollment had been blocked by someone powerful.


    Since then, they thought that she may be involved with someone or have made friends with someone of an affluent background who is capable to do this.


    Zheng Zi, He Shen''s secretary, had worked hard since then throughout the years just to get a single clue about Shu Xian''s whereabouts.


    However, He Shen thought how his secretary had found her.


    "Where did you find her? How were you able to do it?"


    "It was something I didn''t expect, Mr. He Shen," Zheng Zi answered, the facial expression on his face getting serious. "I was walking in the mall in the outskirts of this city and then I saw her."


    He Shen arched a brow at his secretary, not expecting the information that was shared to him. He knew that the mall at the outskirts of this city is owned by someone born from a famous and rich family who''s even at par with them.


    How could Shu Xian be found there? Is she affiliated with those people that is why her personal information had been blocked?


    Wait¡­ if she told those people that he is her uncle and what he did to her, then¡­


    ''No. She may be lurking there,'' He Shen thought, kicking his initial thought at the side.


    "I was having dinner when I saw her, using the esctor with a man."


    "A man?" He Shen asked, snapping himself out of his thoughts. "What does he look like? Do you know who he is?"


    "I think so. But you have to confirm, Mr. He Shen, since I only got a few information about him due to his background."


    Zheng Zi then gave him a folder about the man whom Shu Xian was with. Upon seeing the picture, there was a slight surprise appearing on He Shen''s face, already knowing who this guy is even though it''s only a picture that he looked at.


    He had ck hair and he looked exceptionally handsome. With Shu Xian indeed beside him and had her hand on his arm, it could imply that both of them are involved with each other.


    But what kind of rtionship do they have?


    "He is the youngest son of the Gu family," He Shen thought, almost clicking his tongue. Zheng Zi who was listening to him widened his eyes, already knowing who he is.


    "You mean¡­ this man Shu Xian is with is Gu Pan An? Their family background is almost a mystery¡ªalmost blocked and unsearchable even with strong backers and connections! I only heard about him in name and that he owns a few establishments here and there¡­ so this is one of them?"


    "Yes," He Shen answered quite snappily, not liking the thought that Shu Xian is seen with him¡ªhappy even! "Have you learned more about their connection or involvement with each other? Based on how her hand is on his arm and with how Pan An looks at her¡­ could it mean¡­"


    "I wanted to confirm, Mr. He Shen," Zheng Zi answered even though He Shen did not finish his sentence.


    However, He Shen looked up at his secretary and listened to him.


    "But I couldn''t seem to get nearer. It''s amazing that the security of their mall is tight. I was about to walk when I saw men in ck everywhere, one of them already eyeing me so I had to retreat with only this picture."


    "Tsk."


    He Shen clicked his tongue once more, not liking that his secretary was forced to retreat. His secretary is someone who could get his job done when needed¡ªeven on the spot. He wanted to be angry, but this is the best clue that they could have yet even in years!


    "So you weren''t able to follow them?"


    "I apologize."


    That answer alone was already enough indication that Zheng Zi wasn''t able to follow them to know more about their whereabouts. With a sighing from He Shen, he leaned on the rest of his swivel chair and started to turn it slightly left and right, as if in deep thought.


    How are they going to get more information about them? Why is Shu Xian involved with Pan An and how did they ever meet? Since when are they together? And does he know about her background? Does he know about his treatment toward her?


    Had Shu Xian told him anything?


    If he does, then it can impose against him. Pan An''s family is not one to be trifled with and he knew that he had to take a step back in their search for her now that they have a small clue of her getting involved with Pan An!


    His n of using her to get what he wanted¡­ it''s slowly slipping away from his hands ever since she had ran away from the house!


    And now that they find a clue about her, she is now in the presence of someone powerful?


    His dream of getting their familypany is now further slipping away from him!


    How can this happen when he had been plotting from the start? Had he not plotted from the very beginning? What could have gone wrong?


    "That damned Yan Ran!"


    He Shen balled his hand into a tight fist then banged it on his office table as he was frustrated upon remembering the event when Shu Xian had ran away from his home.


    Every time He Shen called Shu Xian by her real name, Yan Ran, he could no longer contain the anger that was pent up from within him.


    Ever since she ran away, he had been agitated and anxious. He was so desperate looking for her and now that they have a clue, they could not further get anything else!


    "How the hell are we going to get a clue now!?"


    "Y-you don''t have to worry, Mr. He Shen," Zheng Zi replied, stammering on his own words. "I-I have found something else, please listen."


    He Shen silenced and looked at him with impatient eyes. With his deathly stare on him, Zheng Zi gulped then told him what other things he had learned.


    "I did my best to get this information. She is also seen with Shi Lian."


    "Shi Lian?" He Shen''s eyebrow twitched. "She is the younger sister of the CEO taking care of W & S Corporations, Wang Lei."


    "Yes," Zheng Zi answered, nodding at the same time. "I have stumbled upon this information as I was driving around. Other than seeing Shu Xian with Pan An, I have seen her the same day in the university that they have funded under their name."


    "Then why¡ª" He Shen stood up, gritting his teeth as he red at Zheng Zi. "Did you only tell me this now when you imed that you have seen her this same day, but earlier!?"


    "I-I had to confirm, Mr. He Shen," Zheng Zi answered, fearing for his life as he gulped. "It had been years since we saw her and it could be her lookalike. However, when I was in the mall to have dinner as a rest from my search, that is when I chanced upon her¡ªwith Pan An this time."


    "Now that exins why we haven''t been able to look for her. Both of those people came from a powerful family and either of them may have helped her block her personal information so we could not find her."


    With him sitting back on his swivel chair, Zheng Zi let out a small sigh of relief, his boss now calming down as he thought to himself right here and then of what to do next.


    He Shen thought that Shu Xian might be involved with any of them for a long time. It could possibly be her being friends with Shi Lian for a long time, or being friends with Pan An for a long time.


    Either way, both of their families have a great background and backup when ites to everything so it is possible for one of them to hide Shu Xian''s information to make her untraceable.


    Now it made sense!


    "What we need to do now¡­" He Shen trailed off in a mumble, but still audible enough for his secretary Zheng Zi to hear. "Is to further confirm what her connection is to those two people and who exactly is helping her and why is she with them."


    He Shen then looked at Zheng Zi, standing up from his seat again then fixed his tie.


    "Book me a ticket going to Country S, ASAP."


    "N-now?" Zheng Zi asked, his eyes opening wide in surprise. "How about your meetings and¡ª"


    "Reschedule them," He Shen interrupted, a smirk appearing on his face with what he said next. "I have to pay a visit to someone who may help us since our family is good friends with him."


    Without even sparing Zheng Zi onest nce, He Shen then walked away and left him alone in his office.


    He then thought about talking to Mr. Chen, the most powerful man in Country S to help him get the information that he wants.

 Chapter 228 - Had Finally Opened Up

    Shu Xian fell quickly asleep in Pan An''s arms after they talked for a while about anything under the sun. Pan An watcher her sleep as he ran his hand through her hair andbed it for herfort.


    Pan An couldn''t believe it that he is capable to start loving another person after offering almost everything of what he has especially his time to someone like Ruo Xi. ??


    With that in thought, he stared nkly at her as he remembered what his mother wanted to tell him.


    Cai Li always wanted to tell Pan An that Ruo Xi was betraying him and that she was doing something behind his back and is trying to use him.


    Why only now that did Shu Xiane and when Ruo Xi came back to the country did he start believing her?


    With him wanting to have more answers now, he decided to call her mother even at this time of night and talk to her.


    Besides, he knew his mother pretty well. She sleepste. With his sister here, obviously, they would have their usual girl talks that end veryte at night.


    Pan An slightly pushed Shu Xian away from his arm, then settling her gently on her pillow. With a small sighing from her, she continued to sleep, Pan An nting a soft kiss on top of her head as he then stood up slowly and then got his phone from his bedside table.


    He then proceeded to dial his mother and went to the farthest part of the room, near the window overlooking the skyscrapers outside.


    The phone call then connected after the third ring. The moment Pan An greeted her, his mother greeted him back joyfully.


    "Hello, mother."


    "Pan An! It''s rare that you call your mother! What''s up? Is something wrong?"


    A small smile appeared on Pan An''s face.


    With him remembering that his mother wanted him to find someone so that he could forget his woes, he also remembered that she is also fond of Shu Xian so she wanted to tell her the good news first before he tells her the other information that he wanted to know.


    "I''m with Shu Xian."


    "I know, dear." It''s as if Pan An could sense his mother rolling her eyes at him. "You two live together. What is it that you want to point out? Is she sad or something? She did not like the birthday celebration?"


    "No, not that. She absolutely loved her birthday celebration," Pan An answered, letting out a small sigh as he felt a bit impatient with how his mother is taking things before even listening to him.


    "Then what is it? If you''re calling me thiste at night when I should be talking to your sister, then something important must havee up."


    "I don''t know if this is important," Pan An started, another smile appearing on his face. "But Shu Xian and I have started dating now."


    "What!?"


    Pan An could also hear his sister''s exmation. With him yfully rolling his eyes at them, he knew that their mother had put her phone on loud speaker so both of them could hear.


    "How did that even happen?"


    Now it was his sister that talked. With Pan An still looking out the window and staring at the skyscrapers, both of them went silent when they heard what he had said.


    "Ruo Xi came back. And she is now a professor in the university that I''m working in."


    "What?" Cai Li''s voice sounded snappy. "Now you know that Ruo Xi is here and you only told me this now?"


    "Oh,e on, mother," Pan An said, running his free hand through his hair. "I know that you know that she is here, but you decided to keep that information from me."


    The call suddenly went silent. With a sigh heard from the other end of the line, it was his sister now that spoke in defense of their mother.


    "You know mother only wanted what''s best for you. If you knew that Ruo Xi is here, you would''ve¡ª"


    "Well, I called because that is nothing that you should worry about. I did tell you that I''m dating Shu Xian now, haven''t I?"


    It was quiet again. Pan An had a point, but to the two women, both of them thought that it was so sudden that they couldn''t quite absorb what had happened between them.


    How can they suddenly have a rtionship?


    "I hope you''re not using Shu Xian to forget that woman," Cai Li said, "You know, Shu Xian is a nice woman and I¡ª"


    "Mother, you''re offending me right now with what you''re saying."


    Pan An interrupted, trying his best to control his temper.


    "I called you to tell you that I''m in a rtionship with her. You think I hadn''t thought of that when I started getting interested in her? I''m not stupid¡ªyou know that."


    Cai Li sighed, furrowing her brows together as she now felt bad that she had thought of her son that way. However, she couldn''t help it. Pan An never believed her and he always struggled with his feelings towards Ruo Xi even after their sudden breakup.


    And with him suddenly saying that he is now in a rtionship with Shu Xian, Cai Li couldn''t help but wonder how that even happened!


    "Then tell me," Cai Li started, wanting to make things clear. "How this has happened with Ruo Xi suddenlying?"


    Before Pan An answered, he took a deep breath. With him nowposed and with his anger now slipping away, he answered their mother, not minding that his sister is listening to him.


    "Ruo Xi came and when I thought that I''d feel mncholic, I couldn''t help but feel nonchnce.


    "I know I was looking for her for such a long time but now that she was before me and acting as if nothing happened, I can''t help but think of Shu Xian.


    "And then it happened. When she was purposely trying to get my attention, I couldn''t help but be pissed off. And when Shu Xian ran away because it''s as if she knew who she is and what she has done, I just had to chase her."


    The two of them listened to Pan An. With them surprised with what he was telling him, the professor just continued talking to them and kept expressing his own feelings.


    "Then she was there¡ªbefore me. Shu Xian was about to cry and I asked her why and if she knew her. She didn''t say yes exactly, but her reaction was enough answer for that.


    "And then she just suddenly went of and then confessed that she was starting to fall for me and that''s when everything went like a boom. All of a sudden, I felt this coursing desire and adoration flowing from within me¡ªit''s as if I was waiting for that exact moment."


    Cai Li and Pan An''s sister couldn''t help but smile. With them listening to how Pan An is sofortable at telling them of what had happened, they were happy that Pan An is not shy and afraid to tell them anything.


    Pan An obviously trusted both of them since they are his most trusted family.


    And theypletely understood why. Pan An was never close with his father¡ªespecially with what had happened with their older brother.


    "And I was ovee with my feelings. I could not think of anyone else other than Shu Xian. When I saw her cry and when I saw the hurt in her eyes as she walked out, I can''t help but feel my heart ache.


    "Before I even realized it, Shu Xian had be an important person in my life ever so suddenly without me even realizing it. I just kept denying it at first because I thought it was nothing serious and that I may be using her just to forget her.


    "But that wasn''t the case. I wanted Shu Xian to feel important. Of course, I''ll take it slow for her. I am indeed her first boyfriend.


    "Ruo Xi was there before my eyes, yes, finally, in the flesh when I always looked for her. However, now that she was there right in front of me, I can''t help but think of Shu Xian. I didn''t want her to look hurt¡ªI didn''t want Ruo Xi anymore when I realized that.


    "She was throwing passes at me, yes¡­ but I find myself no longer sumbing to her. Shu Xian¡­ I want to get to know her more."


    Then it suddenly went quiet after Pan An had said his overflowing emotions¡ªstronger than ever as if he was right in front of his mother and sister. Even the two women couldn''t believe what they have heard but knowing Pan An, it was something serious and thought well.


    Because Pan An would have never felt this way if he still was foolishly in love with Ruo Xi after all these years. Now that he has said this¡­


    It could already mean that his heart had finally opened up to someone¡ªand it opened up to a woman who''s better than that bitch at that.

 Chapter 229 - Not Having Any Second Thoughts

    It was stillte at night and Zhang Ren and Shi Lian were walking in the neighborhood on the way to Shi Lian''s family home. After they ate dinner, they decided to take a walk going home so they could talk more.


    To be honest, Shi Lian and Zhang Ren were enjoying the time together. They even decided to walk slowly, holding each other''s hand as they enjoyed the night breeze, the full moon beautiful on the ck sky.??


    "I can''t believe you just got the permission of my brother to walk me home thiste," Shi Lianmented, a smile appearing on Zhang Ren''s face.


    "I asked him beforehand, actually. He was against it at first and I was about to say okay and that I understand and we could do so next time. But then afterward, he sighed then told me that I have to take care of you."


    Shi Lian widened her eyes, grinning ear to ear with what she heard because she did not expect her older brother to act this way. She had never even seen him be this overprotective and now being courted by Zhang Ren, she found it cute that her brother is allowing one to court her.


    A womanizer like his older brother¡­ she didn''t expect that Zhang Ren could pass!


    Maybe it''s because Zhang Ren is not like him. Zhang Ren is kind, gentle, a great man¡­ he is someone that Wang Lei would trust for his little sister.


    "I didn''t expect my brother to decide this way," shemented, yfully rolling her eyes as well as they still walked, their holding hands swaying with every slow step they took.


    "Neither did I. You know, I''m willing to be patient. But I was surprised that your brother actually said yes. Maybe it''s because he also wanted you to have fun¡ªnot to miss out on anything," Zhang Ren added, Shi Lian blushing as she nodded in agreement.


    "I think I could say the same. Because, you know¡­ you are indeed the first guy I actually got interested in. There were some courting me before¡­ but never got my attention."


    With that, Zhang Ren stopped in his tracks, making Shi Lian stop as well. With Zhang Ren now turning his body to face her, Shi Lian cocked her head to the side, wondering why they suddenly stopped walking towards her family''s house.


    "What''s up?"


    Zhang Ren didn''t say a word. With him putting his forehead against Shi Lian''s, her body almost stiffened in surprise, but she remained still, her lips turning into a tight line as they stared straight into each other''s eyes.


    "Zhang Ren?"


    He let go of Shi Lian''s hand. With it already making way to her face as he cupped one of her cheeks, his thumb caressed her skin, sending shivers down Shi Lian''s spine.


    "I thinking here to this city to recover is the best choice I did."


    "Oh?" Shi Lian now spoke, a small smile appearing on her face as she looked at Zhang Ren. "Why?"


    Zhang Ren grinned, showing his perfect teeth. Seeing him smile at her this way made Shi Lian''s heart flutter, conscious as she didn''t want Zhang Ren to hear her heartbeat with how quiet their surroundings are.


    "If I didn''te here," Zhang Ren started, his eyes now looking at Shi Lian''s lips. "I wouldn''t have met my friends. And I especially wouldn''t have met you."


    Shi Lian couldn''t help but let out a soft giggle. With them not pulling away from each other, she made ament, her shyness already slipping away from her.


    "You sound a bit cheesy right now. You know that, right?"


    "True," Zhang Ren replied, chuckling at the same time. "I didn''t know I had it in me."


    With them being silent all of a sudden, both of them continued staring at each other''s eyes, their forehead still against each other''s. With them now liking howfortable they are with each other, Zhang Ren took this a signal to do his move.


    Zhang Ren then inched in closer. With Shi Lian''s lips parting in anticipation, she closed her eyes, Zhang Ren, closing his as well as his lips slowly brushed against hers,nding into a perfect, sweet kiss.


    Both of their hearts fluttered in their chest. With Shi Lian''s hands on the sides, Zhang Ren pulled her closer towards him by wrapping his arm around her waist.


    Shi Lian was quite surprised, but she did not pull away. With her hand now going up as it settled on his chest, they felt each other''s body heat, Zhang Ren and Shi Lian both wanting to deepen their kiss.


    However, for some reason, they stopped. Their face were still an inch away from each other, but they continued staring into each other''s eyes, a little breathy from their kiss.


    "I-I''m sorry," Zhang Ren spoke in a soft whisper, Shi Lian listening to him. "To be honest, I''m not as experienced in this¡ªin love, as you and Shu Xian thought I am."


    Shi Lian arched a brow at him, joking about it to lighten the mood.


    "And you think we''re both experienced?"


    They then grinned at each other, slightlyughing at their conversation. With their bodies still close to each other, however, Shi Lian spoke, further making Zhang Ren''s heart race in his chest.


    "But we could both learn¡­ with each other¡ªas part of our getting to know."


    Zhang Ren liked what she said, his smile now turning into a mischievous one.


    "Are you suggesting something, Shi Lian?"


    "Hmm¡­" Shi Lian feigned ignorance, looking at his lips then back at his eyes. "Maybe?"


    Both of them didn''t say a word. With Zhang Ren now giving Shi Lian another kiss, Shi Lian dly allowed him, the two of them having the same thought of probably deepening the kiss as they experience it together for the first time.


    ***


    "Damn¡­ I''m finally going home."


    Wang Lei let out a relieved sigh as he finished doing overtime at work. Ever since Yu Yan had been given an earlier time out, he would do the effort to do some extra paper works so he can get less work the next day.


    As Wang Lei drove to enter his neighborhood, he thought if his sister had already gone home considering that it is almost 10 PM.


    "That Shi Lian," Wang Lei said as he talked to himself, a small smile appearing on his face. "I can''t believe she''s into dating now and she started getting interested on someone."


    Wang Lei was always relieved that her little sister is not one to involve herself with men. Even though there were some men who wanted to court her before, Shi Lian would always turn them down and would mind her own business either in studying or traveling.


    Wang Lei never had to worry for his little sister. He always told himself that it might take years for him to assess men that she might possibly like and little did he know that it came earlier than expected during her university years.


    He had to admit to himself that he was scared because never had Shi Lian showed interest until Zhang Ren came.


    When Shi Lian had asked him to lie for her and even dragged Zhang Ren along with her, that''s when he thought that this Zhang Ren might be different.


    And indeed he was.


    Wang Lei worried that his little sister might meet someone uneptable. He didn''t want to say it¡ªeven think of it¡­ but he thought that Shi Lian might fall for a man who''s a womanizer but thankfully and luckily not!


    Turns out that Zhang Ren is a great deal and that Shi Lian is responsible enough to choose a man like him.


    With a smile on his face, he then turned his car to continue on driving towards his house. He couldn''t wait toe home and ask his little sister how her day faired today¡ªif she had fun on her date.


    However, his car suddenly came to a slow halt when he noticed that there were two people from afar, seemingly in a passionate kiss in this dead of night.


    "Geez¡­ young people these days just couldn''t choose a ce," Wang Lei mumbled to himself, shaking his head at the same time. "Maybe I should stay a bit and keep watch if something were to escte?"


    With himughing to himself as he thought that he may be watching strangers, Wang Lei then suddenly stopped hisughter when he caught a glimpse of who the two people are, kissing in the neighborhood.


    It turns out that he won''t enjoy this show since it was not the people that he expected them to be!


    The moment the woman''s head turned, Wang Lei''s eyes almost popped out of their sockets, his jaw almost dropping to hisp!


    With him pointing at them usingly, he saw how Zhang Ren further pulled his little sister into his arms, not believing what he had seen!


    Not having any second thoughts, Wang Lei honked the car, scaring the shit out of them as they pulled away from each other in less than a second.


    With him already out of the car, Shi Lian felt her soul leaving her body, her brother shouting at them as Zhang Ren felt his heart crashing in fear.


    "What the hell are you two doing!?"

 Chapter 230 - Yeah... We Are

    "What the hell are you two doing!?"


    Shi Lian and Zhang Ren stood frozen to the ground, their soul almost separating from their body. With Wang Lei already marching towards them, they wanted so much to run away, but they just can''t seem to do it!


    The moment he halted right in front of them, he put both of his hands on his waist then red at them, especially at Zhang Ren.


    "You two¡­ are kissing around the neighborhood? Don''t you have any shame?"


    Both of them couldn''t answer. With Wang Lei specifically looking at Zhang Ren, he pointed at him usingly and scolded him at the same time.


    "And you¡­ you had your arm around my little sister and¡ª"


    "Don''t me him for this!"


    Shi Lian interrupted, now having the courage to speak against her older brother.


    "I was the one who told him that we could do something more!"


    Zhang Ren widened his eyes, not wanting Wang Lei to scold her. With him tugging her arm behind them, Shi Lian looked at him then he whispered.


    "What are you doing!? I''m already taking the wrap for this!"


    "You don''t have to," Shi Lian snapped, Wang Lei actually hearing their conversation.


    "I don''t want him to get mad at you!"


    "He''s my brother! I don''t want to lie! I know how to push his buttons!"


    Listening to them, Wang Lei couldn''t believe that Zhang Ren is willing to take all the me even though Shi Lian tantly admitted that it was her who convinced him.


    Even though both of them are in a pressuring situation such as this, Zhang Ren and Shi Lian never faltered even though before them is an angry older brother scolding them on the naughty deed that they did.


    However, Wang Lei found himself scoffing at the back of his mind.


    He had done far naughtier things than them other than have a passionate kiss publicly! He sounded like a hypocrite now scolding them because of the kiss when it is something done normally and is eptable rather than be touchy in public.


    It should have been okay, and he wouldn''t mind it¡­ but maybe because it''s his little sister involved which made him feel this way.


    "Hmph¡­"


    Wang Lei then crossed his arms in front of his chest as he snapped himself out of his thoughts. With him realizing that he is overprotective of his little sister, he arched a brow at her and validated what she said.


    "So you wanted to kiss Zhang Ren?"


    Shi Lian blushed, but she nodded, answering his question truthfully.


    "Yes."


    "And you¡ª" Wang Lei faced Zhang Ren, the young man now swallowing his saliva. "¡ªyou didn''t hesitate to do so?"


    Zhang Ren nodded once before his answer came out of his mouth.


    "Yes. I''m sorry."


    No words were spoken next. Wang Lei just sighed then he ran his left hand through his hair, shaking his head as he mumbled to himself.


    "You two¡­ as if I''d have anything else to say to further scold you."


    Shi Lian sighed as she pouted. With her looking at Zhang Ren then at her brother, she spoke again, wanting to set things straight.


    "Don''t me Zhang Ren, alright? I asked him to."


    Zhang Ren arched a brow at her.


    "But I epted."


    "Even then!"


    Shi Lian groaned, rolling her eyes at him.


    "You wouldn''t have epted if I hadn''t asked you to. Don''t me yourself."


    Even though Wang Lei is before them, Zhang Ren patted Shi Lian''s head,forting her. Wang Lei couldn''t help but watch them, now beckoning to his car as he called their attention.


    "Get in the car. We can eat some snacks at home before I drive Zhang Ren home."


    Zhang Ren blinked his eyes a few times. He thought that Wang Lei would not allow them to be together after seeing them kiss passionately this time of night.


    However, he knew that if he rejected his offer, it would just agitate Shi Lian''s older brother more, making him nod as they all walked towards the car.


    But before Shi Lian could even go to the backseat, Wang Lei caught her by the wrist, making her stop in her tracks.


    "Seat shotgun."


    "Ugh!"


    Shi Lian stomped her feet as she went to the front seat, banging the door in the process.


    "Hey! You did not buy my car!"


    "I don''t care! You''re rich, anyway!"


    Zhang Ren stifled hisughter. With him already going to the backseat, Wang Lei just sat in the driver''s seat and they all buckled their seatbelts before Shi Lian''s older brother started to drive.


    With the silence of the car ride going up the hill towards their home, Shi Lian looked out the window, Wang Lei looking at Zhang Ren in the rearview mirror.


    Until now, Wang Lei couldn''t believe it that he was so overprotective of his little sister. He thought that he wouldn''t have any problems and will just continue to allow her to have fun as the start of her dating life.


    Now that he saw her kissing someone, he never thought that he''d feel ufortable about it and would make a fuss about it when in fact, as her older brother, he had done far much worse with other women!


    Wanting to direct his thoughts to something else, he looked at Zhang Ren in the rearview mirror and then asked him a question.


    "Do you drink?"


    Zhang Ren blinked his eyes a few times. With him shaking his head to answer no, he then spoke, making it clear for Shi Lian''s older brother.


    "No¡­ but I''d like to try. Though I''d feel guilty if I did because I promised my grandfather I won''t do it."


    A small smile appeared on Shi Lian''s face. With her hearing how filial and obedient Zhang Ren is to his grandfather even though he isn''t here, she appreciated him even more, knowing that Zhang Ren is indeed a great guy.


    "Huh¡­ want me to let you try?"


    "Brother!"


    Shi Lian immediately hit her older brother''s shoulder, slightly surprising him with how strong her hit was.


    "You heard Zhang Ren! He says even though he''d like to try, he''d feel guilty because he promised his grandfather!"


    Wang Lei couldn''t help but grin. With the atmosphere between them already lightening up, it was morefortable for them to talk to each other nowpared to the awkward encounter moments ago.


    "Come on¡­ he did say in the beginning that he wanted to try. Take this opportunity for me to get to know your boyfriend."


    "B-boyfriend?"


    Shi Lian blushed, what Wang Lei had told her now stumping her to silence. With Wang Lei now parking the car as their house helper opened the garage gate, the three of them still stayed inside of the car and talked before leaving.


    It was as if he was getting a confirmation before he allowed them to leave the vehicle¡­


    "Don''t'' tell me¡­ that you two kissed without having abel?"


    Shi Lian rolled her eyes at him.


    "Puh-lease¡­ as if you hadbels with the girls you yed with."


    Wang Lei narrowed his eyes at his little sister, not liking what she had said.


    "You know, you and I are different. You''re my little sister and I want what''s best for you. Being in a rtionship with nobel at that is something that I wouldn''t want for you and¡ª"


    "I''m sorry to interrupt, but you don''t have to worry about that."


    Wang Lei and Shi Lian turned their head to look at Zhang Ren who was still in the backseat. They almost forgot that he was there, the two of them blinking their eyes at their visitor.


    "Your older brother has a point, Shi Lian," Zhang Ren said, Shi Lian pouting at him. "He only wanted what''s best for you."


    "But Zhang Ren¡­ we''re not¡ª"


    "We are now."


    Zhang Ren interrupted once more, looking at Wang Lei as he wanted to further exin himself without infuriating him.


    "It may have happened fast, but she is my girlfriend now if that''s what you''re waiting for. We promised to take it slow but with us developing into something more, then it''s inevitable. This is the endgame still once we decide to take the next step, anyway."


    Wang Lei grinned at Zhang Ren, Shi Lian widening her eyes as she did not expect what she heard from her older brother.


    "You know what, I like you. You''ll take full responsibility of your words, yeah?"


    Zhang Ren shrugged, grinning back at Wang Lei.


    "I wouldn''t dare do otherwise. I wouldn''t want to hurt Shi Lian either."


    Shi Lian opened her mouth wide in disbelief.


    Wasn''t Wang Lei angry with them a moment ago? Why is he buddy-buddy with Zhang Ren now!?


    And what made her more surprised is the fact that Zhang Ren now told her older brother that they''re a couple without even asking her!


    Noticing that Shi Lian is silent, both of the guys looked at her. With them still in the car, Wang Lei crossed his arms in front of his chest and arched a brow at Shi Lian.


    "Well? Are you two a real couple or what?"


    With Zhang Ren already saying so, her heart raced in her chest. With a red blush appearing on her face, Shi Lian just nodded and answered as well, feeling giddy as it rolled easily on her tongue when she spoke.


    "Yeah¡­ we are."

 Chapter 231 - Helping Shu Xian

    Shi Lian couldn''t believe it that she is now Zhang Ren''s girlfriend! She also couldn''t believe it that at this very moment, Zhang Ren also became hers.


    It all so happened just because Wang Lei caught them kissing in the neighborhood. Because of this, Shi Lian thought what if Wang Lei didn''t catch them kissing?


    Will they not be a couple on the spot if Wang Lei had not caught them?


    If that were the case¡­ what will then happen for them to be a couple?


    Would they both take it slow? Will they both agree upon it after they had kissed? Would they have further talked about it¡ªabout their ns?


    Who knows!


    The three of them then decided to stay in the living room. With their mother already asleep thiste at night, the three of them just lounged in the living room with their house helper serving them with whatever she could.


    They were served a slice of cheesecake each, along with tea. Even though it waste at night, Wang Lei insisted to eat sweets.


    Shi Lian couldn''t help but look at Zhang Ren. With him catching her looking at him, Zhang Ren smiled at her from time to time, Wang Lei shaking his head as he showed them a lopsided smile.


    "Now aren''t you two going to keep flirting with your eyes while I''m still present? Don''t be rude¡­ I might force you two to end your rtionship right here and then."


    Zhang Ren just chuckled as he knew that it was meant as a joke. Whilst for Shi Lian, she rolled her eyes at him and stuck out her tongue.


    "Whatever, brother. You''re just jealous because right now, you don''t have anyone to talk to."


    Pushing what she has said aside, Zhang Ren started a topic, thinking about Shu Xian since he didn''t know much about her.


    "I''m sorry to be asking you this right now, Shi Lian, big brother Wang Lei. But¡­ can you tell me more about Shu Xian?"


    The siblings looked at each other before they looked back at Zhang Ren.


    With both of them curious as to why he suddenly asked about Shu Xian, they couldn''t help but wonder why he suddenly brought her up when they were here because of their unexpected esction of their rtionship.


    "If it''s alright to ask¡­" Wang Lei started, slightly narrowing his eyes at Zhang Ren. "Why are you suddenly curious about Shu Xian?"


    Shi Lian didn''t mind her older brother''s suspicion. With her cocking her head to the side, she arched a brow at Zhang Ren at the same time as well as she asked him a question.


    "Yeah, why? Is something wrong?"


    "Well, I just couldn''t help but think," Zhang Ren answered, scratching the back of his head. "You know, Shu Xian, I can deduce as much that she doesn''t have a family with her to be living with Professor Pan An. Does she know her family?"


    Wang Lei and Shi Lian didn''t know how to answer. With them falling silent for a while, both of their lips fell into a tight line, Zhang Ren already guessing that they may have not been saying anything because it is also for Shu Xian''s safety.


    Whatever that reason is, it may probably mean that they''re protecting Shu Xian from someone and that they rarely tell this information unless they trust him or her.


    But the question in Zhang Ren''s mind is: why, and who could they be hiding from?


    "I think you''re keeping Shu Xian''s whereabouts a secret. The reason, I know it''s somethingplicated. But if you need help, you know that I can, right?"


    Wang Lei, especially Shi Lian, had an expectant and hopeful glint pass through their eye. With Shi Lian looking at Zhang Ren eagerly, her lips parted slightly as if to say something but then she was suddenly hesitant.


    Of course, she respected her best friend''s privacy. She didn''t want and will never want to tell her best friend''s secret without her permission. Heck, she would prefer if Shu Xian would tell others so that she wouldn''t have to tell for her!


    That''s how much Shi Lian respected Shu Xian and she knows how this is such a big deal.


    "I''m sorry, Zhang Ren," Shi Lian said, letting out a sigh at the same time. "I want to tell you and we know we could trust you¡­ it''s just that I''m not the right person to tell you everything about Shu Xian even though your intentions are clear and genuine."


    "I figured as much," Zhang Ren agreed, nodding at the same time. "But don''t worry. I''m not offended in anyway. It''s just that I can''t help but think about her from time to time especially now that we''re getting closer as friends. I worry for her, too."


    Wang Lei showed Zhang Ren a small smile. With him reaching out to Zhang Ren to his left, he patted his shoulder, acknowledging andplimenting him at the same time.


    "I admire your worry and your respect towards my sister and her best friend. Even though we want to tell you what Shu Xian''s background is, do understand that like what Shi Lian said, we can''t tell you everything."


    Zhang Ren nodded. With him looking at the siblings, he let out a small sigh, telling them his opinions.


    "It may be sorta snobbish of me to say so, but you know my mysterious and powerful background¡ªbeing connected to my grandfather."


    Wang Lei and Shi Lian know that Zhang Ren is referring to Mr. Chen, the most powerful man in Country S. As they both listened to him, Zhang Ren continued voicing out his thoughts.


    "I can ask him to search for Shu Xian''s parents if she wishes to. If her information is anyway blocked and Shu Xian is left with no single clue, we can pave the way for her to look for something that she always wanted to."


    Wang Lei and Shi Lian widened their eyes in surprise. Indeed, Zhang Ren is a smart and sharp man for being able to notice this without them saying even a single word! With them looking at each other, Zhang Ren took this opportunity to speak.


    "I will have to talk to Shu Xian about this, of course. I just want you guys to know that as her friend, you guys being one of those people who are dear to her, that I am willing to help with what I can."


    Zhang Ren smiled at them, his heart in his chest feeling warm with how expressive he is which is something that he didn''t expect.


    Ever since his depression came, he had always had the difficulty to express himself. He could only open up to his grandfather and he thought that it would mostly be that way, but turns out, he could trust other people.


    He didn''t know that moving out from the country where he grew up can be this liberating. He found himself amazed that in just a short span of time, these people came into his life and that he would like to involve himself with them and make memories with them.


    Most importantly, he is willing to help them unconditionally. With him remembering that he was in a desperate and sad circumstance years ago, it''s as if he couldn''t believe himself now that he is capable to be happy.


    He is indeed blessed and he does deserve the joy¡ªand it''s because of these people that it was possible.


    "I''m d I came here," Zhang Ren said, his voice almost breaking as he tried his best to hold back his tears. "If I continued moping¡­ if I continued locking myself up and not wanting to get out of that wretched country¡­ where could I have met everyone?"


    Wang Lei and Shi Lian didn''t know how to say. However, Shi Lian stood up from her seat then sat beside Zhang Ren, holding his hand as her thumb caressed the back of his palm.


    "Oh, Zhang Ren¡­ you were really in a bad hole, huh?"


    "I was," Zhang Ren answered, not even hesitating for even a second. "But I''m grateful that I was able to leave the ce and I was rewarded with friendship and of course¡­"


    He then held Shi Lian''s hand and kissed the back of her palm, making her heart flutter with what he said next.


    "I was given such a blessing of love as well."


    Shi Lian smiled, Wang Lei shuddering for a while before he drank his tea and made ament.


    "Geez¡­ you guys talk as if you''re forgetting I''m here."


    Zhang Ren and Shi Lian embarrassingly chuckled, Wang Lei leaning on the rest of the couch and continued talking.


    "We were talking about Shu Xian at first, then to friendship and struggles¡­ why talk something cringey about love now?"


    Shi Lian rolled her eyes at her older brother, getting the pillow behind her then throwing it at him.


    "Oh, shut up. Just leave if you don''t want to hear such mushy words, you womanizer."


    Wang Lei arched a brow at her. "And leave you alone with a man? No."


    And with that, the three of themughed as they talked about something else, the thought of helping Shu Xian look for her family still lingering in their mind.

 Chapter 232 - Of All The Places And Of All The Time

    It was already Sunday¡ªpeople''s most awaited rest day other than the holidays celebrated for the month.


    With Shi Lian having another date with Zhang Ren, with Pan An spending time with Shu Xian at home after spending another day in the mall, Wang Lei found himself feeling lonely.


    He was actually hoping if he could spend time with his little sister, Shi Lian. Most times if he doesn''t have ns with another woman, he would often watch movies with Shi Lian or he would often go on an outing with her.


    Now that she''s busy with her newly formed love life, Wang Lei decided to spend time with Pan An.


    But s! Even his dearest best friend is so busy!


    When he called him earlier this morning if he coulde by or if they could go out, Pan An immediately turned him down and told him that he would be spending time with Shu Xian by having a whole-day movie marathon!


    Wang Lei couldn''t help but scoff right after their call ended because Pan An would always go with the flow when it came to going out together every Sunday. Now he doesn''t want to go out now that he has finally moved on with the past and has found another love of his life!


    His sister is no longer single¡­ his best friend is no longer single¡­


    How did it end up like this? Why did Wang Lei''s interest in fooling with other women disappear so suddenly?


    It all happened ever since he grew interested and got closer with Yu Yan.


    Wang Lei let out a deep sigh as he was lounging on the park bench in the biggest park found in their city. With him dressed up simply, he could still get the attention of other people most especially now that he decided to go out alone without being apanied by a bodyguard.


    "Do you see that man?"


    "Wow! He looks so damn fine!"


    "Why is he alone?"


    "Oooh¡­ I really want to approach him and talk to him."


    "Even as a girl, I''d be insecure beside such a handsome man like him."


    "Hey, isn''t he that famous handsome CEO of W & S?"


    "He''s out in this park alone¡­"


    "Hey may be alone, but no one would even dare approach him to talk to him."


    "He''s so hot¡ªis he single?"


    Wang Lei could hear the whispers¡ªthe murmurs¡­ but he didn''t care and he never gave even a slight attention to it.


    With him pushing his sunsses up above his head and wore it as a headband, most of the girls who were watching him swooned, admiring how tantalizingly handsome he was.


    He looked at them and gave them a smirk. He noticed some girls who were beautiful and attractive in their own way, however, none of them actually took his fancy.


    If Wang Lei was like how he was before, he could have already chosen one and will fool with her and would be over with it.


    But then again, every time that he would think that he would try to do so, suddenly, he wouldn''t want to do it because he would think of someone else.


    Yu Yan.


    Wanting to snap himself out of his thoughts for not being his usual self for quite a long time now, he internally groaned and sat up, getting the attention of the women who were watching her. Not sparing them another look, he walked away.


    Why is it that he kept thinking of his secretary Yu Yan now? She had been working for him for years now and only recently has she kept bothering his mind!


    Especially since the day that he had helped his secretary from the issue that she had been struggling with and hiding for who knows how long. From then on since he helped her, Yu Yan had been asionally appearing in his thoughts!


    Why?


    His brows furrowed together and his lips turned into a tight line. With his step getting heavier by the second, he suddenly stopped in his tracks when he saw someone who almost took his breath away.


    Herughter was heard as she chased around a little boy. She was wearing a simple pink and white day dress and her wavy brown hair was pulled up into a messy bun. She had a natural blush on her cheeks and her natural pink tint on her lips gave her more beauty.


    She need not put anything on her face¡ªher smile alone is enough to brighten one''s day and make any person''s heart melt.


    Of all the ces and of all the time in the world¡­


    Why did Wang Lei suddenly see his secretary Yu Yan now when he was trying his best to shove her out of his thoughts?


    "No~! Mommy!"


    The little boy shrieked in his mother''s arms the moment Yu Yan caught him. With her cuddling him and nting many kisses on his face, her little mooncake couldn''t help but giggle, his grandmother setting up the food on a paper te.


    "Come on now, you two," the sweet old woman said, getting her daughter''s and grandson''s attention. "Time to eat."


    The two of them walked back to their pic area. With them already settling down on the sheet that they set on the clean, green grass, the little boy looked around until his eyes widened, pointing at Wang Lei and announcing his presence to the group.


    "Mommy, Nainai! Isn''t that the handsome gu¨¤iw¨´?"


    Wang Lei''s eyes slightly widened in surprise the moment the two women looked at him. When his eyes specifically locked gazes with Yu Yan''s, he couldn''t help but furrow his brows when he felt his heart flutter in his chest.


    ''What is this feeling?'' he thought to himself, experiencing this for the first time. ''I have never felt this way before.''


    Noticing that her boss is standing still, Yu Yan stood up elegantly, smiling at Wang Lei then approached him with her son.


    "It''s rare for you toe outside alone, Mr. Wang Lei," Yu Yan said first, now greeting him. "Good day."


    Wang Lei just nodded, smiling at her and her son as he only grunted as his answer. "En."


    "Handsome gu¨¤iw¨´, handsome gu¨¤iw¨´!"


    Yu Yan''s little mooncake tugged on his hand, getting his attention as he beamed his cutest smile.


    "Come eat with us! Mommy told me that it is polite to invite friends to eat when we unexpectedly meet. I''m a good boy and following my mommy! Come eat with us!"


    Wang Lei couldn''t help but grin genuinely at the little boy. With him already squatting to give him a pat on the head, he agreed to his invitation, finding it difficult for him to say no.


    "If your mother epts on my behalf, I will dly join you."


    Yu Yan''s son looked up at his mother expectantly. With his eyes filled with hope and joy, of course, Yu Yan could not say no and indeed, it is right when her son had told them that it is polite to invite someone to eat.


    If she says no, then it would just give confusion to her son since she taught him the opposite.


    "Of course," Yu Yan said, Wang Lei now standing up as they looked at each other. "Mr. Wang Lei can join us anytime."


    "Yay, yay!"


    The little boy is overjoyed to the point that he jumped three times before running back to his grandmother.


    With Yu Yan''s mother smiling at him and now appearing to serve him food such as two pieces of sandwiches along with sd, she felt happy that they have another person eating with them.


    With the two of them walking together, it was Yu Yan who began the conversation first.


    "What brings you here, Mr. Wang Lei?"


    "Just out on a walk," Wang Lei immediately answered and added, "and please, we''re not at work. I already told you to address me by my name unless we''re working."


    "Oh, right¡­ sorry. It just easily rolled off my tongue."


    "No worries. Thank you for inviting me for a snack. I hope I''m not intruding."


    "Oh, no, no! It''s the least we could do since you let us live in your other house!"


    Wang Lei only smiled, not knowing how to reply to what she said.


    He had almost forgotten that he was letting them stay in his other home. How could he forget about that when Yu Yan staying there with her family was the reason why he had not visited for a long time?


    With this in thought, he turned his head to look at her, the two of them already settling down on the nket as he gave a quick greeting to Yu Yan''s mother as she handed him over his share of food.


    "By the way, I''d like to visit the houseter. How did you alle here?"


    "Wemuted," Yu Yan answered, a small smile appearing on her face as she watched her son eat his sandwich, not a picky eater.


    "Then you don''t have tomute," Pan An said, the three of them looking at him as he told them his suggestion with a sweet smile on his face. "Since I''m going to visit the ce, you can all go ride in my car when it''s time to go."


    ***


    Congrattions to the top 10! For the winners of the event, do chat me in Discord: MysticAmy#4614 or in IG: @mysticamyyy, for you to get your 100 coins.


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 Chapter 233 - [Bonus ] Do You Like Wang Lei?

    [Considered a bonus chapter because I was nning to skip today.]


    ***


    After having a pic in the park, little Li Jie immediately fell asleep in his nainai''s arms. Both of them were having a short nap in the backseat while Wang Lei drove and Yu Yan sat on the passenger seat.


    Yu Yan looked at her mother and her son lovingly through the rearview mirror. With a smile appearing on her face, she let out a smile of relief, talking to Wang Lei in a soft voice so she won''t wake the two.


    "They look so peaceful," Yu Yanmented, Wang Lei nodding as a small smile appeared on his face. "I know that they definitely enjoyed the day," she added, Wang Lei agreeing as he replied to her statement.


    "I think the same," he said, looking at them for a short while through the rearview mirror as he drove. "Nothing beats a great outing with the family."


    At the same moment, Wang Lei and the others already arrived in the house. With him parking the car in the garage, it was actually the first time Yu Yan and her family had seen the garage.


    Since they didn''t have a car, they don''t see the need to visit it and even though they looked at it, it was just a usual garage, just that it''s bigger than the usual ones people have.


    Wang Lei came out of the car first. With him already opening the door of Yu Yan''s passenger seat, she came out as well, thanking her boss before knocking on the window of the backseat for her mother and son to wake up.


    "Ma, Li Jie¡­ it''s time to enter the house. We''re home."


    Yu Yan''s mother let out a yawn, Yu Yan opening the door for them to exit. However, Li Jie is still sleeping on his dear nainai''s arms, the old woman letting out a soft chuckle.


    "Oh, dear¡­ it''s as if he had no intentions to wake up."


    Yu Yan let out a small sigh, smiling as she was about to reach for her son.


    "I''ll carry him, ma. Don''t worry."


    However, as she was about to get him from her mother, Wang Lei put his hand on Yu Yan''s shoulder, getting her attention as he said another suggestion.


    "Let me carry him for you. He''s a growing boy. He''s probably a bit heavier for you now."


    Yu Yan widened her eyes in surprise, not expecting this suggestion from her boss.


    "B-but¡­ he''s my son and¡ª"


    "There''s no issue, Yu Yan," Wang Lei interrupted, already reaching out to Li Jie and then gently carrying him in his arms. "I can manage this little boy. Don''t worry."


    As if Yu Yan could say something against that. With Wang Lei already carrying Li Jie, the little boy still had his eyes closed as his little arms wrapped around his neck, his head resting on Wang Lei''s shoulder.


    "Nnngh¡­"


    Li Jie slightly groaned in his sleep when he felt that he was being carried. With Wang Lei''s pat on his small little back, the three froze on their tracks when they heard what the little boy had said as he further clung on to Wang Lei.


    "Baba[1]¡­"


    Wang Lei felt warmth in his heart when he heard the soft little voice of the boy calling him father. Also, with the way he clung on to him, he couldn''t help but see Li Jie as a frail little boy that he needed to protect.


    He may have had an asshole as a father, but Wang Lei had to admit that Li Jie calling him ba¡ªdad, was something that melted his heart.


    "I-I''m sorry, Wang Lei! My son¡ªI didn''t tell him to¡ªI didn''t expect him to¡ªhe''s asleep, and¡­"


    Yu Yan''s face was beet red. With her words incoherent and with her inability to even speak a sentence, her mother had the opposite expression on her face.


    It''s as if she liked what she heard, grinning ear to ear like she wanted Wang Lei to be the stepfather of the child!


    "Oh, Li Jie is just a little boy," Yu Yan''s mother said, putting her hand on Wang Lei''s back. "I hope you don''t mind. He has always yearned for a father. The little one is asleep and of course, he''s unaware of what he''s saying."


    "Of course," Wang Lei replied softly, not wanting to wake up the little boy. "There is no need to apologize. Ipletely understand."


    And with that, Wang Lei continued on walking, the two women following suit. With a sighing from Yu Yan, her mother held her hand, whispering to her tofort her.


    "You don''t have to feel embarrassed," she started, her small smile not leaving her face. "Wang Lei, this man¡­ I could see that he is kind and that he doesn''t mind. You can''t me your child, either. He wanted to meet his father, but we told him that it''s not possible."


    "I know¡­"


    Yu Yan sounded sad, trying her best not to cry as she looked at her sleeping son''s face on her boss'' shoulder.


    "I just feel so sad for Li Jie. He doesn''t deserve this. I wanted to give him everything, but a father? It''s impossible¡­"


    Yu Yan''s mother squeezed her hand to cheer her up. With her giving her daughter a quick kiss on the cheek, she encouraged her the best way she thought.


    "You''re doing great, dear. None of it is your fault. Li Jie is a good boy. We will raise him together."


    "Mm¡­" Yu Yan nodded, a tear escaping her eye. "Thank you always, ma."


    They stopped in the living room. With Wang Lei turning to look at the mother and daughter behind him, he asked them a question.


    "Where should I put Li Jie down?"


    "Oh!"


    Yu Yan quickly wiped her tear away, but still, Wang Lei could discern that she forced herself not to cry.


    "In his room in one of the guests room, the farthest in the second floor hallway."


    "Alright."


    As Wang Lei started walking up the stairs, Yu Yan''s mother slightly called out, making sure she won''t wake her grandson.


    "I will be preparing dinner. Do stay, dear!"


    "Of course," Wang Lei agreed, actually liking the idea. "Thank you."


    And with that, the mother and daughter duo were left alone in the living room, the mother now turning her body to look at her daughter as she put both of her hands on Yu Yan''s shoulder.


    "Dear, may I ask you a question?"


    Yu Yan blinked her eyes a few times.


    "Well, yes."


    Yu Yan''s mother smiled. With her question taking her slightly aback, Yu Yan didn''t know how to answer her mother and just stared at her.


    "Do you like Wang Lei?"


    No words came from her daughter''s mouth. With a sighing out from the old woman, she patted her daughter''s shoulder and spoke again.


    "You know, dear¡­ you don''t have to miss out on love just because you have your son. I know that he is your priority and that you''re always thinking what''s best for him, but I hope that you''re allowing yourself the liberty to love because love¡­ is a wonderful thing, darling."


    ***


    ANNOUNCEMENT:


    Sorry foring here again all of a sudden, but I would just like the following people to DM me in insta @mysticamyyy or in Discord MysticAmy#4614 to im their 100 coins reward from me.


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    1.   dundet (for sending gifts and for leavingments)


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    Thank you so much for the support, guys! I have extra codes here, so if you would want to have one for 100 coins as well, do show your support by either doing the following:


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    May I also ask kindly that you do not demand and that you keep negativements to yourself. Writing 1 chapter after teaching in school is already too much for me that''s why I put my other two stories on hiatus. Releasing 30 chapters in a single day is also another way of me saying thank you. ^^


    Thank you so much for understanding and for the unending support!


    Much love,


    MysticAmy.

 Chapter 234 - More Reassuring

    Yu Yan''s mother proceeded to the kitchen to cook dinner even though it''s quite early in the afternoon, around 3 PM.


    With the thought of Wang Lei putting Yu Yan''s son, Li Jie, in the guest bedroom where his room is, Yu Yan decided to see how the two are since Wang Lei had note down yet.


    As Yu Yan walked up the stairs, she already saw her son''s door room open. As she walked quietly to see how they''re doing, she stopped in her tracks to take a peek, surprised to see Wang Lei sitting on the side of the bed, tapping the side of Li Jie as he slept.


    He was humming the tone of the nursery rhyme "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", making sure that Li Jie wouldpletely fall asleep.


    With the sight of Li Jie holding on to Wang Lei''s other hand, Yu Yan arched a brow in amusement, not expecting her son to be this attached to someone whom he recently met.


    Watching them this way had given Yu Yan a strange sensation in her chest. She never pegged him to be this good with children and she had always seen an uptight and mischievous side to Wang Lei as she worked with him.


    Now that Wang Lei is showing a soft side especially towards children, Yu Yan weirdly felt warm in her chest. She crossed her arms in front of her chest and smiled as she leaned on the doorframe, watching Wang Lei put her son to sleep.


    Wang Lei felt the same¡ªhe felt different, especially towards little Li Jie. Even he didn''t expect that he could be this doting to a child, not a rtive of his, even!


    As he then pulled his hand away from Li Jie, now assured that he is asleep, he then looked towards the door and was quite surprised to see Yu Yan watching both of them.


    ''She''s so silent! When did shee in?''


    "Thank you," Yu Yan mouthed, Wang Lei smiling at her as he now stood up from the bed and came out of the room, not closing the door so that they could hear or check up on him any time.


    As the two now went to the hallway, both of them talked, still in a soft voice so that they could not wake little Li Jie up.


    "I had to admit, Wang Lei," Yu Yan started, her smile turning into a grin. "I didn''t expect you to be so good with children."


    "Me either," Wang Lei replied, letting out a soft chuckle. "With my seven-years gap with my little sister, I had been a bully towards her. Didn''t know I could be this nice towards a kid who''s not even mine."


    Both of them smiled at each other. With them realizing that they are both alone in the hallway, it made it slightly awkward for them¡ªespecially now that they realized where they are.


    In Wang Lei''s home.


    Wang Lei cleared his throat. With him looking at Yu Yan, he spoke again in hopes that it would distract them from whatever they could be thinking.


    "I mean Li Jie is a very good boy. He''s not as obnoxious as the other children his age and Imend you for raising your child."


    "Of course," Yu Yan replied, yfully rolling her eyes at him. "I''m d that in a way, he''s not like his father. Well¡­ I actually hope that as he grows, he won''t turn out like him."


    "Oh, you don''t have to worry," Wang Lei said, crossing his arms in front of his chest as he arched a brow at his secretary. "He will never be like that wretched man. You''re raising him very well!"


    "Thank you," Yu Yan said, feeling warm in her heart that even her boss says so. "But, you know¡­ I worry about him¡ªmy little mooncake."


    Yu Yan then started to drown in her own thoughts. With her remembering that her son is fatherless and that his real father is irresponsible and is thrown in jail, she wondered what she would do in the near future as Li Jie will grow up.


    Telling him now that his dad is a bad man won''t make him understand. Telling him in the future once he hade of age that she was sexually assaulted by that man will break his heart.


    Being a good boy that he is, Yu Yan started to imagine what if her Li Jie wouldpare himself to his real father¡ªthinking that he might be like him?


    Of course as his mother, Yu Yan would constantly reassure him that he won''t be like him if ever the case were to rise but still¡­ a boy who hadn''t even met his father would have doubts about himself here and then.


    What Yu Yan worried about the most is that starting this age, Li Jie started yearning for his father. Heck, it even broke her heart at most times when Li Jie would ask her why he was different from the others.


    By different from the others: like why he doesn''t have a father?


    Yu Yan didn''t want to lie¡ªshe would never like to lie to her son. She hated the thought of it. So every time Li Jie would ask her, Yu Yan would just say that he would know in the near future when the time is right¡ªwhen''s old enough to understand.


    Of course, being the good boy that Li Jie is, he nodded and said to be patient. But it won''t always be this way especially if his curiosity and him questioning his existence would overtake him.


    What would happen then?


    With that, the anxiety within Yu Yan rose, making tears pool in her eyes even though the future that she feared hadn''t happened yet.


    As the tears in her eyes now escaped one by one, Wang Lei widened his eyes, worried and surprised why his secretary suddenly started crying before him.


    "Yu Yan? What''s wrong?"


    It''s as if her boss was not before her. Still, she raised her head to look at him, her lips trembling as she answered him truthfully.


    "I¡ªI''m afraid I''m not a good mother to Li Jie. I''m afraid that I''m not enough."


    "Yu Yan¡­"


    Wang Lei felt an ache in his heart, seeing his secretary Yu Yan this way.


    Heck, why would he suddenly feel this way towards her? She had always been with him in work and they had always talked and even teased each other from time to time when she looked for women for him.


    How did she suddenly be like a dear friend to him in such a quick span of time?


    Wait¡­ is she only like a dear friend to him?


    Or something more?


    "Yu Yan."


    With Wang Lei saying her name once more, he snapped himself out of his thoughts as the idea of cheering her up arose in his mind as his priority.


    "You''re the best mother for Li Jie. You''re more than enough."


    "I know¡­ I know," Yu Yan spoke, wiping her tears away with her free hand. "Even my mother said so over and over again, but I just can''t help it."


    Yu Yan tried her best to stop crying. However, the more that she forced herself to stop, the more that she cried. She felt a painful lump in her throat, already ovee with her emotions as she spokefortably to Wang Lei.


    "I had a lot of what ifs even though my Li Jie is still a little boy. What if I''m not giving him enough? What if in the future he will change and that he keeps looking for something more? Something more¡ªlike a father figure? I¡­ I can''t¡ª"


    Yu Yan sobbed, her lips turning into a tight line. She then looked down on both of their feet, already embarrassed to look straight at her boss'' eyes.


    "I want what''s best for Li Jie. Even though he''ll hate me in the future, I would still be his mama forever."


    "Yu Yan, don''t say that. He will never hate you."


    Wang Lei then tipped her chin up so she could look at him. However, the moment they locked eyes, he felt his heart skip a beat, seeing how beautiful Yu Yan is up this close even though she was crying.


    Has she always been this beautiful?


    "But if he starts looking for his father, I wouldn''t know what to do. What if being his mother I won''t be enough and that¡ª"


    Before Yu Yan could even finish her sentence, Wang Lei softly ced his lips on her to shut her up. With Yu Yan''s eyes widening in surprise, she found herself frozen still, her heart racing in her chest as she didn''t expect this to happen at all.


    Wang Lei had his eyes closed, his lips gentle and soft upon hers. With Wang Lei gently pulling her towards him to embrace her, Yu Yan didn''t know why, but she melted in his arms as she closed her eyes, the sensation of his lips still felt.


    She allowed her mind to shut down, her worries slowly slipping away from her as if the only support and reassurance that she needed was the man before him.


    It''s as if his kiss was more reassuringpared to the words that had ever left his mouth.

 Chapter 235 - To Be Honest

    There is something in Wang Lei''s kiss that made Yu Yan find him irresistible. It almost scared her that she realized at this very minute that she had yearned for him, now putting both of her hands on his arms as if she sought for support.


    The moment she had closed her eyes a few seconds ago made her heart flutter upon the realization that she sought sce in the presence and feel of the man before him.


    Had kisses always felt like this? Or was it really different when ites to having such a kiss with a specific person?


    Yu Yan remembered right here and then that she had not actually kissed anyone before in her entire life. Back then when she was sexually assaulted by that wretched man, even he didn''t kiss her when he had the chance to attack.


    Now that she had experienced having a kiss, with Wang Lei even, she felt quite ecstatic and instead of having butterflies in her stomach, she felt dragons pping its wings in vigorous power.


    She wanted to stop because it was her boss giving her the kiss. However...


    Why is it that she found it difficult to push him away?


    It''s as if her heart yearned for his affection without her even realizing it.


    If people thought Wang Lei thought differently, then they''re wrong. A womanizer such as him found it surprising as well that he had shown such hidden intentions towards a beautiful and gentle woman such as Yu Yan.


    Heck, his employee even!


    It had been quite long since he had kissed a girl. Thest one was when he fooled with a woman who had recently called him, asking why she was being ignored!


    But ever since encountering Yu Yan and with her disying her power by her pulling his necktie and saying that no one was, is, and will be able melt her icy heart, she had been running in his thoughts for quite some time now!


    Heck, he had even grown interested in her when she was not his typical type of woman! Since then he researched about her and her background and since helping her, she could not stay out of his mind!


    And seeing Yu Yan in such a powerless state, her crying before him that made his heart ache, he just couldn''t help but reach out to her andfort her.


    He wanted to say it through words. He wanted to tell her that she is doing a great job being Li Jie''s mother and the childcking a father does not state that she is doing less of a job being Li Jie''s mom.


    However, words were difficult toe out of his mouth and instead, he let one of his mantras control him right at this very moment.


    Actions speak louder than words.


    Wang Lei didn''t know why. He could have proved it to Yu Yan in various ways that she is doing a great job and that she had nothing to worry about. However, a kiss was the one that overruled his judgments and before he even knew it, he had already ced his lips upon hers.


    Compared to all of the kisses he had experienced, his kiss towards Yu Yan waspletely different.


    It was devoid of yfulness, a kiss that even made him feel like a young boy who had just experienced his first kiss.


    It was the kind of kiss that made his heart race, the kind of kiss that sent electricity throughout his body.


    Now even Wang Lei found it embarrassing that a confident and prideful man such as him felt worried if he was doing the right thing.


    He feared that his action might scare Yu Yan and he didn''t want that.


    However, with her not pushing him away, with her closing her eyes as she reciprocated his kiss, with her putting her hands on his arm as if it gave her a sense of security and that he is doing a good job as a man...


    He just couldn''t stop as well.


    Wang Lei gently snaked his arm around Yu Yan''s waist, pulling her closer to him so he could feel her body against him. With Yu Yan raising her hand slightly to settle on his chest, Wang Lei felt how small and frail she was in his arms, afraid to break or hurt her.


    Yu Yan felt her body heating up. She realized then that even as an adult and even though she already has a child, it was her very first kiss. It was one that she had not anticipated at all, making her feel like a teenage girl who had always yearned for it.


    Even as a little girl, Yu Yan never experienced falling in love. Heck, even having a crush is too much for her!


    Given her background of having only a mother to raise her since her father passed away at a young age, she assured herself that she''d study hard.


    She always wondered what it felt like to fall in love. She wondered what it was like to have a date, what it was like to have her hand held, what it was like to be hugged, to be cherished...


    She even imagined what it was like to be kissed.


    She found herself foolish to think that right at this moment, she started to reminisce about her past!


    Is it even possible to daydream like this when she is being kissed by a handsome and capable man such as Wang Lei?


    Wang Lei then snapped Yu Yan out of her thoughts when she felt the tip of his tongue licking the line of her lips as if asking for entrance. Curious of the sensation, she shyly did so, her body slightly tense as it was a new sensation to her.


    It was wet and at the same time... hot. However, what made the gesture feel different was the fact that it made her legs turn into jelly, making her cling on to Wang Lei''s arm more as if hanging on for dear life!


    "Mm..."


    She gasped and let out a soft mewl of pleasure when she felt his tongue touch hers. With her allowing Wang Lei explore, she found it easier to follow as if Wang Lei had been silently guiding her without even speaking.


    And because of that, it had turned Wang Lei on. It was differentpared to other women he had naughty experiences with.


    Never did he expect that Wang Lei would consider her as a goddess-like tier, a woman who is able to turn him on with just a single, heated kiss!


    How is that possible?


    Wang Lei thought to step things up but he oddly felt scared that he didn''t want to scare Yu Yan. And so, he slightly regretted it as he was the first one to break away from their kiss.


    Wang Lei looked at Yu Yan, her face pink as her lips was slightly parted. She was heaving small, deep breaths as she stared shyly at his eyes, her hold still on him as she felt weak upon his touch.


    How could silence be thisfortable after having their first heated kiss? With Wang Lei looking at her with gentleness in his eyes, it hid his brewing passion towards her, conscious if she would be able to discern his hidden, growing affections.


    Wang Lei found himself mesmerized by Yu Yan''s beauty.


    Has she always been this beautiful? Wang Lei found himself irritated by the thought of him only realizing how tantalizingly attractive she is! He felt stupid as of this moment to realize it now!


    Heck, why only now!?


    "I... I''m sorry."


    Yu Yan suddenly apologizing as she averted her gaze from him snapped Wang Lei out of his stupor. With him focusing on her, he wondered why she was apologizing, listening to her further statements.


    "You''re my boss and... I didn''t know why I allowed you to kiss me. It shouldn''t have happened."


    There is something in the way she said her words that slightly hurt his pride. It was not something that he''d like to hear at all!


    With his eyebrows furrowed, his grip around her loosened a bit, asking her what she really meant.


    "Why? Why did you say that as if you me yourself when I was the one who kissed you?"


    There was no answering from Yu Yan''s mouth. Even though she was nervous before him, she courageously looked at him straight in the eye and answered his question.


    "It would be inappropriate and difficult... since I have a son and you are my boss."


    Wang Lei didn''t like what he had heard at all! After experiencing such a wonderful, fluttering kiss from Yu Yan, she spoke as if she had regretted it!


    "You... don''t like it?"


    The question felt heavy on his tongue. He is a man who is sought for by all women, for goodness'' sake! Of course it will hurt his pride!


    However, what Yu Yan said next was one that he had not expected, something even better than what he feared the most.


    "To be honest, I do like it... I just don''t want to develop anymore feelings toward you as I realized that I am suddenly forming one for you now."

 Chapter 236 - [Bonus ] What If I Told You

    [Bonus chapter because I intended to skip this day.]


    ***


    "To be honest, I do like it¡­ I just don''t want to develop more feelings towards you as I realized that I am suddenly forming one for you now."


    Yu Yan''s words rang in Wang Lei''s mind for quite some time now. With him feeling good about the thought of Yu Yan saying that she is suddenly forming feelings for him now, he couldn''t help but turn his sweet smile into a grin.


    "You mean¡­ you''re suddenly developing feelings for me?"


    Yu Yan''s hint of pink on her face turned into a deeper hue. With her nodding her answer as if she was not ashamed to admit it, Wang Lei slightly arched a brow at her,pletely interested as to why she didn''t hesitate to answer.


    "Yes¡­ but we have to end it now."


    "What?"


    Wang Lei''s smile suddenly turned into a frown. With him furrowing his brows together as he didn''t like what he heard, he released Yu Yan from his hold and folded his arms in front of his chest as if for defense.


    "And why are you saying it when we had not agreed on continuing?"


    Yu Yan suddenly turned serious. With her remembering that the man before him is his boss and that the kiss could be just a thing that he''d normally do because he is a womanizer and having such interactions is such a normal act for him, she sighed, now hesitant to answer.


    "Are you sure that you really want me to answer that?"


    Wang Lei''s lips turned into a tight line. He didn''t know whether he will like to listen to her answer, or just let her speak so he''d know what she was thinking and feeling.


    Heck, when did Yu Yan''s opinions matter? Why did he suddenly start regarding her thoughts as something important?


    With a single noding from Wang Lei as he pushed his worries aside, Yu Yan let out a small sigh then crossed her arms in front of her chest as well, being in a proper disposition to tell him what she thought.


    "Other than you being the CEO of thepany where I work at that makes you my boss, being in a rtionship where we''re together could be seen as something inappropriate."


    "What?"


    With the serious tone in her voice and with her tongue quite sharp as she was honest, Yu Yan further exined, wanting to make sure that she would set a boundary between them.


    "I have a son, Mr. Wang Lei," she started, Yu Yan now more serious than she was a moment ago. "And besides¡­ what you did was only the usual stuff that you do."


    Wang Lei widened his eyes, not knowing how to digest what she said.


    "What do you mean? You keep beating around the bush! What is it that you want to convey? Are you avoiding to push my buttons?"


    "Well¡­" Yu Yan''s lips turned into a tight line for a while before she nodded and spoke. "Actually, yes. I might lose my job."


    Wang Lei scoffed.


    "After the help that I''ve done, you think that I''ll fire you?"


    Yu Yan felt quite bad now that he had pointed that out. He does have a point. With him helping her with her issue that she had long been struggling with and running away from, she sighed, then apologized to him.


    "I''m sorry. I just wanted to make things clear between us."


    "Make things clear?" Wang Lei scoffed once more. "What is it that you really want to tell?"


    "Your smile says it all, Mr. Wang Lei," Yu Yan answered, now polite as she addressed to him as Mr. Wang Lei even though they agreed to drop the formalities outside of work. "You were happy when you heard from me that I may be starting to form feelings towards you."


    Wang Lei blinked his eyes a few times, quite bbergasted that Yu Yan had seen through the curl of his lips.


    Was it that obvious?


    "Well?" Wang Lei cleared his throat, arching a brow at her once more as he urged her to tell him what she had always meant to say. "Tell me everything, then. Don''t hold back."


    "If you wish for me to do so, then¡­ alright. But first, let me ask a question, Mr. Wang Lei."


    "Go on."


    It was quiet for a full three seconds. With another sighing from her, Yu Yan spoke, what she said next making Wang Lei''s body freeze in ce.


    "Why did you kiss me?"


    Wang Lei didn''t know how to answer Yu Yan''s question. With them staring into each other''s eyes, neither of them stayed silent.


    Yu Yan was eagerly waiting for Wang Lei''s answer. With her trying her best to stay calm, her outer shell was sessful into disying her seriousness.


    However, her heart and mind were theplete opposite.


    The organ in her chest started to beat erratically in her chest and her brain inside her head started to imagine!


    ''Oh my gosh! Did I just ask that?''


    ''Darn it! Is he going to answer?''


    ''If ever he''s going to answer, what is he going to say?''


    ''Oh, no¡­ why did I ask him that, anyway?''


    ''Am I that concerned about his answer?''


    ''But why did he really kiss me?''


    With no answering out from his boss until now, Yu Yan started to feel disappointed. Maybe deep down, she wanted to know why he had done it¡ªwhy he had suddenly kissed her.


    She wanted to think that she was different from the other girls because his kiss felt heavenly.


    Did he feel the same? Did he feel ted like how she did when they kissed?


    Or was it only her because it was her first kiss?


    ''Oh¡­ I hope it''s not only me.''


    Not liking how she was thinking already, Yu Yan pushed her thoughts aside and then put her hands to the sides as it balled into a tight fist. She then spoke, wanting to end the conversation already.


    "Forget it, Mr. Wang Lei," she started, getting his attention. "I don''t want to talk about this anymore. Let''s establish to end it here."


    "What?" Wang Lei furrowed his brows together, wanting to exin his silence. "Yu Yan, what are you¡ª"


    "I have a son. I cannot develop feelings towards you so let this be ourst sudden interaction. Let''s act as if the kiss never happened."


    Wang Lei didn''t know why, but he didn''t like what he was hearing. After abstaining himself from a lot of women because he waspletely interested towards her, this is what he''s hearing?


    "Yu Yan, you''re not allowing me to speak!"


    "There is no need with the silence you disyed, Mr. Wang Lei. I am sure that you couldn''t answer because you were thinking of the women you''d like to get involved with in the future."


    "What?"


    Wang Lei widened his eyes in disbelief, his pride hurt with what he had heard.


    "You know what I mean. You''re active when ites to gallivanting and interacting with women. I am no different for you whenpared to other women and I know that you just had the urge to do it that''s why you did it."


    "Are you saying¡ª" Wang Lei took a single step closer, his hands now on his hips. "That that is what you think of me?"


    "I''m sorry," Yu Yan apologized, not mincing her words. "I have to be honest, but yes. You being a womanizer is a perfect exnation why you suddenly wanted to kiss me."


    Wang Lei couldn''t answer. He let out another scoff with irritation etched on it this time as his lips curled into a sarcastic smile.


    "I can''t believe that''s what you think of me. If that''s really what you think of me, then why had you reciprocated?"


    Yu Yan couldn''t answer for a while. However, she gulped a bit, hoping that Wang Lei wouldn''t realize her nervousness as she knew that she had scarred his ego.


    "It''s because I had never been kissed before. Yes, I may have a child but that wretched man was evil. He touched me, but his lips never imed mine."


    "Oh, I never asked for the details, Yu Yan. You better not tell me about that stupid man."


    "I''m sorry," she apologized, letting out another sigh as she further exined her answer. "Like I said, I never had been kissed and it had never crossed my mind with me thinking about my son all the time."


    Both of them stayed silent. With Yu Yan now averting her gaze from him, she then excused herself, making Wang Lei irritated with how she got thest say.


    "If you''ll excuse me, I need to help my mother prepare for dinner."


    However, before she could even get away from him, Wang Lei caught her by the wrist, surprising her with what he had said next.


    "What if I told you that you were not like the other women I have interacted with and that our kiss was different? What if I told you that I want to prove myself worthy of you and that I meant it¡ªsworn upon it?"

 Chapter 237 - Him Being Involved

    "What if I told you that you were not like the other women I have interacted with and that our kiss was different? What if I told you that I want to prove myself worthy of you and that I meant it¡ªsworn upon it?"


    Wang Lei''s words rang in Yu Yan''s mind as she helped her mother cook dinner. With her obviously daydreaming, she looked at the knife that she was holding, not even bothering to mince the onions yet for their dumplings.


    It had been an hour since Wang Lei had left the house. It''s as if even the CEO was unsure of what he said, immediately leaving Yu Yan alone like he was also surprised with what came out of his mouth.


    Yu Yan didn''t know why, but when she heard what Wang Lei had said, her heart raced in her chest. With her not knowing what was meant behind Wang Lei''s words, she thought that it could just be him asking her a series of what ifs.


    Yu Yan let out a sigh. With her already starting to chop the onions, her mother caught a glimpse of her furrowed brows, setting down the bowl on the counter as she approached her daughter.


    "What''s wrong, dear? Is something the matter?"


    "Nothing," Yu Yan answered, a small smile appearing on her face as she continued dicing the onions.


    "That doesn''t seem nothing to me, dear," her mother said, putting one hand on her waist. "You just sighed, you nkly stared at the onion! You''re thinking of something. Is it Wang Lei?"


    It''s as if her mother had really hit bull''s eye. With Yu Yan looking at her now even though she had not said a word, her mother smiled and tapped her shoulder, now preparing the other ingredients that they need for the dumplings.


    "I knew it. Mother knows best."


    With Yu Yan letting out another sigh, she put the knife and stopped slicing for a while, telling her mother the story.


    Yu Yan had always been close with her mother. With them together since she was born and since her father died at a very young age, Yu Yan had always confided in her and no one else.


    She can easily tell her the woes that she had been facing. She can easily tell her stories and she would always love and appreciate her mother''s advice.


    Yu Yan considers her mother as her best friend. Despite her being attacked and having an unwanted pregnancy, her mother guided her all the way and had supported her.


    There was a point in Yu Yan''s life that she was depressed but without her mother, she wouldn''t have ovee it.


    She even guided her on how to raise Li Jie and had loved him. She never cared that he was the son of a damned man and epted Li Jie wholeheartedly, saying that he is aplete different person from his father.


    And Yu Yan believed that, too. Li Jie is different and she will always think that. Li Jie will never be a reflection of his father.


    "You''re right," Yu Yan said, a small smile appearing on her face as she now continued their food preparation. "It was about Wang Lei."


    "Well, what is it about him, dear? You like him?"


    "Mama!"


    Yu Yan blushed as if she was a teenager being talked to about her love life. With her mother giggling, she arched a brow at her withplete interest, asking about it from her daughter.


    "Then what is it about Wang Lei, dear?"


    Yu Yan found herself feeling shy about this. With her blushing and with her lips in a line for a while, she answered her mom almost in a whisper even though they are alone in the kitchen.


    "We kissed."


    "Oh, did you two now!?"


    Her mother felt giddy for her, giving her a hit on the bottom as if she was a naughty girl.


    "You girl! And you never told me if you like him or not~!"


    Yu Yan yfully rolled her eyes at her mother. She then let out a soft chuckle, clearing her mother''s thoughts so there won''t be a misunderstanding.


    "Oh, mama¡­ Wang Lei kissed me because maybe he sees me like the women he always interacted with¡ªnobels."


    Her mother arched a brow at her.


    "Nobels? He is that type of a man? A yboy¡ªwomanizer?"


    "He is kind yes, mama," Yu Yan said, letting out a disappointed smile. "But he is a yboy. I was even the one looking for women for him if he wanted me to search more about her."


    "Oh!" Her mother blinked her eyes a few times, finding it a bit impossible to ept. "I didn''t see Wang Lei as that type of man since he is a gentleman."


    "Oh, he is, mama," Yu Yan agreed, rolling her eyes at the same time. "But even he couldn''t tell me why he kissed me. So, I told him to forget it."


    "Hmm¡­ this is like your very first, real kiss, no?"


    "¡­ yes."


    "And?" There was a teasing tone in the voice of her mother. "Did you like it?"


    "Oh,e on, mama." Yu Yan now felt awkward, elbowing her a little and it made her motherugh. "Let''s not talk about this in detail. This is not what was worrying me," she added, her mother now a bit serious.


    "Then, tell me. What are you thinking of and what is it that''s bothering you, dear?"


    Yu Yan stayed silent for a while. With Wang Lei''s statements now repeating on her mind as if a song on repeat, a soft blush crept on her face.


    ''What if I told you that you were not like the other women I have interacted with and that our kiss was different? What if I told you that I want to prove myself worthy of you and that I meant it¡ªsworn upon it?''


    Yu Yan leaned on the kitchen counter. With her then telling her mother, she couldn''t help but smile, liking what she was hearing from her daughter''s mouth.


    "When I told him that I saw him as a yboy and that we should stop because I wouldn''t want to develop feelings, he told me what if I''m not like the other women he had interacted with and what if our kiss was different. He also told me what if he wanted to prove himself."


    "Ooooh~!"


    Even a middle-aged woman could swoon like a youngdy! With her holding both of her cheeks, Yu Yan couldn''t help butugh at her mother, listening to what she was saying.


    "See! Oh, I tell you, dear¡­ what if you''re the one who''s going to change him? What if he really meant it?"


    With both of her hands on her waist, she continued talking as if making sense to her daughter.


    "And you said you don''t want to further develop your feelings towards him. Then that would mean that you''re really starting to like him?"


    "Oh, mama¡­" Yu Yan let out a small scoff. "The important information is thetter part but you remember the first part that I said."


    "Of course!" Her mother stood tall proudly. "It proves me right again that you do like Wang Lei when I asked you earlier!"


    With her mother now getting the bowl of meat from the counter, she started to mix some ck pepper and salt before putting in the onions that Yu Yan had sliced.


    As Yu Yan watched her mother, she bit her bottom lip, contemting whether she would tell her what had bothered her mind.


    However, she still asked her, anyway, in hopes that her mother won''t tease her about it.


    "Mama¡­ you think I said the right thing?"


    Yu Yan''s mom stopped mixing the food in the bowl for a while. With her setting the wooden spoon aside, she smiled at her, listening to her with no judgment.


    "That you should stop so that both of you won''t develop your feelings towards each other?"


    Yu Yan nodded, further exining what she felt about this.


    "Other than that, it''s because of Li Jie. I have no time for love. I am a mother, and Li Jie needs me."


    "Dear¡­"


    Yu Yan''s mother held her daughter''s hand, squeezing it tight as she wanted her message toe across for her to understand.


    "You have never tried falling in love¡ªheck, even having an interest in someone. And now that someone hase, you wouldn''t want to allow yourself the liberty of love?"


    "Mama¡­" Yu Yan knitted her brows together as an apologetic smile appeared on her face. "You''re a mother. Of course, you''d know why I won''t allow myself to be distracted. I have Li Jie."


    "I know, dear," Yu Yan''s mother said, giving her hand another squeeze. "But you may not know¡­ maybe you being interested in Wang Lei is a sign and maybe him saying those words to you may be an indication that he is willing to change and prove himself¡ªfor you and maybe¡­"


    She smiled, tucking some tendril of hair behind Yu Yan''s ear.


    "For Li Jie. Maybe him being recently involved in our lives after he has helped you may tell you something."

 Chapter 238 - Is This A Punishment?

    "To be honest, I do like it¡­ I just don''t want to develop more feelings towards you as I realized that I am suddenly forming one for you now."


    "Other than you being the CEO of thepany where I work at that makes you my boss, being in a rtionship where we''re together could be seen as something inappropriate."


    "I have a son. I cannot develop feelings towards you so let this be ourst sudden interaction. Let''s act as if the kiss never happened."


    "There is no need with the silence you disyed, Mr. Wang Lei. I am sure that you couldn''t answer because you were thinking of the women you''d like to get involved with in the future."


    "You know what I mean. You''re active when ites to gallivanting and interacting with women. I am no different and I know that you just had the urge to do it that''s why you did it."


    Wang Lei couldn''t believe those statements that came out of Yu Yan''s mouth! He always knew that she is always blunt even in the view of work as she states her opinions and thoughts about a concept.


    However, he didn''t know that Yu Yan could be this honest when ites to life conversations as well!


    With him walking out as he didn''t expect saying something so suggestive to Yu Yan such as proving himself to her that they could have something more if they n on having a rtionship with each other, he decided that he would visit Pan An so he could vent to him.


    He started groaning as he realized that he had left his other home without getting his car. With him hailing for a cab, one instantly came, making him enter the vehicle then telling the driver to drop him to the address where Pan An lives.


    Wang Lei slumped on his seat as he got his phone from his pocket and browsed his social media ount. The moment he scrolled down, he saw Yu Yan''s post in Weibo a few hours ago before they went home from the park.


    It was a picture of her and Li Jie, smiling at the camera while Yu Yan''s mother was behind them, serving food. The caption of the photo was: great, family day.


    It was a nice family picture. It was then that Wang Lei realized that only now did he follow Yu Yan in her social media ounts.


    If he had followed her ever since, then he would possibly know more about her especially Li Jie since she is not hiding him from anyone at all!


    He suddenly thought if she had ever had any suitors. If her showing her child in social media and with them backing out because of that fact, Wang Lei found himself angry if ever they thought that Yu Yan is not worth to pursue just because she has a child.


    Well, speaking of this in perspective, Wang Lei thought that he''d maybe do the same if ever he didn''t know much about Yu Yan and about Li Jie and their background.


    However, now that he knew more about her, he found himself getting interested more when ites to her. And other than that, the existence of Li Jie never bothered him.


    Even though that he had a wretched man as his father, Wang Lei never thought that Li Jie would be like him¡ªever¡ªwith how Yu Yan raising him well.


    Especially his manners and his upbringing! He had never been so fond of children but when it came to Yu Yan''s son, he never found the little boy obnoxious and decided to get to know the child more instead!


    With the cab already stopping in front of the house of Pan An, Wang Lei snapped out of his thoughts then paid the driver. He then started opening the gate with his spare key.


    Wang Lei was given a spare key to his gate and main door since he is always weed there at Pan An''s home.


    The CEO let out a soft sigh as he started walking inside. With Wan Wan in the garden and just greeting him with a nudge at his hand, she never bothered to bark, not indicating his presence to both of her masters.


    Wang Lei never even bothered sending a message that he wille to pay them a visit. With him already unlocking the door, he opened the door wide, about to greet the two.


    "Hey, Pan An, Shu Xian," he said, already stepping inside the house with Wan Wan following him. As he closed the door, he further walked in. "I''m sorry toe in unannounced, but¡ª"


    However, he never got the chance to finish his sentence because the moment he came in, his eyes almost popped out of their sockets, and Wang Lei''s jaw dropped to the ground with what the scene was before him.


    Shu Xian was seen straddling Pan An, her hair disheveled as Pan An''s handbed through her hair. With his hand in ce and with his other hand on her waist, Shu Xian gasped when she realized that she was no longer alone with the professor.


    "Wh-wh¡ªwhat¡­"


    Wang Lei was incoherent, pointing at them usingly as if they had done something wrong.


    "What the hell are you two doing!?"


    "I could ask you!"


    Pan An retorted, annoyance evident on his face as he settled Shu Xian on the couch, the girl obviously embarrassed as they were seen in such an awkward position.


    "What the hell are you doing here in my house unannounced!?"


    Wang Lei scoffed as if his best friend had said something unbelievable.


    "You gave me a spare key!"


    "I know I gave you a spare key!" Pan An put his hands on his waist,pletely exasperated. "But that doesn''t mean that you can go here unannounced!"


    Wang Lei rolled his eyes at him as he crossed his arms in front of his chest.


    "Why are you doing something so inappropriate?"


    "Oh, you''re one to talk," Pan Anined, arching a brow at him. "You were the one doing something inappropriate¡ªbarging in my home! Of course, you''d see what we''re doing! This is my house!"


    Wang Lei narrowed his eyes at him. With Shu Xian excusing herself as she now took this chance to go to her room to fix herself, her ruffled clothes and her disheveled hair, Wang Lei talked to his best friend again, still having the audacity toin.


    "Well, alright, congrattions for no longer being single. It was a shocker to me, you have never told me even!"


    "Do I have to?" Pan An scoffed. "It was sudden and we were having this time to ourselves before she''ll move out from my home and live across mine!"


    "Oh, Pan An..."


    Wang Lei chuckled, the atmosphere between them already easing up as he joked about what he said.


    "As if living in different ces could hinder you guys from doing stuff that you''d want to do together. She''ll be living across you! Besides¡­ take it as a ce where you can do it other than¡­"


    "Oh, shut up."


    Pan An and Wang Lei nowughed out loud. With the professor shaking his head as his smile stayed on his face, he looked at his best friend, wondering why he''s here.


    "What could be bothering you so much that you came here to disturb my sweet time with Shu Xian?"


    Pan An then now sat back down on his couch, Wang Lei, sitting across him by sitting on the single couch behind him.


    "It''s about Yu Yan."


    "Oh?" Pan An arched a brow at him. "The secretary again? Why? You kissed her? Is that it?"


    Pan An said it as a joke. However, when he saw Wang Lei nod to answer his question, Pan An widened his eyes in surprise, not expecting it to be a true case.


    "Woah, really?"


    "Really," Wang Lei replied, slumping on the couch where he sat. "I can''t believe it either. It was a different kisspared to all of the kisses I have ever experienced."


    Pan An nodded at him slowly, still in disbelief that his best friend, a womanizer at that, had kissed his secretary and had felt something differentpared to all of the kisses he had experienced with different kinds of women.


    "And? Is that all?"


    "No."


    Wang Lei ran his hand through his hair, letting out a deep sigh as he stared straight into his best friend''s eyes.


    "I want to talk to you about this in private. Can I borrow you from Shu Xian and ask you for a drink outside? Please?"


    Pan An chuckled, shrugging his shoulders as Wang Lei''s nextment made himugh out loud as it was a surprise other than it being funny.


    "My sister is no longer single, my best friend is no longer single¡­ is this a punishment for me because I''ve been fooling around for quite a long time¡ªa sign that I, too, should not be single for too long and start acting serious?"

 Chapter 239 - [Bonus ] Unwelcomed Visitor

    [For the 20 summoning pens. You guys motivated me to write when I nned to rest because of my vination for COVID-19. Haha!]


    ***


    ~Earlier~


    Shu Xian and Pan An already came home from having another day at the mall. With them already confirming their rtionship, both of them started to get closer than ever¡ªstarting by knowing each other''s preferences.


    The moment they came home yesterday night, both of them decided to sleep in separate rooms since Shu Xian suggested that she would still like to have her privacy.


    Pan An had no problems about this. He also thinks the same. He wanted to have more time alone and not justmit his time mostly to Shu Xian.


    He is a professor. Of course, he doesn''t want his teaching performance to deteriorate. Teaching is one of his joys in life and he most especially wanted to continue his work and not jeopardize it by only focusing on their rtionship.


    As for Shu Xian, of course, she would like to continue and finish her education with flying colors. With her stating to Pan An that she would like to graduate and would someday like to teach and learn masters soon, Pan An respected her decisions.


    He was actually surprised that Shu Xian would like to further her studies! Pan An also decided that once she graduates, he would talk to some of his connections for Shu Xian to have her teaching experience.


    Of course, Pan An already suggested this to Shu Xian. And upon hearing this, Shu Xian would like to take the opportunity.


    However, she was torn¡ªthinking if she would like to wing it with her capabilities and not rely on the connections and help of Pan An.


    Pan An was then again amazed once more upon listening to Shu Xian''s thoughts. With him finding her more capable than what she had portrayed, Pan An then suggested that he would only help her when she asked for it, making Shu Xian ept his suggestion.


    The two of them were already in the kitchen, Shu Xian cooking dinner. With Pan An already walking Wan Wan out for her potty session as well, Shu Xian found her chores lighter now that Pan An and her started to do things together.


    To be honest, Shu Xian couldn''t help but feel giddy. With her smiling as she was doing her own version of an onigiri with scrambled eggs, she thought and imagined that they looked like newlyweds now with how they are living together.


    Shu Xian''s heart raced with the thought. She was assigned to do their meals and she also does the cleaning with Pan An. With him doing his paperwork and with him helping her when ites to taking care of Wan Wan, it''s as if the dog is their child and that they are a small family.


    They even do groceries together¡ªwhich they did yesterday before they went home! With the employees in the mall gaping at them and appreciating their presence, most of them thought that Pan An seemed more happier nowpared to when he was dating Ruo Xi.


    It was as if the employees themselves had forgotten about Ruo Xi! Pan An''s smile was brighter than ever and he was more handsome than ever because of the young woman''s presence!


    Shu Xian thought that falling in love was a devious thing¡ªone that would be the downfall of most people especially to those who are dedicated to their goals and dreams.


    However, with her experiencing it now, she thought that maybe love can be a great thing¡ªone that can motivate the other to do great things.


    Soon after, Shu Xian snapped out of her thoughts when she heard the door open. When Wan Wan quickly ran to her side to give her a nudge on the leg, Shu Xian patted her head before Wan Wan ran out of the house again, Pan An already standing by Shu Xian''s side.


    "Hey, love."


    "Hey."


    Pan An kissed Shu Xian''s cheek, the youngdy giggling as she felt Pan An give her a back hug by wrapping his arms around her waist. With his chin resting on top of her head, Shu Xian continued doing the onigiri.


    "How''s your walk? Are you hungry?"


    "Walks with Wan Wan will always be great. She''s a good dog," Pan An replied, giving her another kiss on the cheek. "And yes, I''m a bit hungry."


    However, what he did next was something that Shu Xian didn''t expect. She gasped a little when she felt his lips graze on the skin of her neck, sending shivers down her spine.


    It was a mixture of heat and coolness. With Shu Xian yfully rolling her eyes, she put the first onigiri down, blocking her neck with her shoulder for Pan An not to touch.


    "Oh,e on, Pan An. Let me do our dinner first. We can do anything that we wantter. I''m famished!"


    "Oh, anything that we want?"


    Pan An grinned ear to ear, Shu Xianughing as it was the only thing that had caught his attention.


    "I was talking about food! How could you think and catch on another information when food is so important?"


    "Oh, Shu Xian¡­"


    Pan An said her name, making her gasp when he made her face him. With his hands on her hips and with their forehead against each other''s, Shu Xian giggled, both of them starting at each other''s eyes.


    "You are important."


    Pan An then ced his lips against hers. With him kissing her tenderly, Pan An urately untied the apron around her and had set it on the floor, making herugh against his lips.


    "Come on, Pan An¡­ pick that up."


    "Okay."


    Shu Xian tipped her head up as sheughed, Pan An carrying her instead. With him already making way to the couch, Pan An had made her sit on hisp, Shu Xian hitting his chest slightly as both of them felt yful.


    "I was pertaining to the apron! Not me!"


    "Uhuh¡­ yes, yes¡­"


    "Are you listening to me?"


    "Indeed."


    "Pan An! My hands are kinda sticky and oily because of the rice and the eggs!"


    "I don''t care. I won''t let you touch me, anyway."


    "Pan An, don''t¡ªI have to prepare dinner!"


    "Hush¡­ I''m the one going to hold you."


    It''s as if Shu Xian had no other choice. With her smiling against his lips, both of them kissed again for a brief moment, making Shu Xian blush with what Pan An had pointed out.


    "Remember when you asked me about my kinks?"


    Shu Xian remembered it as if it was yesterday. She clearly remembered Pan An tell her that one of his kinks was the woman on top of him!


    It is actually the same situation that they are in now! With her also remembering the moment that they hadst Friday night, Shu Xian gulped, wanting to escape from him already.


    "Ugh¡­ put me down. I have to¡ª"


    "No," Pan An interrupted, his grip on her waist harder as if having the intention to not let her go. "Stay."


    And she did stay¡ªhis words hismand that she should follow. With them having another passionate kiss, Shu Xian learned quickly as she reciprocated Pan An''s kiss, further deepening their connection.


    As their body heat was felt, Shu Xian put both of her hands on Pan An''s arms, not bothered by her sticky and oily hands. With Pan Anbing his hair through Shu Xian''s hair, he held her head in ce, further enjoying their kiss.


    It''s as if Shu Xian could melt in his arms every now and then. With her sighing as she felt him getting harder beneath her, she furrowed her brows in pleasure, gasping in between kisses as she felt herself getting turned on as well.


    "Mmm¡­ in the mood?"


    Shu Xian nodded, Pan An grinning ear to ear as he now proceeded kissing her neck.


    However¡­ both of them froze in ce when they heard the door open, followed by a familiar voice calling out to them.


    "Hey, Pan An, Shu Xian," the voice called out, Shu Xian and Pan An looking at each other in horror. "I''m sorry toe in unannounced, but¡ª"


    The familiar man stopped in his tracks the moment he saw them in an awkward position. With Shu Xian''s face beet red as she was unable to look, Pan An red at the unweed visitor over Shu Xian''s shoulder.


    "Wh-wh¡ªwhat¡­ what the hell are you two doing!?"


    Pan An settled Shu Xian down slowly on the couch, now scowling at his best friend for interrupting their sweet moment.


    "I could ask you! What the hell are you doing here in my house unannounced!?"


    Wang Lei retorted, as if Pan An was the one in the wrong, both of them already arguing.


    "You gave me a spare key!"


    "I know I gave you a spare key! But that doesn''t mean that you can go here unannounced!"


    "Why are you doing something so inappropriate?"


    "Oh, you''re one to talk! You were the one doing something inappropriate¡ªbarging in my home! Of course, you''d see what we''re doing! This is my house!"


    Shu Xian awkwardly stood up from the couch. With her taking this opportunity to run to her room to fix herself, she did so, hurrying as if she was catching a deadline.


    "E-excuse me¡­"


    And as she fled, she now left the two alone as she wanted the ground to swallow her whole.

 Chapter 240 - Mindfulness Meditation

    "Goodness, ground, please swallow me whole¡­ now!"


    Shu Xian found herself begging to the ground as she plopped herself on her bed, moving side to side as she didn''t like what had happened.


    She wanted her moments with Pan An to be intimate¡ªsomething that both of them should share only between themselves.


    But with his best friend, Wang Lei, Shi Lian''s older brother suddenlying uninvited, it''s as if embarrassment swallowed her whole instead and overtook her body!


    Shu Xian didn''t care that her hands were still oily and sticky from preparing the food. With her already iling her arms and legs on the bed, she groaned aloud, the redness of her face not going away.


    She wondered how she could get over this embarrassment. If there is a quick way, she would want to do it now so she won''t have to deal with it for the longest time!


    With that, she decided to distract herself in the most bizarre manner¡ªrelying on the inte to help her forget her worries as she really asked the search engine how to ovee one''s embarrassment.


    The moment she clicked search on her phone, she saw one article from wikiHow that was co-authored by Samantha Fox.


    When you''re in the heat of an embarrassing moment, you might feel like you''re the only person on Earth. And yet, embarrassment is one of the most universal emotions.


    Nevertheless, it''s not good to let feelings of embarrassment take control and ruin experiences.


    To get over an embarrassing moment, learn to respond externally in a lighthearted way and minimize the incident internally. If you can''t get past your embarrassment, consider if another underlying issue might be the cause.


    And beyond all else, keep in mind: rather than distancing you from everyone else around you, the capacity to experience embarrassment is actually one of the aspects of yourself that connects you to others the most.


    Method 1: Responding to the Incident


    1.   Laugh at yourself. Recent research suggestsughing and humor are both keyponents of health in general.


    The easiest way to get over the anxiety produced from an embarrassing moment is thus to simplyugh at yourself and the situation that just urred. This way, it''s easier for others tough with you than at you.


    The fact that you even get embarrassed is a great way to connect you to other people, as it''s something almost everyone has likely experienced at some point in their life.


    If you are willing tough at yourself, an embarrassing moment can serve as a great jumping off point to sparking interesting conversations or making new friends.


    You can also try making the situation funny. If you approach the situation with good humor, it will be less embarrassing and more like a light joke. For example, if you fall off your chair, say something like, "I do all my own stunts!"


    2.   Admit you were embarrassed. When an embarrassing moment happens, it''s best to ept it. You can''t go back in time, so what''s the point of being in total denial?


    Admit to yourself ¨C and others if appropriate ¨C that you had an embarrassing moment. This can be a great way to start conversations with others, as they will likely have embarrassing moments to share with you as well.


    3.   Exin why the moment urred. There may be circumstances that cause your embarrassing moment which are understandable and exinable.


    For example, you may have called someone by the wrong name all day. But when you reflect on the incident, you realize that you''ve been thinking about another person quite a bit.


    For example, you could say, "I''m sorry I''ve been calling you Shawn. I have been thinking about a good friend of mine who is going through a rough time, and I''m a little distracted."


    4.   Ask others to help you. Perhaps you spilled coffee all over some important papers at a meeting, or you tripped and dropped a stack of books on your principal''s foot.


    Ask the other person to help you pick up your things. This will redirect the situation away from your embarrassment to the task at hand.


    Method 2: Minimizing the Incident


    1.   Take deep breaths. After an embarrassing moment has happened anxiety will tend to spike in most people.


    Blood rushes to the face, heart rate and blood pressure increase, shortness of breath urs, and higher levels of perspiration starts to collect throughout much of the body.


    To calm yourself down, take some deep breaths and reassess the situation. This will help with the physiological response that you experience (blushing, for example).


    It will also help you avoid saying or doing anything else that could add to the embarrassment factor. Take a minute to calm down, and then proceed.


    2.   Don''t make a spectacle of yourself. The worst thing to do when an embarrassing moment happens is to make a huge scene about it.


    When an embarrassing moment happens, try to avoid screaming, shouting, running away on the brink of tears, or t-out crying in public.


    The bigger a scene you make out of the moment, the more the moment will be engraved into people''s minds.


    Keep in mind that it is just another moment that will quickly pass. If your reaction is mild, people are more likely to forget that anything ever happened.


    3.   Tell yourself that this moment wasn''t very embarrassing. You have to face the fact that something bad has just happened to you. But, remember, it''s only embarrassing if you tell yourself it is. If you get over it and tell yourself it isn''t, you won''t feel embarrassed.


    It''s likely the case that you are much more critical of yourself than anyone else.


    Psychologists have found that in cases of anxiety or embarrassment, people tend to be overly preupied with themselves to the extent that they greatly overestimate how much everyone else is actually paying attention to them.


    With this in mind, if an embarrassing moment happened to you, it''s probably the case that anyone who was around you was paying more attention to themselves than to you.


    4.   Do something to distract yourself. After the embarrassing moment, do something to get your mind off of it.


    Try reading, ying your favorite sport, watching TV, listening to music, etc. Turning your attention to an activity prevents you from focusing on your embarrassing moment.


    5.   Take a lesson from the embarrassing moment. Okay, so you''ve been embarrassed, but take it as a lesson and learn from it.


    Did you trip and fall in front of your crush? Avoid wearing high heels. Did you pass out while giving a speech? Research how to calm your nerves before giving a presentation.


    Method 3: Addressing an Underlying Issue


    1.   Reflect on your emotions that stem from this moment. Keep in mind that you can learn about yourself by what you get embarrassed by.


    Think about the situation you were in. Ask yourself, "What was it about that situation that made me embarrassed?" It might not always simply be about the people you were actually around.


    For example, if you get overly embarrassed after failing at something you are typically very good at, you might be setting overly high expectations for yourself.


    In each moment of embarrassment, reflect on what your emotion can tell you about your expectations of yourself and others in general.


    2.   Consider whether or not you might have an anxiety disorder. While the title of this article is how to get over an embarrassing moment, certain people tend to have embarrassing moments quite a lot. It might even happen every day.


    If embarrassing moments seem toe up for you continuously, without your control, it could be the case that you have a social phobia.


    This is actually a type of anxiety disorder that has been shown to be highly corrted with persistent emotions of embarrassment. This makes it very difficult for you to simply get over embarrassing moments when they ur.


    If you can''t seem to simply shake off embarrassing emotions when they arise, and they seem to being up for you a lot, consider taking steps towards treating yourself for anxiety.


    3.   See a mental health counselor. If you feel there may be underlying issues that cause your embarrassment to be more severe than normal, it can help to talk with a counselor.


    This person can help you figure out your emotions and understand why you feel this way. He can also give you strategies for how to reduce the level of embarrassment that you feel.


    4.   Practice mindfulness meditation. If you can''t stop thinking about the embarrassing moment, try meditating. Remember, the embarrassing moment is in the past. Try to keep yourself in the present.


    Mindfulness meditation is a technique that helps you be aware and nonjudgmental about your thoughts and emotions. It can be helpful to keep your thoughts about the embarrassing moment from taking over.


    With all of the ones mentioned, Shu Xian decided that she would resort to thest method, specifically item number four.


    With her already closing her eyes to start with her mindful meditation, she closed her phone in hopes that she would really forget what had happened a moment ago.

 Chapter 241 - [Bonus ] Borrow Your Boyfriend

    Shu Xian already calmed down. With her sessfully pushing her embarrassment aside, she then proceeded to fix herself, taking a quick body shower and changing her clothes.


    The moment she came out of the room, she saw Wang Lei and Pan An already talking, both of them looking at her.


    "I''m sorry for barging in on you guys," Wang Lei said, looking at Shu Xian to apologize personally since he already apologized to Pan An. "I was not aware that both of you had already escted that quickly. It was a shocker to me, honestly."


    Shu Xian remembered the embarrassing moment once again. With her only giving Wang Lei a small smile, she just nodded, now sitting beside Pan An as Wan Wan nudged her head on her leg.


    "How did you two develop this quick, anyway? Did something happen over the weekend? On Friday?"


    Pan An nodded, already holding Shu Xian''s hand as she remained quiet, listening to both of them.


    "Actually, yeah. You may not know this yet, but¡­ Ruo Xi came back and is working in the university where I work with."


    "What now?"


    Wang Lei widened his eyes in surprise, not expecting what he had heard. He then looked at Shu Xian, still in disbelief and he didn''t know whether to believe his best friend even though he knew that Pan An is absolutely trustworthy.


    "Is he telling me the truth?"


    "Yes," Shu Xian said, nodding at the same time. "She was there. She observed our ss."


    Wang Lei furrowed his brows, obviously quite confused.


    "How did the involvement of Ruo Xi contribute to your development in your rtionship? Wouldn''t it make you guys feel ufortable that she''s here? Especially you, Pan An¡­"


    Wang Lei then directed his gaze to him, still bbergasted with the information told to him about Ruo Xi''s appearance.


    "You keep fighting me and your mother whenever we tell you something about her and now you''re¡ª"


    "I know." Pan An interrupted, the facial expression on his face turning serious. "I also thought that I''d feel mncholic¡ªfeel that my love for her would surface, but I was even surprised myself that it didn''t happen that way."


    "Well?" Wang Lei suddenly grew interested, leaning forward as if Pan An is telling him a secret. "What do you feel?"


    "Surprisingly¡­ nothing. Well, not really nothing. It''s like she was never a part of my life and I only felt irritation towards her."


    "Huh¡­"


    Wang Lei was at a loss for words, only nodding his head slowly with his eyes wide.


    "That is something indeed unexpected. But how did your rtionship with Shu Xian happen?"


    "Well, the moment Shu Xian saw Ruo Xie in the ssroom to talk to me, she stood up and then ran away with a forlorn expression on her face."


    Wang Lei then looked at Shu Xian, still bbergasted with how the story is going.


    "You really looked that way?"


    "Yes," Shu Xian said, answering Wang Lei''s question. "I didn''t know why myself. But when I saw Ruo Xi enter, I just felt scared and sad that Pan An might¡­ you know what I mean."


    With her blushing as she found it quite ufortable to express her feelings with another person present, Wang Lei understood, a small smile appearing on his face and then didn''t tease her because he knew how it must be difficult for Shu Xian to express herself.


    "So, in a way¡­ you feared losing him and then you realized right there and then that you had feelings for Pan An?"


    "Yes."


    With Shu Xian''s single-worded answer, Pan An kissed the top of her head, appreciating how she tried her best to express herself towards Wang Lei, his best friend.


    In a way, this is also for Pan An to know how sincere Shu Xian is towards their rtionship and with it being known to the trusted people in their lives.


    "So from there, she ran away. And when I saw her run away, I had to chase her. So I talked with her in the spare ssroom and that''s where we confessed our feelings to each other. With her running away, I felt that she misunderstood without me even exining myself."


    "Aaah¡­"


    Wang Lei nodded once more, an approving grin appearing on his face as he made ament about their story.


    "So it branched out from there, huh. It''s a whirlwind of emotions. And are you certain that both of you were not just caught up in the moment?"


    "No," both of them answered in unison, looking at each other with a loving smile on their face.


    "Pan An is my first love. People say first love often doesn''t work¡ªno offense to your previous love, Pan An¡ªbut for me, I''m willing to take my chances on this first love I have with Pan An since I never had fallen in love with anyone before."


    "Oooh¡­ cheesy," Wang Lei furthermented, now narrowing his eyes at his best friend, Pan An. "You better be serious about her. She''s my sister''s best friend and in a way, she''s like my other sister to me. You''re not using her to forget that woman, are you?"


    "For goodness'' sake, Wang Lei. Hell no."


    Pan An felt a bit insulted with how Wang Lei told him that. However, it was understandable. As a concerned friend, Wang Lei had to tell him that.


    And of course, it''s Wang Lei''s honesty that he always loved about him. In a way, it''s a thing that made him learn more about himself and how to deal with his inner emotions especially if he''s confused with what to feel and what to do.


    He needed a p from his words every now and then. Without him, who knows what other stupid things he could''ve thought or done?


    "Great."


    With Wang Lei acknowledging what Pan An had said, he let out a small sigh, now looking at Shu Xian as he changed the topic.


    "Anyway, can I borrow your boyfriend for a while?"


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times, wondering why she was being asked for permission.


    "He''s not my property. Why ask as if I possess him?"


    "Ah."


    Wang Lei chuckled, Pan An grinning ear to ear as he just gave Shu Xian another kiss on the cheek. With the girl confused as to what they wereughing about, she furrowed her brows, not hesitating to show her consternation.


    "You''re lucky, Pan An. Even she is unaware that she is mature enough to handle the rtionship not to be so possessive and obsessive about you."


    "True," Pan An agreed, making Shu Xian face him as he put a quick kiss on her lips. "Thank you, then¡ªfor the trust. I''ll be back hometer after our talk."


    "Wait, wait," Shu Xian arched a brow at them, still confused. "Why were you twoughing?"


    "Oh, Shu Xian¡­ you''re so cute."


    Wang Lei then stood up, further exining what he meant as he crossed his arms in front of his chest.


    "Often, girls wouldn''t want their boyfriend to go out with their other friends and keep them for themselves."


    "Nnngh¡­"


    Shu Xian cringed, not liking the answer that she heard.


    "I''m definitely not one of those women. Besides, his life is not mine. He has his private life on his own as long as he won''t make a fool of himself and won''t ruin our rtionship in the process."


    "I''d never think of it," Pan An said, now standing up as Shu Xian also stood up, walking both of them out of the house.


    Before they could even leave the house, however, Wang Lei turned his body to look at Shu Xian, a big grin on his face as a thought suddenly passed through his mind.


    "What is it?" Shu Xian asked, blinking her eyes a few times, curious.


    "Had my sister told you anything yet?"


    Shu Xian cocked her head to the side and recalled for a bit, then shook her head when she thought of nothing at the moment.


    "No. Why?"


    Wang Lei grinned ear to ear, looking at them back and forth as he told amazing news that surprised even Pan An.


    "She''s no longer single. She''s in a rtionship with Zhang Ren."


    "What!?"


    Shu Xian''s jaw almost dropped, already looking for her phone.


    "Oh, that girl is gonna get an earful¡ªshe had not told me anything!"


    Pan An shook his head, grinning at Shu Xian as he made ament.


    "As if you told her anything about us as well."


    With Shu Xian''s mouth opening to say something, she suddenly turned quiet when she realized that the professor was right, now rolling his eyes at him.


    "Oh, just go, you two¡­ I need to ask them toe here so we could talk while you two are out to enjoy as well."


    "Alright, then," Pan An said, now getting his keys as he gave Shu Xian another quick kiss on the lips. "I''ll see youter."


    And with that, both of them already left, leaving Shu Xian alone as she called on her best friend, already talking over the phone aloud the moment it connected.


    "And what is this I''m hearing that you''re now in a rtionship with Zhang Ren?!"

 Chapter 242 - Free Love

    ~Earlier~


    Zhang Ren was invited to have dinner with Shi Lian''s family. With Wang Lei saying that he won''t be around this time since he wanted to sleep in his other home, their mother disapproved of his decision.


    However, knowing how dead-set Wang Lei is with his decisions all the time, she knew that she won''t have a choice but to allow him to do what he wants.


    With them already waiting for dinner to be prepared, Shi Lian and Wang Lei''s mother never bothered them in the living room, hanging out in the garden with some aunties that she''s friends with while Shi Lian spends time with her date.


    Shi Lian knew this much that her mother will brag about her "future son-inw", that is the grandson of someone powerful.


    Of course, since Zhang Ren personally asked her not to be so open about it, Shi Lian''s mother agreed, still telling the others but not in full detail as she wanted so much to boast about the forming connections of their family.


    Shi Lian apologized on her mother''s behalf a lot of times, but Zhang Ren just shrugged it off and smiled at her, giving her a kiss on the cheek as they ate ice cream in the living room.


    "Oh, I really feel bad that my mother is like this. I''m sorry, Zhang Ren."


    "Don''t worry. She didn''t tell what my grandfather''s name is anyway," he said, taking a spoonful of vani ice cream in his mouth. "And your mother is so happy. Allow her to do so. It''s as if she was never this proud because of your brother. I won''tment in any further."


    Shi Lian couldn''t help butugh out loud. With her taking another spoonful of ice cream, she further added on what he said.


    "Yeah. My brother may be good in handling our family business, but he''s notoriously known for being a womanizer and a person who''s always sought by women to break their hearts. Imagine that."


    Shi Lian shook her head and took another spoonful, Zhang Ren opening his phone to y some music.


    "Want to hear some western music that I like?"


    "Sure," Shi Lian immediately answered, nodding as she was curious about what he''s listening to.


    "Alright. There''s this band I like called HONNE. I love their music."


    "Let me hear, then."


    Zhang Ren clicked on shuffle. With HONNE''s song entitled "free love" ying, Zhang Ren knew the song very well for him to sing along with it, Shi Lian hearing him sing for the first time as well.


    ***


    Imagine a house


    Way up on a hill


    Dog in the yard


    The trees in the fields


    It''s next to the water


    It''s the prettiest scene


    With white picket fences


    Or maybe soft green


    ***


    With that part of the song ying and sung, Zhang Ren started to imagine to it as he always do every time he intended to listen to the lyrics of the song.


    When he listened to this song for the first time before months ago, he thought if he''d ever think of spending the rest of his life with someone.


    A house up on a hill is indeed splendid, more so if they have a dog. A big field with trees in it, with a pond would be a nice scene, really.


    ***


    As wonderful as this all seems


    This is beyond our means


    It''s just a dream


    It''s just a dream


    ***


    Zhang Ren thought and agreed that the song is right¡ªthat it''s just a dream. With him thinking about his emotional stability with him being depressed and all, he thought that he won''t ever have one since his priority is to get better.


    ***


    I can''t get you all that stuff


    But I can give you all my love


    Free love


    Free love


    Are the simple things enough?


    I got to give you all my love


    Free love


    Free love


    Oh, free love


    ***


    Before when this song would y in shuffle, Zhang Ren wouldn''t think of anyone else.


    But why suddenly now when he heard this song, the thought of Shi Lian came to his mind?


    ***


    Imagine a ce where we can be free


    There''s no one for miles, it''s just you and me


    We might have kids


    Maybe three


    But twins could be cool


    That would do it for me


    ***


    Zhang Ren thought that if ever he''d have a family, he''d think the same as the one whoposed the song. Three kids sounds wonderful, but twins would be better since he always thought how cool it''d feel to have one.


    Two boys at that. Oh, he really couldn''t imagine having little girls as children. Boys would be so much easier to raise.


    ***


    As wonderful as this all seems


    This is beyond our means


    It''s just a dream


    It''s just a dream


    ***


    Zhang Ren stopped singing along to the song. With that part before the chorus now ying, he really wondered if he''s going to get this kind of life someday¡ªespecially with how he''s recovering now.


    When will he recover and when will he be happy and contended about his life without having the fear to go back to his family in Country S?


    ***


    I can''t get you all that stuff


    But I can give you all my love


    Free love


    Free love


    Are the simple things enough?


    I got to give you all my love


    Free love


    Free love


    Oh, free love


    ***


    He then started to think if being in a rtionship is really a good idea. Of course, it doesn''t mean that he regrets being with Shi Lian. It''s just that with the reason why he is here in City S, he wondered if it was the right time to be in a rtionship.


    He is still recovering from his traumas and emotional scars! What if he''s not yet ready and what if Shi Lian deserved something more?


    What if in the future, there would be another trigger?


    He wouldn''t want to be weak in front of Shi Lian. He wouldn''t want to give less than what she deserved!


    ***


    I can''t get you all that stuff


    But I can give you all my love


    Free love (free love, free love)


    Free love (free love, free love)


    Are the simple things enough?


    I got to give you all my love


    Free love


    Free love


    Oh, free love


    ***


    With the song already ending and with Zhang Ren obviously in a daze, Shi Lian noticed that he was out of it, already furrowing her brows in worry.


    "Zhang Ren?"


    With her putting her bowl of ice cream down as she held his hand, Zhang Ren slightly flinched upon feeling her cold hand, now snapping out of his thoughts as he looked at his girlfriend.


    "Are you alright?"


    "Shi Lian."


    With Zhang Ren only saying her name, his brows knitted together, obviously worried about something.


    "I''m sorry."


    "What?"


    Shi Lian didn''t know why, but she suddenly felt nervous. With her grasp on Zhang Ren''s hand tightening, she wondered what he could''ve meant, not liking the tone of his voice.


    "What''s wrong? Can you tell me what''s wrong?"


    Zhang Ren looked as if he was about to cry with how tears started pooling in his eyes. With Shi Lian''s heart aching with the sight of this as she never saw him this way, she couldn''t help but reach out to his face, cupping it with both of her hands.


    "Zhang Ren¡­ tell me. You''re making me worry."


    With her voice soft andced with worry, Zhang Ren put his forehead against hers and closed his eyes, answering her question in a whisper.


    "I don''t know if I deserve you."


    "Zhang Ren¡­" Shi Lian''s breath brushed against his lips, warm and cool at the same time. "Why are you suddenly thinking about this? I fell in love with you¡ªyou''re my first love."


    "And I feel the same way," Zhang Ren replied, now opening his eyes so he can look at her. "But I feel that I''m not enough for you¡ªwith how broken I am and with how I struggle to face what I''m running away from."


    "You mean¡­ your family in Country S?"


    "Yes."


    With Zhang Ren immediately answering her question, Shi Lian felt the need to reassure him no matter how times it gets¡ªthat he''s doing a good job recovering on his own before he even met them.


    With her thumb caressing his face, Shi Lian initiated a kiss, Zhang Ren''s heart racing in his chest with how unexpected and with how tender it felt.


    With him closing his eyes as it gave him a sense offort, he allowed her to do whatever she wanted, Shi Lian just cing her lips upon his and gave him such a loving kiss.


    "You''re more than enough, Zhang Ren," Shi Lian said, breaking away from the kiss as she looked straight in his eyes. "You''re doing a great job recovering before we entered your life. And we''re here for you now. I''m here for you now. And that''s what matters."


    With Zhang Ren now emotional, he pulled Shi Lian in his arms, giving her a tight embrace as he whispered beside her ear.


    "Thank you, Shi Lian¡­ thank you."


    With them having a tender moment together, little did they know that Shi Lian''s mother was watching over them from a far, a sweet smile on her face as she could see how they genuinely love and support each other.

 Chapter 243 - [Bonus ] Heard From Big Brother Wang Lei

    Shi Lian had sessfullyforted Zhang Ren. With them continuing to eat ice cream as they waited for dinner thiste Sunday afternoon, Shi Lian''s phone suddenly rang, making her blink her eyes a few times as she hadn''t expected Shu Xian to call her.


    It''s weird. Before, she wouldn''t find it troublesome that Shu Xian would call her at any time of the day. Heck, she''d really love if her best friend would call her every now and then!


    However, now that Shu Xian is calling, she found it bothersome for today now that she is spending time with Zhang Ren!


    Was it always like this when ites to being in a rtionship?


    Gosh, even she is bbergasted with herself right now!


    She always thought that in the novels and short stories that she read that those women who find their friends bothersome for asking for their time while having a date with their significant other, somewhat petty.


    But now that she is in the same situation, she felt bad that now she understood those "petty women" who found their friends bothersome.


    With Shi Lian looking at Zhang Ren, he smiled at her and shrugged his shoulders, wondering why Shi Lian had not yet been answering her best friend''s call.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "It''s Shu Xian."


    Zhang Ren chuckled. "I can see that."


    "Yeah, I know¡­ but¡­"


    "Answer her call. It may be something important."


    "Fine."


    With Shi Lian now answering the call, she put her phone in loudspeaker so Zhang Ren could hear.


    "Hello? Shu Xian?"


    "And what is this I''m hearing that you''re now in a rtionship with Zhang Ren?!"


    Hearing this, Zhang Ren couldn''t help butugh out loud, not bothered that Shu Xian on the other end of the call could hear. With Shi Lian blushing, she rolled her eyes, now replying to her best friend.


    "Well, hello to you, too!"


    "Hello, hello¡­"


    There was sarcasm hinted in the voice of Shu Xian.


    "And Zhang Ren is there with you, too!"


    "Hey, Shu Xian," Zhang Ren greeted, his grin never leaving his face. "Nice to hear from you this Sunday afternoon."


    With Shi Lian smiling at him as she found his teasing manner quite cute, Shu Xian was heard sighing from the other end of the call, now pointing out what she wanted to talk about.


    "I heard from big brother Wang Lei that you are now in a rtionship with Zhang Ren. I know that he''s not one to lie, but is this true?"


    Zhang Ren and Shi Lian looked at each other. With a sweet smile on their face.


    "Yes," they answered in unison, Shu Xian now smiling as she was happy for the both of them despite the surprise that was given to her which prompted her to call them immediately upon knowing this spicy information.


    "Then I''m happy for both of you," Shu Xian said, congratting them as well. "Congrattions!"


    "Thanks," Shi Lian said, now biting her bottom lip as she was suppressing her joy. With her now thinking about Shu Xian and how they didn''t talk since Friday and Saturday, she thought she''d ask how she is.


    "And how about you? How are you so far, Shu Xian? We didn''t talk for almost two days until you called," she pointed out, Shu Xian now blushing as she also felt guilty for not telling her this bit of important information about herself.


    "Sorry," Shu Xian apologized, letting out a small chuckle. "Pan An and I are in a rtionship."


    "What!?"


    With both Zhang Ren and Shi Lian eximing in surprise, even they were in it for a shock when they didn''t expect this one bit!


    "How? How did this happen?" Zhang Ren asked, Shu Xian leaning on the rest of the couch with Wan Wan sleeping beneath her master''s feet.


    "Well, you know¡­" Shu Xian trailed off, her smile turning into a wide grin on her face as she felt happy about how her life is turning out. "Things kind of escted since the appearance of that Ruo Xi in ss."


    "Aha!" Zhang Ren eximed, as if he had a eureka moment. "So, from your date that Friday night, it escted from there?"


    "Well, yes," Shu Xian admittedly answered, her soft flush of pink suddenly turning into a shared of red. "And, uh¡­ you shouldn''t know what had happened next."


    With her shy tone getting the attention of the two, Shi Lian and Zhang Ren looked at each other as if they already understood from her tone what she was keeping from them.


    "Oh, Shu Xian¡­ don''t tell me that you''ve be naughtier than me?"


    "Oh, shut up, Shi Lian," Shu Xian retorted, her reply almost in a mumble but it was still heard by the both of them. "I''m notfortable talking about this yet."


    "Goodness!" Shi Lianughed out loud, Zhang Ren chuckling along with her. "We''re not saying anything but your answer already gave it away! Now we know without you telling us!"


    With Shu Xian now feeling embarrassed with how both of her close friends areughing at her, Shu Xian wanted to get back and tease them.


    "Y-yeah? Well¡­ just wait until you two get toofortable with each other. You''d touch one another, too!"


    Shi Lian didn''t know how to react to that. With her face turning beet red and with Zhang Ren also silencing at the thought, Shi Lian caught a glimpse of Zhang Ren''s shy expression, now hitting his shoulder for a couple of times.


    "Oh, you, you! You''re here with me and you''re imagining things!"


    "I-I''m not!"


    Zhang Ren winced, feeling how heavy Shi Lian''s hits are. Is it because she has an older brother and this is how things are usually are between them?


    With Shu Xianughing as she imagined how they are without having the need to see them, she snuggled up her knees and then asked them a question to divert the conversation.


    "Hey¡­ would you guys like to visit for a snack? Judging your situation, both of you may probably be waiting for dinner for two to three hours."


    "Hmm¡­ that''s not actually a bad idea," Shi Lianmented, nodding as she liked the idea. "Zhang Ren and I cane back once dinner is served. Besides, I think we have each other''s tea to spill."


    "Oh, Shi Lian¡­"


    Shu Xian yfully rolled her eyes at what she said, now excited to see both of them.


    "I''m going to cook our dinner while we talk. Is that alright?"


    "Not a problem," Zhang Ren answered, further teasing her. "With you cooking, it''s as if you two are newly weds and you not just someone Pan An saved in the park that night."


    With thement said by Zhang Ren, the three of themughed, now agreeing to meet up with each other.


    "Alright. I''ll see you guys, then. There are some left over pizza fromst night. It can be a snack while we talk."


    "Cool. See you then!"


    And with that, the call had ended, Shi Lian and Zhang Ren now excusing themselves to go out for a while anding back for dinner. With Shi Lian and Wang Lei''s mother giving them the permission to go, the couple then decided to visit Shu Xian.


    Shi Lian actually liked to offer her ce for Shu Xian, but since she knew that she couldn''t possibly leave Wan Wan alone in the house and that maybe Pan An is out, she understood that it''d be better to visit her.


    As both of them hailed for a cab, Zhang Ren then held Shi Lian''s hand, both of them acting like a couple as if both of them had an experience before.


    ***


    Ruo Xi rested her head on her husband''s chest. With him already asleep as he spent most of his energy with his wife on bed, Ruo Xi was still awake, thinking of what to do next.


    She came back to City S to get Pan An back and possibly have revenge and then make him beg for her!


    However, with this Shu Xian ruining all of her ns, she thought what she could do next to make her fall¡ªto make her pay!


    She would have to be careful. With Shu Xian now connected to Pan An''s family, she knew that she would have to plot carefully so no one could suspect that it''s her.


    She probably would need to ask for help, but who?


    Maybe other students from the university? Or perhaps¡­


    Some of her secret connections?


    With the corner of her lips tugging into a mischievous smirk, Ruo Xi started to twirl her index finger on her husband''s chest, liking her idea as she couldn''t wait to deploy her menacing thoughts on that damned woman who dared to steal his man away from her.


    "Oh, Shu Xian¡­ you''d really regret that you crossed paths with me. Just you wait¡­ you will definitely be surprised and will leave Pan An alone."


    An evil glint passed through her eye, the view of the sunset hitting her face as if concealing her evil intentions.

 Chapter 244 - A Relationship Where There Is Friendship

    Did a girl catch your eye, but you don''t know how to woo her? While every girl is different, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of sess. Read this wikiHow for some advice.


    Zhong Li couldn''t believe that he is actually searching for articles on how to woo a girl while thinking of Shu Xian. He also couldn''t believe that he proceeded to read it after telling himself that this sounded and seemed absurd!


    Part 1: Make an impression


    1. Break the ice. This can seem scary to do, but once you have done this, holding a conversation andughing will be easy, and you will be able to build a friendship.


    There are lots of different ways that you can break the ice, but just remember to make a good first impression. You don''t want her to remember you for being a jerk or making a really offensive joke!


    A goodugh is always a smart way to break the ice. For example, you would show this webpage to her, and have augh over what is written and the whole idea of having such a page as well.


    Learn to be spontaneous. Taking an improv acting ss can help with ideas for breaking the ice, and can help you be confident with talking to new people. Ideas flow, and it bes easier to enter into and disengage from conversation, and can help you be morefortable with any situation.


    Zhong Li was reading an article from How to Woo a Girl (with Pictures) - wikiHow by Imad Jbara. With him looking at the pointers found in the article, he found himself furrowing his brows, wondering if these reminders actually work.


    2. Make herugh. Girls love guys with a great sense of humor. Don''t be offensive or mean with your humor, because you''ll make her worry that you also say bad things about her when she''s not around. Instead, be smart with your humor.


    Look atedians like Louis CK and Aziz Ansari for some examples.


    This doesn''t mean you should never take anything seriously though, or else you''lle off as a clown.


    Try to know her a little bit more before you attempt to be jocr (certain jokes for you might not be funny to her). Knowing her culture, her background, and most importantly things she likes will also be helpful.


    Zhong Li found himself sighing as he realized that pointers number one and two are actually difficult for him to do. With him a serious guy, how can he even make Shu Xianugh? He''s socially awkward and can be straightforward all the time.


    Heck, he can''t even crack a joke¡ªlet alone, smile all the time!


    3. Dress like you mean business. Fashion isn''t just for girls... it''s for guys to be recognized by girls too. Get a good pair of shoes. A pair of nice jeans will also look cool...just make sure they fit and look nice on your body! Same goes for shirts.


    Don''t just buy one outfit. Clothes should never be worn more than twice a week.


    Zhong Li rolled his eyes. Why is it so difficult to get one''s attention? Does a person really need to make an effort into what he or she wears? He often wore simple clothes¡­ so why does he need to dress up more than hisfort?


    Is that really necessary?


    4. Keep yourself smelling fresh. Smell is incredibly important in attracting people. While smelling amazing may not be a deal breaker, being stinky is! You''ll want to take some basic steps to fight all of the normal body odors thate along with being human!


    Shower often, and not just with water. Actually use soap & give yourself a good scrub to help keep your skin healthy. If you''re all sweaty, this step is going to be extra important.


    Some women are attracted to the smell of fresh sweat, but anything more than a couple hours old will scare them away!


    Get a basic clean-smelling or citrusy cologne or body spray. Use it only lightly. It should be a hint of smell, not a cloud. If you use just a hint, she''ll want to lean in to smell you more...a cloud will keep her 5 feet (1.5 m) away!


    "Hmm¡­ perfume¡­ maybe this is not bad," Zhong Li spoke to himself, nodding in approval. "Sandalwood smells good."


    With him finding himself agreeing to what he''s read so far, he continued, thinking if the others are eptable in his standards.


    5. Don''t be threatening. You have to remember that girls and women are often subject to violence and are often cautious around guys for this reason. You have to make them feelfortable if you want them to get the chance to know you.


    Onemon mistake is to be a little too much on the stalker side: being too familiar with the girl and too clingy. You have to give girls space. If you stalk them and cling too much, they''ll feel harassed and they will start to avoid you.


    Be close, keeping in touch every once in a while, but remember she has friends and doesn''t (or shouldn''t) want to hang out with just you. Dropping cute text messages once a week or so is okay, though.


    Compliment her in a non-stalker way too. If she''s wearing an interesting ne, say "That''s an interesting ne" or "That''s a cool ne" NOT "I always like your nes".


    "This is easy to do," hemented, further scrolling down. "I think I''m not the obsessive or possessive type, anyway. She can do anything that she wants as long as she''s not doing something out of the ordinary."


    6. Master a talent. Everyone has a talent. Develop yours or learn a new one, because talents are super sexy! You''ll be sure to get her attention with your skill. Just be sure that it''s something you can be passionate about.


    The passion is the real key, because it makes girls hope that you''ll care about them as much as you care about your craft.


    Think about learning to y an instrument. Girls love guys who can serenade them by ying music.


    ''Talent?'' Zhong Li thought, cocking his head to the side. ''The only talent I have are numbers. What other talents could I possibly have that could amaze her?''


    7. Boost your confidence. Nothing is sexier than confidence. However, nothing is as unattractive as arrogance or more annoying than a needyck of self-esteem.


    This is why it''s important to know what real confidence looks like. Confidence is being willing to be weak or wrong but press forward anyway because you know you can get through it and be a better person in the end.


    When a man is really confident, he doesn''t put himself down. He speaks up and gives and defends his opinion. He makes friends and is willing to talk to people he doesn''t know.


    A confident man is NOT one that constantly refocuses a conversation on himself or puts others down to build himself up. A confident man is NOT one who thinks he can do no wrong.


    ''Confidence¡­''


    Zhong Li thought for a while, further furrowing his brows as he started assessing himself.


    ''I don''t know if I should consider myself confident with how quiet I am. Maybe I may be confident¡­ but what kind of confident when I''m this quiet?''


    With him already shaking himself out of his thoughts as he started questioning himself, he read the other ways found in the article.


    Part 2: Talking with Her


    1. Always look into her eyes when speaking with her. Looking into her eyes helps tell her that you''re paying attention to what she''s saying, and she''ll appreciate having someone that really listens to her. This also will subtly will make her see that you are really taking an interest.


    Just be careful not to get lost in her eyes when she''s talking, otherwise the only thing you''ll have to respond with is "Wow, you''ve got pretty eyes."


    Zhong Li started to blush when he read this part of the article. With him remembering how indeed beautiful Shu Xian''s eyes are, he started imagining her and when he''d see her next.


    With more methods shown in the article such as how to make romance and suggesting different ways on how to make romance, he started blushing non-stop, Zhong Li already exiting the article as he immediately clicked the "x" button.


    As he let out a sigh, he shook his head as he crossed his arms in front of his chest, noticing that it was almost dinner time and he had not prepared anything for him to eat.


    He didn''t know that being attracted to someone can distract him to this point. With him already standing up as he looked outside the window, his lips turned into a tight line as he thought of Shu Xian, his heart slightly racing in his chest.


    ''I think I should take things slow,'' he thought, a small smile appearing on his face. ''I''ll get to know her more and a rtionship where there is friendship is I think¡­ something better than being involved immediately in one.''

 Chapter 245 - Reading The Other Parts

    2. Be careful about teasing. Cute teasing is okay. Something like mimicking how she talks or giving her a funny nickname like "Giggles" is fine and will create a yful rtionship between the two of you.


    Going over the top, however, and constantly putting her down will just make her angry and she''ll probably tell people that you''re a jerk. This will result in anger and distrust ¡ª not exactly what we''re aiming for.


    If you identally upset a girl when you''re teasing her, apologize sincerely. If she epts your apology, that''s a sign that the two of you will be able to deal with conflict in the future.


    Even though he had hit the "x" button, Zhong Li actually came back and then opened his web browser once more.


    Zhong Li still continued reading the article. With him furrowing his brows as he read the continuation of part two of the article, he wondered if he will be able to woo Shu Xian if ever he''d like to take his chances.


    With Zhong Li thinking about further reading, he wondered if he will be able to do it with how unexpressive he is.


    3. Be sensitive and caring. Let her cry on your shoulder if she''s sad. Make her smile when she''s feeling crummy. Listen to her when she talks and support her when she''s going through a tough time.


    Women look for rtionships with someone who can be their pir of strength when everything else is going wrong, so show her that you really care for her and that you''re up to the task.


    Ask her how she''s doing and try to notice her moods. If she''s sad,fort her. If she is mad, ask her "What''s wrong?" If you think something''s wrong, ask her but if she does not want to talk about it then don''t press.


    If you have little siblings, nieces, or nephews, show her that you really care for them. y with them, watch over and protect them, show the girl that they look up to you.


    Help others in front of her (although you should be helpful anyway). Help the poor and needy to show that how much you care for others. This shows her that you have a good spirit.


    Zhong Li found this part difficult. He admitted to himself that he is kind of insensitive to the feelings of others.


    What more if it''s about the person whom he wanted to woo?


    Either way, he wanted to try to see if being attracted to Shu Xian will improve him for a change. With this in thought, a small smile appeared on his face, continuing to read the article.


    4. Find something to share and bond over. Having a couple of things that you enjoy inmon is really important for the sess of a rtionship.


    Some differences are good and make for excitement and opportunities for personal growth, but you''ll need to at least learn to enjoy some of the same things that she does.


    Explore one of her hobbies. Even if it seems really girly or not really your thing, you might end up surprising yourself. Lots of "girly" activities are great ways to reduce stress for guys too!


    So far, they are bonding over homework and Zhong Li wouldn''t want to bond over that forever. For a start, it may be good that it will direct them to bing friends.


    However, if indeed that he wanted to push things with her further, then he would have to be good friends with her before he thinks it''s best to step up.


    5. Be honest with her. Don''t lie to her, even if you think you''re doing her a favor.


    For example, if she asks you about how she looks in a dress that you hate, give a polite response but don''t be rude and tell her that you hate the dress. Just say something like "That''s nice but I really liked how you looked in that red dress."


    "This is easy," Zhong Li whispered to himself, knowing for a fact that he is indeed honest. "I just have to hold my tongue if I know that I''m not going to say something good."


    6. Make her feel like the center of your universe. Girls want to be with someone that they know will be loyal and that they don''t have to worry will just leave them for the next hot girl.


    This is partially because they want to feel like you really like them, not just how pretty they are or what they might do for you. While being with your girl, make sure your eyes are set on her and only her. It might be hard, but ignore the sexy girl at the next table.


    Zhong Li cringed at thest statement wherein it said to ignore the sexy girl at the next table. To him, Zhong Li find these kinds of men despicable if they allow themselves to be distracted when their girl is with them.


    ''I''d never do this to my woman,'' Zhong Li thought, the possibility of Shu Xian being hers surfacing in his mind. ''I won''t really do this to her. She doesn''t deserve this. No one does.''


    7. Respect her. Treat her with respect. Make sure that you are not mean to her, ever. Girls simply do not ept that. You should value her opinion, listen to her, never put her down or insult her, and don''t do things that you know are hurtful (like flirting with other girls, even when she''s not there).


    Don''t say rude things about her behind her back. And certainly don''t kiss and tell! Behavior like this will get out and you''ll not only scare her away, you''ll send other girls a message that you''re bad dating material too, hurting your future chances.


    "A man would be stupid if he disrespects a woman. If you are really sincere about her, then you''d never think of doing this," he mumbled to himself, shaking his head as he continued reading the article.


    He then came across to the part three of the article which talks about creating romance¡ªthe very reason why Zhong Li clicked the "x" button in the first ce.


    Part 3: Creating Romance


    1. Be willing to lead or follow. Some girls like a guy who leads the way to romance, some girls like to take hold of the reigns. Most enjoy switching it up every now and again.


    You have to be willing to take charge and make the first move if she''s not doing it but you also have to be willing to ept her being dominant too. If you can''t, then she''s not the right girl for you.


    Zhong Li blushed at the thought. He couldn''t imagine himself doing the first move¡ªthe one to lead when ites to romance.


    He had never fallen in love with anyone¡ªheck, he had never had interest in anyone until Shu Xian came!


    He didn''t expect this himself! He was rude to her at the beginning and now, he found himself getting soft for her.


    The only constant in this world is change indeed¡­


    2. Learn to dance. Take some ballroom sses to build your confidence, so you learn to lead a girl through a song. You can even teach yourself using online videos or even wikiHow!


    Girls love guys that can dance. You might even want to ask her to take dance sses with you, if you''re already close or dating. This is a great bonding experience and will give you lots of reasons to hang out.


    "Oh, this is definitely not necessary," Zhong Li thought, shaking his head profusely at this item under part three. "Dancing is too much¡ªno, won''t do it."


    Get to know her best friend. Best friends are a great resource. If you can get close to her best friend, it can be a gateway to learn things about the girl.


    For example, every girl has talked with her friends about romantic things she wants to happen to her or maybe even a romantic movie that she really likes that you can take ideas from.


    You can use this information to give her something that is more meaningful than all that cheesy standard romance stuff.


    Just be up-front with the friend. You don''t want the friend to fall for you too! A good friend will be more than happy to vet the guy that''s interested in her bestie. If you show her how great you are, she''ll even want to help you two get together!


    A good review from friends can only help you, while a bad review could put some serious doubts into the girl''s head.


    Zhong Li cringed at the fact that he would have to get to know Shi Lian. He saw her once when she was visiting the library for Zhang Ren and Shu Xian and he saw how more active and talkative she ispared to the two!


    How can he make friends with her and how can he get to know her better when he knows for a fact that this Shi Lian may find him suspicious?


    With an exasperated sighing from him, he just rolled his eyes as he continued reading the other parts of the article.

 Chapter 246 - Wont Go Down

    4. Be a gentleman about kissing. When you are ready for the first kiss and the mood is right, lean towards her slowly, but don''t shove your face into hers.


    If she doesn''t back away, gently lean the rest of the way in for the kiss. Some tips say go halfway there, or 80 or 90 percent.


    Go with what feels natural for the moment. Going all the way can work, but it depends on the girl. Bottom line: lead the kiss, but let here to you.


    This will let her be able to make the choice about whether or not she wants to kiss you. This shows her that you respect her and value her feelings, making you both more likely to enjoy the kiss!


    Impress her and show her you''re a real gentleman. Don''t ever kiss on the first date unless she is ready to.


    Zhong Li''s eyebrow twitched, his cheeks stained with red heat as he closed his eyes, wanting to shake himself from his absurd thoughts.


    He imagined himself and Shu Xian kissing. His heart actually raced in excitement with the thought.


    However, he thought that this might be impossible since he is really nowhere near this affectionate rtionship for them to even look at each other directly in the eyes with no problems at all.


    Kissing will be thest thing that he should think of. What''s important now is how he is going to get closer with her.


    5. Be original. For example, for Valentine''s Day (if you celebrate it) be sweet or thoughtful instead of showy and cliched.


    A dozen red roses may be the traditional romantic gift, but most girls will be happier with a few of their favorite flowers tied with a red, pink, or white ribbon.


    Actually remembering a girl''s favorites will endear you to her more than any borate scheme.


    If it''s early in the rtionship, though, and you don''t know her favorites yet, get her a gift that symbolizes your feelings or reminds you of something that you''ve done or will do together.


    For example, give her peach-scented perfume and tell her that the smell reminds you of how each one of her smiles is like a perfect summer day.


    "For me, it''s in the little things," Zhong Li mumbled to himself, nkly staring at his screen. "If you remember even the smallest detail that your woman had told you, then it would make her day. Furthermore¡­ if you do something about it."


    With that in thought, he remembered him reading Shu Xian''s preferred genre of story. With a small smile appearing on his face, he decided that for them to get closer, he would have to continue reading what she likes just so he could have more topics to talk about with her.


    6. Learn a poem. You can send a real romantic message by memorizing a poem and writing it to her in a letter or reciting it when the two of you are alone or in a romantic situation.


    You can also use quotes about love. Not only is this just the right kind of cheesy, but it shows her that you''re willing to branch outside of your normalfort zone in order to make her happy.


    "I think I''ll try learning a poem," he talked to himself, cocking his head to the side as he remembered Shu Xian''s major. "She is indeed an English major and if I know more about what she''s studying about and what she''s interested in, it might heighten my chances with her."


    With his smile turning into a grin as he liked his ns, he then scrolled down, reading the other parts of the article.


    7. Know when to make your move. Or, rather, it''s important to know that you might never have a clear sign or perfect opportunity.


    This isn''t a teen movie: it''s real life. Girls will react in different ways, show their affection orck of it in different ways... some might say nothing at all!


    All you can do is let a girl know how you feel as soon as you''re really sure. You don''t want someone else toe in and sweep her off her feet, so take a chance on love!


    "Easier said than done," Zhong Limented, letting out a scoff at the same time. "How will you know when and where to make your move? Things can happen unexpectedly before you guys would even know it."


    And with that, he was about toe to a close when he saw a bullet of tips provided in the article that he thought he might read so he could see if it will help him in his future courting endeavors with Shu Xian.


    TIPS:


    1. Girls can get snappy, or moody, don''t take it personally, just give her time to cool down, but don''t ignore her!


    Reading this first tip made Zhong Li nod. He remembered this from his workmate Yan Yan. One second she is happy, one second she is annoyed, one second she is sad, then back to happy again.


    Women¡­ they really are emotional other than being fickle minded.


    2. Keep it cool, because even if a girl doesn''t like you now, chances are that if you y your cards right you''ll eventually spark an interest.


    3. Don''t just act natural - be natural. If your girl has a brain, she''ll be able to detect that you''re trying too hard, or striving to be something you''re not.


    Zhong Li agreed with the third. He knew for a fact that Shu Xian is smart, so he would have to be careful about his intentions so he won''t offend her.


    It''s something that he would never want.


    4. Remember, girls don''t all act one way. Some will be sure to act like they DON''T like you at first, because they''re afraid of giving you that idea and in turn giving you a big ego and/or making things awkward between you two.


    She will ONLY respond with genuine interest when she is sure you have an interest in her.


    Zhong Li nodded. With this item stated, he wondered how Shu Xian would react once she gets clues of him liking her.


    5. Get close with the girl''s family. Knowing that she has her family''s approval makes her morefortable.


    "Family, huh¡­" Zhong Li cocked his head to the side. "I think it''s too early for the family part."


    6. Don''t confuse her and send mixed signals. For example, one day you''re teasing her, the next you''re admiring her¡­ she will get confused and flustered and may give up on you.


    "Common sense," Zhong Limented, rolling his eyes at the same time. "Consistency is the key here."


    7. y a sports team, and be friends with a lot of people. She won''t feel so intimidated if she knows you''re tight with other girls also. Unless she''s insecure about herself or your rtionship, then be very clear that those are girlfriends and she''s your girlfriend.


    "This is not necessary. I won''t be friends with a lot of people and I will not make her feel ufortable about herself. That''s for sure."


    With him thinking about Shu Xian every now and then, it made him feel more confident of himself. However, even though this is the case now, he hoped that he won''t have cold feet once he is facing her.


    8. Girls don''t like nasty breath. Eat mints regrly and brush teeth often.


    Zhong Li couldn''t help butugh out loud at this item. Of course, one should be neat in general¡ªnot only when ites to oral hygiene!


    With him further reading the other items, he sighed, wondering if there should be more to learn.


    9. If there is a love triangle between you and your friend, don''t be the alpha male. Girls like the natural type of boys not the showy, clich¨¦d, and very stylistic.


    "Love triangle?"


    Zhong Li then thought, furrowing his brows as this thought had note to mind.


    However, with the professor now ying into thought, his lips turned into a tight line, hoping that there is no secret meaning behind his words and actions that he said and disyed days ago when they were in the library.


    "It''s impossible, right?" Zhong Li asked himself, reflecting aloud. "He is a professor. He won''t have this kind of rtionship with a student of his."


    With him pushing his worries aside, he then read thest item of the article, officially ending his reading session.


    10. If a girl tells you that she''s not interested in you, then odds are, she isn''t. You need to respect that, even though it might make you feel sad. Do not continue pursuing her. That will just seem creepy, or worse, that you are stalking her.


    He didn''t want to say something about thest item that he read because the thought actually hurt him. However, with it being the fact that he had to ept the decisions and final deliberation of the girl''s feelings, he''d have to understand her even though it hurts him.


    Although this is just the beginning, Zhong Li thought that he will do his best and if ever there will be rivals, he won''t go down without a fight.

 Chapter 247 - Accidental Harem: Lets Kiss Again!

    Shu Xian was waiting for her friends, Shi Lian and Zhang Ren. As she was waiting for them, she then started to think of her assignment when ites to creative writing.


    One of her major sses that she was taking with Shi Lian is her creative writing ss. With her already thinking of a possible plot, she then scribbled it down on her notebook for her to polish when she has the time.


    The story that she decided to make is going to be a fantasy-based story. With her already thinking of possible scenes for her synopsis, she also formted a title for her fantasy story.


    ***


    "Wh-who the hell are you and why are you kissing me!?"


    With Aranea backing away as she hid her lips with her forearm, the blue-haired man who came out of nowhere approached her, making Aranea stand up abruptly but was suddenly stopped when he knelt down right in front of her.


    "Where is my phone!? Why did you turn into a human being? Why did you kiss me!?"


    Ignoring her series of questions, the man held her right hand then he kissed the back of her palm, introducing himself to her¡ªeveryone bbergasted with what he said.


    "My name is Leonel. I am your loyal familiar that you have summoned, Aranea Griffin."


    Aranea Griffin, together with her twin sister, Elenea Griffin, received an invitation to enroll in a magic school.


    Their foster mother was ecstatic to receive such news! However, she felt doubt on how Aranea had received the invitation when they knew that she did not possess any magical powerspared to her twin sister having musical, healing powers!


    That was what most people thought... until Aranea kissed her phone, transforming it into a man who imed to be her loyal familiar!


    Maybe Aranea may not be as powerless as they think she is¡­


    ***


    With her already formting the synopsis, she then opened her phone and looked into the first draft of her chapter that she did. With her reading what she did, she then jotted down what to add, what to remove, and what to edit.


    "I''m sorry... I''m so sorry..."


    Two infants cried as they heard their mother''s desperate voice. The woman''s tears fell on the infants'' faces as she embraced them both tightly.


    The mes surrounding their house worsened by the second, making the woman look around for possible exits for their escape.


    "Where are you, you damned woman!?"


    When the woman heard the angry voice of the man who vowed to kill her, she panicked, her eyes watering as she looked at the unconscious man beside her. She cried once more as she put her babies down and held the face of the unconscious man.


    "What am I going to do?" she whispered as she looked at her crying babies once more, unsure of what to do.


    The woman heard faint footsteps and she slowly looked back, with a fierce expression on her face recing the distressed one. She wanted to put up a brave front in order for her to mask her cowardice.


    The woman in ragged clothes looked at the man condescendingly. Upon inspecting the man''s face, his flesh was already showing due to the burns he got from the fire.


    "Go away!" the woman said sharply, but the man just shook his head then looked at her like she had said something stupid.


    The manughed evilly then he aggressively kicked the woman in front of him, making her cough out blood. The old man bent slowly, grabbing the woman by the hair, making her face him head-on.


    "What are you going to do? You betrayed me!"


    There was sarcasm and anger in the man''s voice. Despite feeling pain and sorrow, the woman spat on the old man''s face. The old man released the woman''s hair and gave her a hard punch on the face, making her lie on the ground.


    He was ruthless. Merciless.


    "Do you want to lose everything!?"


    The man pointed at the crying infants, ready for an attack as he held the handle of his sword tightly. The woman''s motherly instinct kicked in as she sensed dangering from the enemy. She stood up and went in front of her babies, protecting them.


    "No, stop! What more do you want?!"


    Hearing the desperation and fear in the woman''s voice, the man let out a menacingugh as he walked slowly towards the unconscious man, lying on the burning house''s ground. He stepped on the man''s chest, then stared at the woman with angry eyes.


    "Choose between them... as you did with us."


    The eyes of the woman widened in horror.


    "What!? H-how could you let me do this?"


    The woman cried once more as she took her crying infants in her arms. She embraced them tightly, scared that the mad man might kill them.


    "No... how could YOU do this to me?" the man said, disdain and rage etched in his voice. He tightly held his sword and he pointed at her, then back at the unconscious man he was stepping on. "Choose someone to kill as a sacrifice... and I''ll spare whoever you chose. Him, or your children?"


    The woman could no longer control her tears. She wailed as she embraced her babies tightly, looking at the unconscious man on the ground.


    "Well!?"


    The man''s voice roared inside the burning house, forcing the woman to rush to a decision. The woman looked at her two beautiful babies, then back at the unconscious man. Her heart started beating uncontrobly fast as she found it difficult to choose.


    The woman slowly put the infants down and stood up, facing the man. She approached the man then she slowly got the sword from his hand. She had already decided who to sacrifice.


    The woman walked hesitantly, stopping in between the unconscious man and the two crying infants who now find it difficult to breathe because of the smoke. Tears escaped from the woman''s eyes once more as she rose the sword shakily, ready for a deathly strike.


    "It has to be done," the man reminded her and the woman closed her eyes for a moment.


    "Ha!"


    Oveing her uncertainty and her woe, the babies were silenced in one strike. The blood of the babies pooled on the ground, making the woman sumb to her knees and drop the sword.


    With shaking hands, the woman held their bodies onest time as she closed her eyes shut, feeling heartbroken to have chosen their deaths. With despair and at the same time determination, she looked at her babies onest time.


    "Wait for me... I''m sorry."


    --


    "Ah!"


    The red-haired girl fell from her bed, waking her up from her nightmare. She panted as she sat on her bed, calming herself down.


    She clutched on to her chest, feeling every heartbeat as she felt fear. Soon after, themp on their bedside table lit up, giving their room some light.


    "Aranea, what''s wrong?"


    Groggy, the blonde-haired girl approached her sister. She was rubbing her eyes as she waited for her twin sister to speak.


    "Elenea... I had that dream again," Aranea answered and Elenea looked at her with concerned, worried eyes.


    "I''m worried... you''ve been having that dream since your 15th birthday. It''s been almost four years. We have to tell mom," Elenea suggested and Aranea just shook her head.


    "Not now... tomorrow," Aranea whispered and her sister nodded.


    "Now go back to sleep. It''s three in the morning. We might wake mom up," Elenea whispered and Aranea agreed as sheid her head on the pillow. Elenea turned off themp but Aranea still stared at their ceiling.


    ''Why do I keep having that nightmare? It''s so frustrating!''


    Aranea sighed, feeling exasperated as she embraced her spare pillow tightly. Before she knew it, she had already drifted back to sleep.


    However, the woman in her dream kept echoing herst statement inside Aranea''s mind, giving her difort the whole night.


    ''Wait for me... I''m sorry.''


    What could that mean and why was she dreaming about it since her 15th birthday?


    As the girl grew up during those four years, it made her think that maybe the dream is telling her something.


    ***


    Shu Xian thought that there is no need to change anything in her story. With her already looking at it with an eptable smile, she then gave her story a title.


    idental Harem: Let''s Kiss Again!


    At the same moment, she already heard a knock on her door, Wan Wan walking beside her as Shu Xian then made her way to the door to see who just came.


    Actually, she had a strong feeling who was before the door. With her already opening for their entry, she then immediately saw Shi Lian and Zhang Ren who visited, Shu Xian''s grinning at them ear to ear.


    "You''re both here! Finally!"


    As she gave both of them an embrace, she then weed them into the house, excited that they will further talk about the things that they have missed so far in just two days.

 Chapter 248 - Someone That He Needed

    Pan An was talking to his best friend, Wang Lei. Both of them are already out for coffee as their way of drinking since the professor denied on drinking alcohol for the day.


    "I need your opinion on this."


    With Pan An and Wang Lei continuing to drink their coffee, Wang Lei sighed as he got Pan An''s phone, reading briefly whatever the professor had prepared.


    ***


    As we have established earlier, we are all entitled to our interpretations of a work of art, and all interpretations are correct and valid if these are founded on facts and not emotions and personal opinions.


    With this in mind, political reding is one of the mostmon approaches in analyzing, interpreting, and hopefully, appreciating literature. Let us first define the word ''political'' in this context.


    Usually, when we hear the word, we immediately think of the government and the politicians involved in running the said government. The meaning I wish to emphasize in this context is about the dynamics of power.


    Who holds more power, authority, or superiority over others?


    Some would argue that this is all about oppression because he who holds power has the capability to oppress. Who is the oppressor and is oppressed?


    The subcategories of this reading approach talk about how oppression manifests itself in different aspects of human life.


    When we analyze how these rtionships work, take note of how these rtionships work and take ce, and learn the root of these rtionships, a new meaning of the text emerges. In a nutshell, political reading is looking for what makes literary text support or dismantle inequality.


    ***


    "Huh¡­"


    Wang Lei arched a brow at Pan An, stopping his reading for a while as he asked him a question.


    "You have a ss about political reading?"


    "Yes," Pan An answered, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "Since you''re not telling me your woes for a while, then I want to ask trouble from you and look if my lesson for tomorrow is alright."


    Wang Lei scoffed, yfully rolling his eyes at him.


    "I asked you toe with me for you to listen to my problems and you''re letting me read this?"


    "Well¡­" Pan An trailed off, showing him a lopsided smile. "You interrupted my sweet time because you barged into my house! I should have at least ask for your opinion on this especially when I decided to give you my time for the inconvenience."


    Wang Lei narrowed his eyes at him, finding how cunning his best friend was. However, he couldn''t say no because he indeed has a point and besides, this is no trouble at all.


    "Fine," Wang Lei said, now continuing to read Pan An''s prepared lesson.


    ***


    A.   On Gender


    How can oppression be based on gender? How can a literary piece (and in turn, the author, be problematic?)


    Since time immemorial, sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE)-based oppression and discrimination have been present, and today, there are still people who believe one gender is superior to others, or that somebody does not deserve the same rights as they do because of their gender.


    This is one of the aspects political reading is looking at. It looks at the way SOGIE is represented in the text. The political reader looks at how the author represented SOGIE in the text and how the characters'' SOGIE contribute to the overall narrative.


    Political reading that is centered on gender does not only focus on female oppression but also on the LGBTmunity, with how homophobia is present in the author''s voice, or how it is presented in the text.


    The political reader focuses on the following questions: Are there traces of sexism? Misogyny (anger towards women)? Chauvinism (attitude of superiority toward members of the opposite sex)? Homophobia (irrational fear, aversion, or discrimination towards homosexuals)?


    How was it presented in the text? What does it say about the author and their views? Most importantly, what is its implication in the real world?


    ***


    As Wang Lei read this, he nodded slowly, saying hisment as he continued reading.


    "This is a sensitive topic especially in our country that they''re not open yet to this."


    "I know," Pan An agreed, letting out a small sigh. "But the students now have to be open. Besides, this is a topic in our ss and I would want to further broaden their thoughts and opinions about this and not be close-minded about it."


    With that, Wang Lei gave him another nod, now reading the next part of his lesson.


    ***


    B.   On Race


    One of the most prominent news in the past year (aside from the ongoing pandemic, of course) is the death of George Floyd which sparked the long-dormant conversation on racism not only in America but in the whole world.


    This is then followed by cases of hate crime towards Asians in America. Racial political reading focuses on how racism (discrimination because of a person''s ce of origin and culture) is present in the author''s voice and how it is present in the text.


    The racial political reader asks: How does the race of the characters affect the story? Would the story''s plot be the same if the characters'' race is different? Is racism evident in the story? Did the author make choices that seem off and racist?


    C.   On ss


    Based on Karl Marx''s principles, the political reader also looks at how the characters'' societal standing and financial status affect the story.


    Political reading in ss asks the questions: How does the financial status of the characters (and the author, in some cases) affect the story? What would have happened if the characters are born in a different social ss? How are capitalism and consumerism evident in the story?


    ***


    "Huh¡­ actually an interesting topic. Even I, azy person, can participate in your lesson if given the chance to study again."


    Pan An chuckled as he shook his head, finding his answer funny because even when they were young, Wang Lei was always one as a person who iszy when ites to studying.


    But what Pan An found amazing was the fact that even though Wang Lei iszy, he is incredibly smart and innovative. Which is why their father and their mother never hesitated for him to take on their familypany.


    W & S is indeed in good hands because of how Wang Lei handles things.


    "Thank you," Pan An thanked him, now crossing his arms in front of his chest. "Now that you helped me, can you tell me what has been bothering you?"


    With Wang Lei''s lips turning into a tight line, he then felt uneasy telling about Yu Yan to his best friend.


    He can tell him anything, yes¡ªespecially his moments of fooling around with other women.


    However, with him being serious right of this moment, he wondered how Pan An would react to what he was about to hear.


    "Wang Lei?"


    As the professor called for his attention, Pan An arched a brow at him, cocking his head to the side as well as he wondered what had caught his tongue.


    "Are you alright? Why are you suddenly quiet?"


    "Well¡­" Wang Lei trailed off, now telling Pan An what has been worrying him. "I kissed Yu Yan."


    "What?"


    Pan An furrowed his brows, shocked and at the same time confused.


    "How did that happen?"


    "I¡­ I don''t know," Wang Lei said, running his hand through his hair. "She was crying before me because she was venting about not being a good mother. I told her that she was not, but seeing her that way, it just¡­ it ached my heart, and it annoyed me. So much."


    Pan An tried his best not to smile, thinking if he should tease him or not. But since this is something that even Wang Lei never does, he then decided to keep his teasing to himself and listened to him.


    "But you kissed her?"


    "Yes," Wang Lei answered, not hesitating to tell him. "I just¡­ it just happened. It''s as if I wanted to tell her that she''s not, but before I even knew it, I wanted to kiss her and so I did."


    "Like¡­" Pan An trailed off, nodding slowly as he asked him a question. "Like you wanted to prove to her through a simple action that she is doing a great job and is worth it?"


    Wang Lei didn''t answer him for a while. With him staring straight into her best friend''s eyes, he then had the courage to be honest to himself, now telling him his whole-hearted answer.


    "Yes. Like I wanted to tell her that she''s doing great with her actions¡ªand I felt¡­ good."


    Pan An actually liked what he heard. With him knowing that Wang Lei had been a womanizer for who knows how long, he was hoping for his improvement and change of not breaking women''s hearts and so he thought right here and then¡­


    That maybe Yu Yan was someone that he needed all along to make him wake up and be a better man.

 Chapter 249 - Youre In Denial

    Wang Lei found it amazing that he was actually finding it difficult to express himself to Pan An. With him experiencing this for the first time, he then thought that it was that very reason why he was unable to tell Pan An what he exactly feels.


    "You''re in love with Yu Yan."


    "What?"


    Wang Lei scoffed, not wanting to ept what Pan An had said.


    "How are you able to say that I am in love with my secretary?"


    Pan An grinned, actually enjoying that he was able to tease Wang Lei this way. With him always being teased by Wang Lei especially with how he always wanted to bad mouth him for being a lovesick fool, now Pan An thought that it was his turn to tease him.


    Pan An propped a hand under his chin.


    "Do you want to read an online article that would support your disagreement?"


    "Oh, stop it," Wang Lei said, rolling his eyes at him. "You know that those don''t give the real exnations."


    "Oh, you may never know," Pan An replied, his grin never leaving his face. "Why not check it out?"


    Pan An then quickly opened his phone''s browser and typed in his keywords to find an article. With him already clicking on the article found on How Do You Know If You Love Someone? tonic or Romantic (healthline), Wang Lei stole his phone, however, started to read.


    ***


    Ask anyone if love isplicated, and there''s a good chance they''ll probably say, "yes," or "sometimes" at the very least.


    Part of love''splications stems from the fact that it can be challenging when the person you love doesn''t feel the same way ¡ª or when they do, but your rtionship fails to take off.


    Love can alsoplicate life because it takes different forms, and you might not immediately recognize which type of love you''re feeling.


    Deciphering your feelings and trying to identify exactly which type of love you feel ¡ª while tight in its grip ¡ª might not be the easiest task, but we''re here to help.


    Keep reading to learn more about how to tell these rted, but still uniquely different, experiences apart.


    What''s the short answer?


    Love doesn''t always look the same.


    Sometimes, it progresses through specific stages.


    The first flicker of love, when you fall head over heels for someone, often seems more like infatuation,plete with plenty of excitement and nervousness.


    If it''s mutual? The euphoric blissTrusted Source many people experience can keep you and your partnerpletely wrapped up in each other. Over time, that just-fell-in-love feeling often transforms into something less charged, but more stable andsting.


    Higher-than-usual levels of hormones, like dopamine and norepinephrineTrusted Source, drive the intensity of these early feelings. Eventually, these surging feelings often settle into a deeper affection with the help of oxytocin, a hormone that ys a role in attachment.


    But feelings of love don''t always follow a linear path.


    Maybe you fall for someone you just met, but you eventually realize the first blush of love has tinted your view. Once the first intensity fades, your feelings begin to wither without taking root.


    You can also develop romantic love without experiencing euphoric, heart-pounding excitement. Someone who falls for their best friend, for example, might notice their long-standing tonic love be more romantic and sexually charged almost overnight.


    And, of course, the love you feel for friends, or tonic love, can still run pretty deep ¡ª even though it doesn''t involve any romantic or sexual attraction.


    Are there really signs to look for?


    People often talk about love as if everyone experiences it in the same way, but life experiences and rtionship history can alter the course of "typical" romantic attraction.


    If you''ve experienced rtionship abuse or betrayal, you might feel cautious about letting your guard down again. This could temper the feelings of euphoria and impulsivity that often apany the first stages of love.


    In short, while there''s no single way to fall in love, you''ll probably notice a few key physical and emotional signs:


    1. Your thoughts return to them regrly


    Maybe you frequently think back to yourst interaction or n your next meeting. You want to tell them about your experiences every day: the great, the awful, and the ordinary.


    If they''re having a hard time, you may worry about their difficulties and brainstorm ways to help.


    When spending time with family and friends, you might talk about them a lot and imagine how much your loved ones will like them, too.


    2. You feel safe with them


    Trust is generally a keyponent of love. If you''ve experienced rtionship trauma or heartbreak before, you might assign particr importance to this sense of emotional safety.


    When you see them, you might notice your tension rxes, in much the same way as it does when you return home after a long day.


    It''s normal to want to protect yourself from pain. Feeling safe enough with someone to trust them with your personal weaknesses or vulnerabilities often suggests developing love.


    3. Life feels more exciting


    The rush of hormones associated with love can make everything seem more exciting, particrly when you know you''ll see them soon. Time might seem to fly by when you''re together and crawl like a turtle after they leave.


    You might even notice renewed energy and interest in the mundane things you do every day. Foldingundry? Taking a walk? So much more fun when you''re in love (especially when they''re nearby).


    4. You want to spend a lot of time together


    Loving someone often means wanting to spend plenty of time with them, so you might find yourself craving theirpany more than ever before.


    You might leave theirpany feeling somewhat unsatisfied, as if the time you spent together wasn''t enough.


    You may not care much about what you do together, simply that you are together.


    Another key sign? Your interest in spending time with them doesn''t depend on their mood or energy level. Even when they feel sad, cranky, or frustrated with life, you still want to show up and offer support.


    5. You feel a little jealous of other people in their life


    Jealousy is an emotion like any other. Generally speaking, it''s what you do with jealousy that matters. Talking about your feelings never hurts, but you might want to skip the digital snooping and social media stakeouts.


    When you love someone, you might fixate on the other people they spend time with and wonder about their rtionship to each other, or worry about potential threats to your love, such as an attractive coworker they mention regrly or an old me who''s still part of their life.


    Generally speaking, these worries tend to fade as trust develops.


    How can you recognize tonic love?


    tonic love involves deep affection, but no romantic or sexual attraction. It''s absolutely possible for people of any gender to maintain a friendship without sexual tension or attraction.


    When you love someone tonically, you might notice some basic signs of love.


    You might also, have simr interests, values, and goals, discuss emotions and rtionships you have with others, support each other through difficulties, enjoy spending time together.


    Embracing tonic love sessfully requires you to set any romantic feelings aside. Loving tonically doesn''t mean simply waiting and hoping the person will fall in love with you someday.


    Good friendship behaviors can help you maintain tonic love. For example:


    Communicate. Everyone has differentmunication needs, but you can maintain your closeness by calling or texting. When you do talk, try to spend at least as much time listening as you do sharing your own thoughts.


    Set boundaries. Some tonic friends may be perfectly fine spending the night at your ce, hanging out at all hours, or discussing the sexual details of your other rtionships. Others may reserve these activities for romantic partners. Talking through boundaries can help you avoid any mimunication.


    Spend time together. Stay connected, even when you can''t physically see each other, by nning online chats, video game sessions, or virtual movie nights.


    Offer emotional support. Love and friendship can make it easier to weather life''s challenges. Show your love by checking in with a friend or asking, "What can I do to help?"


    ***


    "This is ridiculous!"


    Wang Lei then put down Pan An''s phone, the professorughing out loud as he shook his head, not even bothering to get his phone.


    "You''re in denial, I am very sure of that."


    Wang Lei narrowed his eyes at Pan An. With him crossing his arms in front of his chest, he narrowed his eyes at him and made ament about their conversation.


    "Why do I get the feeling that you really want to tease me and in a way, getting back at me with how I was teasing you before?"


    Pan An smirked. With him nodding at him, he agreed as he nodded, further justifying his answer.


    "Yes. It''s my turn to tease you now."


    He admitted, now putting his hand on Wang Lei''s shoulder as his tone became more serious.


    "But do know¡­ that I am also your concern friend and I''m willing to give you a real talk like how you always did when I was still a fool. I hope you won''t turn a blind eye on your feelings now because I could tell¡­ that this woman is slowly making its way to your heart."

 Chapter 250 - Youre Changing, Wang Lei

    How can you recognize romantic love?


    Loving someone romantically usually involves a desire for a many-faceted connection.


    You value their personality and want their friendship. You might lust after them a little (though you can experience romantic love without ever desiring a physical rtionship).


    Maybe you find their looks appealing, but you mostly want to spend a lot of time with them because you value them as a whole person and want to develop asting emotional connection.


    Try these tips to cultivate and maintain romantic love:


    Practice openmunication. Rtionships require open honesty to thrive. Sharing feelings, setting healthy boundaries, and discussing rtionship goals early on increases your chances of asting rtionship.


    Avoid getting swept away by lust. In the early days of love, you might dedicate a lot of time to thinking (and talking) about what you''ve already done between the sheets (or anywhere else) and fantasizing about future encounters. This is absolutely normal. Just make sure you''re working toward an emotional connection, too.


    Learn and grow together. If you want to make your lovest, it''s essential to really get to know each other. This might mean discussing dreams and goals, sharing challenges and sesses, and trying new things. You maintain your own identities, but you also develop a shared third unit: the rtionship itself.


    Which type of love is more important?


    Romantic and tonic love are two different things, but many people consider them equally valuable.


    Humans need connection to survive, generally speaking. Some people go through life without ever experiencing romantic or sexual attraction, and that''s OK. You can absolutely get the love you need from rtionships with family and friends.


    Others thrive with both friends and romantic partners in their lives. Perhaps you can''t imagine life without romance and pursue rtionships in the hopes of finding the right partner.


    Your friends, however, remain part of your life even as partnerse and go (often supporting you through breakups).


    How do you know which one you want, if anything at all?


    If you''re experiencing confusing new feelings, you might have some uncertainty about how to handle them.


    Falling for a friend, for example, can feel pretty terrifying. You think you could have a fantastic romance, but what if you end up losing the friendship instead?


    Even when you love someone you know less well, you might wonder what your feelings mean. Do you truly want to develop a rtionship? Simply get closer? Or, are your feelings just lust-driven?


    Asking yourself the following questions can yield some insight:


    Which type of connections do I find most appealing? Emotional, physical, or abination of both, for example.


    Can I see myself sharing my life with this person?


    Do I want to experience different types of intimacy with them? Or do I just want more of what we already have?


    Is a general desire for physical intimacyplicating my tonic love for them?


    Do I actually desire romantic love, or is it something I''m pursuing because people think I should?


    What now?


    A sudden change in attraction or existing feelings for someone can pull the rug out from under you.


    Not sure about the best way forward? You have a few options:


    Talk about it.


    You can''t pursue any type of rtionship until they know how you feel. If you''re already friends, think back to how your friendship developed. You probably bonded over shared interests and one (or both) of you expressed the desire to spend more time together. Romantic rtionships often develop simrly.


    Preparing to share your feelings often involves some preparation for potential rejection. If you don''t feelfortable telling them in person, try a letter, but avoid email or text.


    Once you feel ready, ask if they can set aside some time to talk instead of suddenly dropping it into casual conversation. Choose a time when the two of you have some privacy.


    Don''t forget to offer them space to sort through their own feelings, especially if you already have a tonic rtionship. It may take time for them to evaluate ande to terms with their own feelings.


    Consider other factors.


    Before you confess your love, take a careful look at the situation. You can''t help who you fall for, but you can help how you choose to handle your feelings:


    Do they already have a partner? If so, you may want to hold off on sharing your love.


    Are they a good friend''s ex? Proceed with caution ¡ª particrly if the breakup hurt your friend or the rtionship ended badly.


    Has your friendship given you insight into bad behaviors? Maybe they lie to partners, ghost dates, or see multiple partners without openly discussing non-monogamy. People can change, yes, and it''s tempting to believe your friendship and love will inspire that change. Just be sure to consider potential oues for your friendship if this doesn''t happen the way you envision.


    Let it lie.


    Perhaps you decide you''d rather cherish your friendship than take a chance on anything more. That''s entirely your choice. Remember: tonic love offers many of the same benefits as romantic love, and one isn''t necessarily better than the other.


    Just allow yourself the time and space to fully address your feelings ande to terms with them. epting thempletely can make it easier to let them go. Try spending a little less time with that person for now, or avoid hanging out one-on-one.


    If you feel lonely or in need of physical intimacy, dating others may offer a way to create new connections and ease feelings of longing.


    What if your feelings are unrequited?


    It''s natural to hope the person you love returns your feelings, but romance doesn''t always y out as nned. Recognizing love sometimes requires you to ept that it may not flourish as you wish.


    "If you love someone, let them go," really does emphasize one keyponent of love. True,passionate love means wanting those you love to find happiness and contentment, even when those needs conflict with what you want for yourself.


    Resist the temptation to press your case by showing them what a great partner you''d make, since this will likely only damage your existing rtionship.


    Instead, show respect by honoring their feelings and giving them any space they ask for. Make it clear you intend to go forward by maintaining your tonic friendship. This can help ease any awkwardness that mighte up.


    The bottom line:


    Attraction and affection can change and grow over time, and people feel and show love in many ways.


    Any type of emotionalmitment can fulfill the human need for connection, provided you make the effort to sustain it.


    ***


    Wang Lei couldn''t believe that he actually read until thest part of the article. With him now quiet as Pan An allowed him to continue reflecting to himself after he had told him that he''s in denial and that she is slowly bing a part of his heart, Wang Lei just couldn''t imagine it.


    He knew for himself as a fact that he was a womanizer and that he had fooled with women to the point that he could no longer count them all with his fingers.


    With a sighing from him, he did realize that Yu Yan, his secretary who had been working for him for years now, started to be a part of his life like Pan An had told him!


    Never did Wang Lei think of her too much like this. Never did Wang Lei think of Yu Yan seriously this way.


    It didn''t even cross his mind that he''d kiss Yu Yan! But when it happened¡­ it''s as if he never regretted it and the first time his lipsnded on hers¡­


    It''s the first time that he had ever felt his heart race. It was never like this when he had kissed other women.


    For Yu Yan, everything seemed different¡­ but why?


    With his lips in a tight line, Pan An then let out a sigh, getting his attention.


    "I know that you''re thinking about her this time. If she worries you this much to the point that you wanted to talk about it with me, then she''s definitely different. It''s the first time you talked about a girl with me having such a serious expression on your face."


    Wang Lei then looked at him. As their eyes met, Pan An shrugged his shoulders, further exining what he thinks.


    "You''re changing, Wang Lei. I know you¡­ you know yourself that you know that you are indeed changing."


    Wang Lei nkly stared at Pan An''s eyes. As if in a trance, he subconsciously replied to what he said, surprising Pan An.


    "I told her what if I was able to change because of her and that it''s true. I told her what if there is something behind the kiss and that I meant it."


    Pan An''s back straightened, now getting serious as he never saw and heard Wang Lei act like this.


    Ever.


    "Are you¡­ serious?"


    "Yes," Wang Lei answered, not even hesitating to do so. "I told her that¡­ I didn''t even expect myself to that''s why I walked out and called for you."

 Chapter 251 - [Bonus ] Make Every Moment Count

    After talking to Wang Lei, Pan An sighed as he entered the house. He was then surprised to see Zhang Ren and Shi Lian on the couch with Shu Xian, greeting them with a smile.


    "Hello, you two. How are you? I didn''t expect you today."


    "Neither did we. We were just about to leave, anyway," Shi Lian said, now standing up with Zhang Ren following her in tow. "Congrattions, by the way. That''s why we''re here."


    "Oh?"


    Pan An arched a brow at her, already grinning as he understood what she was talking about.


    "Is this about you guys knowing that me and Shu Xian are already official?"


    "Yup," Shi Lian answered, crossing her arms in front of her chest confidently as she tipped her chin up. "And you better take care of her."


    "Of course."


    Pan An then turned to Zhang Ren, arching a brow at him though his grin never left his face.


    "And you better take care of Shi Lian. His brother may not seem like it, but I know he''s definitely overprotective of her."


    "Oh, you got that right," Shi Lian agreed, yfully rolling her eyes at him. "So you know?"


    "Yes," Pan An answered, scoffing as he made the othersugh with what he said next. "He barged in our home a moment ago and interrupted my sweet moment with Shu Xian. Other than that, heined that I am no longer single¡ªand so does his sister."


    Shi Lian shook her head inughter. With Zhang Ren and Shu Xianughing as well, it was indeed a light atmosphere, all of themfortable in each other''s presence.


    "Alright," Zhang Ren said, now wrapping his arm around Shu Xian''s shoulder. "We''re going back to Shi Lian''s home now. I was invited to dinner."


    "Take care," Shu Xian said, already smiling at them sweetly. "Thanks for visiting me and then catching up."


    Shi Lian then turned to Pan An. With her cocking her head to the side, she asked a question about her older brother.


    "Is big brother Wang Lei going home? Did he tell you anything?"


    "Nope," Pan An answered, making Shi Lian roll her eyes once more with what she heard next. "He vented to me about him getting closer to his secretary, Yu Yan. You''ll know from him moreter. He told me he''s going to have dinner with them tonight."


    "That lunkhead," Shi Lianmented, shaking her head in disapproval. "Sometimes, he doesn''t tell me anything."


    "Well, you gotta understand the man," Zhang Ren said, everyone''s eyes on him. "I may not know him but in a guy''s perspective, there are some things that we can''t tell to our family members and just to our friends. Especially if it''s about guys."


    "Oh?" Shi Lian narrowed her eyes at him. "And do you have someone to talk to if you want to talk about me then? Hmm?"


    "Of course."


    Zhang Ren showed her a lopsided smile, Pan An liking his answer.


    "I''ll definitely talk to Professor Pan An or maybe even your older brother."


    "Wow," Shu Xian reacted, a big grin appearing on her face. "You really seem to think that you''re close with them for you to want to talk to them anytime."


    "Well, why not?" Zhang Ren said confidently, shrugging his shoulder at the same time. "I could see that I could get along with them with no problem at all. And besides, I should get to know my girl''s brother better. For you know¡­ future purposes."


    With a winking from him, Shi Lian blushed, Pan An and Shu Xian already liking how the two are progressing.


    "Alright, alright," Shu Xian then got their attention, both her and Pan An already walking by the door. "Go now and I have to prepare a rushed dinner for me and Pan An."


    With them already waving their hands good bye, both of them already left, Shu Xian turning to look at Pan An.


    As Pan An reached out for her, Shu Xian dly rested her head on his chest, the professor embracing her tightly.


    "How was your day?"


    "It was nice. Yours?"


    "Great. Despite that stupid Wang Lei interfering with our moment."


    Shu Xian giggled. "Well, you''re here now."


    "Of course."


    As both of them then looked into each other''s eyes, they realized that they werepletelyfortable in each other''s arms and presence. With Pan An suddenly sighing, he remembered here and then of what''s about to happen next week.


    Shu Xian might be moving out by then. She did not need to prepare a lot of her things since she only brought a few¡ªespecially only her things that she needed for university.


    With this in thought, Pan An knitted his brows together, making Shu Xian worry as she saw the expression on his face.


    "Pan An, is something wrong?" she asked, Pan An honestly telling her his feelings.


    "Do you have to move out?"


    With his question heard, it was then that it dawned on her that Shu Xian might be leaving soon because the Office of the Chief Librarian already offered her a ce to space¡ªeven for free!


    As she thought that there was no more problems about her moving out since it will give her her own privacy and that it will not cause issues for the two, she felt a slight ache in her heart realizing that she would have to part from Pan An.


    Both of them knew that they''re neighbors¡ªtheir houses just across each other''s.


    But then in their current situation now, they could always see each other every day and every night¡ªeven in between of the day.


    Now that she is going to move out, will they still see each other frequently?


    "I¡­ almost forgot about that," Shu Xianmented in a form of a mumble but it was still heard by Pan An. With him kissing the top of her head, he closed his eyes, then rested his chin on top of her head.


    "We will still see each other, Shu Xian. Remember that we still have to do our weekly groceries together. You''re still going to cook for me, no?"


    "Of course," Shu Xian replied, the slight ache in her heart not leaving her. "You''d always see Wan Wan still, too."


    Both of them stood in silence, embracing each other. With them realizing that they grew attached to each other for such a quick time, Shu Xian''s mumble broke the silence.


    "I didn''t know that love can make us feel this way for such a short span of time."


    Pan An knew what she meant. However, it''s as if he still wanted a further boration, asking her about it.


    "Like what?"


    Shu Xian''s arms around his waist tightened. With her snuggling her head on his chest, Pan An felt warm in his heart to feel this way¡ªas if Shu Xian was frail and that she needed him.


    "That I can''t stand to be away from you. How is that even possible when we just became a couple recently? I''m too smitten. Is it always like this?"


    Of course, Pan An knew how it felt. With his first love, Ruo Xi, he had always felt this way.


    How about for Shu Xian?


    Well¡­ it was also the same, but at the same time, different.


    Different in a way because he knew that Shu Xian is someone he knows that he can trust¡ªsomeone that he knows that would stay despite everything.


    With this in thought, Pan An tipped her chin up, making her look at him. As their eyes locked gazes with each other, he smiled, his words tugging her heartstrings.


    "I feel the same way. I thought at first it would be convenient for us so we can prevent issues. But¡­ here we are. Already finding each other precious."


    Without even expecting a single word from Shu Xian, Pan An softly ced his lips against hers. This time, it was different from his other kisses that possessed passion and possessiveness.


    This time, his kiss was loving and sweet¡ªfull of feelings that was sincere that no words are needed to fully express what he meant.


    With his actions speaking louder than his words, Shu Xian felt giddy in her heart. As they parted away from the kiss, tears started pooling in her eyes, hiding her sadness with how she let out a soft chuckle.


    "How stupidly emotional of me that this made me cry. We''re just living across each other. Why is this a big deal for me? I feel so childish."


    "You''re not," Pan An said, caressing her cheek with his thumb. "Allow yourself to feel this way. It is indeed your first time to fall in love."


    Shu Xian nodded. With her already holding his hand as she started walking to the kitchen, the professor dly followed her, listening to Shu Xian''s words as she wanted to forget this sad thought of moving out soon.


    "Cook dinner with me?"


    "Of course, Shu Xian," Pan An said, wanting to make every moment count. "I''ll do anything with you."

 Chapter 252 - Are You In The Mood

    After eating dinner and washing the dishes while Pan An gave Wan Wan a walk, Shu Xian was still not feeling sleepy. With her already preparing the things that she needed for her to move out sometime soon, it was actually just a quick preparation.


    As a sigh came out from her, sheid on her side and got her phone, thinking that she would continue reading the next chapter of "The Soul Eater''s Possession."


    ***


    "Ava''s working directly under Nevin, mother. Third brother¡­ he''s still alive."


    The Almighty Seraphim closed her eyes shut as she pressed the bridge of her nose, still unable to get over the fact that Nevin, her third son and third brother of his children, is actually still alive!


    She had been thinking about this in her throne room for days now since Devin and Levin had left, and still, she found her heart pounding in her chest as it grew heavier by the second.


    Heraleen remembered the day she cursed her son, Devin. She remembered the day as if it were yesterday even though many years already had passed.


    She remembered being so angry upon seeing his hand carrying a sword that has the stain of his brother''s blood. She remembered the aghast expression on her face upon seeing the horror of Nevin on the ground, his pool of blood beneath him.


    For a moment, she remembered the surprised look on Devin''s face¡ªhow he was trying his best not to show his mother how his body trembled, his lips shut into a tight line the moment their eyes locked with each other''s.


    And yet, she didn''t hear his side and proceeded to be so angry. She didn''t let her speak and she proceeded tosh out her anger towards him all the more as Devin showed his condescension even towards his mother.


    Because of his act, she was utterly convinced that Devin had done this on his own volition. But little did she know that he had acted this way just so he could carry the me and so that the issue of his brother''s treacherous ways wouldn''t rm the whole kingdom.


    He had been willingly and painfully decided to be the evil one just so everyone could go on with their lives as they see fit.


    Heraleen put a curse on him without even hesitating. She hated herself for that¡ªthat her judgments had been clouded because of her rage upon Devin killing her third son.


    She realized that her favoritism towards Nevin for being the spitting image of their father had grown so much¡ªthat she had not even thought of her sons equally.


    Heraleen let out a sigh as she felt tears pooling in her eyes. Despite it being closed, some tears streamed down on her cheeks and on to her left hand that was resting on hisp, unable to forget the pain that she had given to her son.


    She put on a curse that was irrevocable¡ªa curse that is unbreakable and he had endured that for many years until he had met the only one.


    Her heart ached for him and there wasn''t a day when she hadn''t regretted putting a curse on Devin even before the real secret had been revealed to her.


    She opened her eyes and looked out the window as she thought to herself what could she have done for her child if ever the cure had not arrived.


    What if Angeal wasn''t connected to Lorelei and that her soul was bound to be sold to Devin in the end while he lived with the curse forever?


    Then everything would have had a depressing ending¡ªand she will forever live with the regret with a heavy heart.


    Heraleen sobbed silently as she now embraced herself. With her rocking back and forth in her throne seat, she hated herself all the more for being able to do this to her son without thinking of the possibilities.


    She even started hating her mother¡ªthinking that it was this very personality that she inherited from her and even inflicted it upon one of her sons.


    However, she knew she was childish of her to me her mother, Tatianna. Besides, it was her decision to put a curse on her son and it was her that was ovee with her emotions.


    There''s no ming others rather than herself alone. She knew that better.


    Heraleen stood up from her seat. With her wiping her tears away with her right hand, she then walked to the window, overlooking her whole kingdom. She leaned her hands on the windowsill and looked out, still thinking to herself as her lips thinned into a straight line.


    She was honest to herself that she didn''t know what to do upon knowing that her third son was still alive. With his acts revealed to him by her eldest son, Devin, she wondered what she''d do¡ªwhat she''d say if they ever see him face to face.


    Heraleen, being a mother that she is, wondered what her children could possibly be doing. They were obviously brothers but each their own personality as they have their own thoughts¡ªtheir own opinions, and their own self.


    Devin, Levin, and Nevin are half demons, half angels. Devin always tended to be in the middle, Levin always leaned on the good side, but Nevin was always mischievous. The three of them were close as children and as teenagers, but why did everything change when they matured?


    Heraleen thought of herself as a bad parent. What if nc had been here¡­ could everything be different?


    "nc¡­"


    The Almighty Seraphim said his name, almost in a whisper. With the thought of him still holding on despite Zen taking over his body, her hands at her sides balled into tight fists as she thought to herself what could she possibly do to help her husband?


    It had been many years since they havest seen each other. Heck, he hadn''t even held their babies and hadn''t even talked to them!


    With things getting serious now as they were close to having a new war brewing under their noses, Heraleen knew that she had to act sooner and that she would have to think properly.


    She knew that she would need the help of her sons, Devin and Levin. She let out a sigh as she realized that she wasn''t a great queen and a mother after all and that most of the time, she let her emotions consume her.


    But now that this is happening and with the possibility of her son and husband going back, she knew that she would have to think and n carefully for everything to go well.


    Heraleen''s resolve came toote¡­ but better than never.


    ***


    "Woah¡­ I think the book is about to reach the end," shemented, suddenly hearing a knock on her door.


    With her already standing up as she knew that it was Pan An, she immediately stood up and walked quickly towards the door, opening it.


    "Yes?" she asked with a smile, Pan An giving her a small smile as well.


    "Couldn''t sleep?"


    "Yes," Shu Xian answered, cocking her head to the side. "You, too?"


    "En."


    With a nod and a grunt of answering from the professor, both of them stood awkwardly before each other, the professor now scratching the back of his head as he wanted to break the silence.


    "Err¡­ I know it''s Monday soon and we have to rest but since we couldn''t rest¡­ want to at least watch a movie together?"


    Shu Xian smiled and nodded. With her liking the idea despite it being a weekday tomorrow, she stepped out of the room, Wan Wan following them to the living room.


    Both of them settled on the couch, Shu Xian folding her legs under her and satfortably. With Pan An setting up the movie that they''re going to watch, Wan Wanidfortably on the rug, now dozing off as she didn''t bother her masters.


    Pan An then yed a recent movie that was just released a few months ago. With him already sitting beside Shu Xian, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, Shu Xian resting her head on his shoulders as well.


    "This is nice," Shu Xianmented, looking at Pan An as the introduction of the movie yed. "Want to eat or order some snacks?"


    Pan An thought for a while. With him arching a brow at him, he asked her a question, making Shu Xian smile with what he asked.


    "Are you in the mood for ate-night pizza this time?"


    "Why, yes!" Shu Xian answered enthusiastically, telling her what she prefers at the same time. "Can you request for a cheesy pizza with fries on top?"


    "I''ll arrange for that," Pan An replied, now getting his phone to dial a pizza ce to tell them their customized order of pizza.


    As they then waited for their food to arrive, both of them enjoyed each other''spany as they watched a movie and of course¡­


    Having make out sessions every now and then until they got a call, telling them that their order had already arrived.

 Chapter 253 - Teach Me

    [WARNING: This chapter contains mature R-18 content. If ufortable, do feel free to skip. But since you like this, then stay. XD Enjoy!]


    ***


    Pan An and Shu Xian already finished watching one movie. With Shu Xian already yawning as it was already 11 PM, she embraced and snuggled in the arms of Pan An, the professor kissing the top of her head.


    "Was the movie boring?" he asked, Shu Xian shaking her head as she looked up at him and smiled.


    "No. It was actually pretty nice. And you are going to show this to ss?"


    "En."


    Pan An grunted, giving her his answer as he further borated his ns.


    "I want the students to learn more about the ways of the teacher when ites to dealing with the students'' assessment. And I will ask you guys to make a report about it that is side by side with the discussions that I did."


    "Hmm¡­"


    Shu Xian giggled, getting Pan An''s attention.


    "It seems that I am going to get a higher grade in this since I already know what we''re going to do. Maybe dating and living with a professor is not so bad after all."


    Pan An arched a brow at her and grinned as heughed at what she said.


    "Shameless. Do not take advantage of your situation," Pan Anmented, Shu Xian then looking at him teasingly as her eyesnded on his lips, then slowly drifted back to his eyes.


    "And¡­ what are you going to do about it?" she asked, now whispering beside his ear to further tease him. "Punish me?"


    "Oh, Shu Xian¡­"


    Shu Xian slightly gasped then giggled when Pan An let her lie down on the couch, now settling himself on top of her as he pinned both of her hands up above her head, against the cushion.


    "You''re going to regret doing this to me¡­"


    "Mmmm¡­"


    Shu Xian bit her bottom lip, her eyes not leaving the professor''s.


    "Am I?"


    And without saying another word, Pan An ced his lips upon hers. With them already kissing and with them doing it for how many times already, it was still capable to make Shu Xian''s heart race in her chest.


    With her hands now released, her left hand held Pan An''s arm while the otherbed through his hair.


    Both of them started making out. With Shu Xian seductively opening her lips slightly for his entry, Pan An dly stuck his tongue out, wanting to taste Shu Xian more in his mouth.


    Shu Xian started feeling warmer than before. With Pan An tasting a little bit like coffee because he drank some while they were watching, Shu Xian started to appreciate coffee even though she had never liked it since she tasted it.


    With Pan An''s hand slowly exploring her body, it then crept inside her shirt, Shu Xian having a sharp gasp against his mouth as she felt his fingertips caress her skin, sending shivers down her spine.


    "Mmm¡­"


    Shu Xian let out a soft mewl, further turning Pan An on. With him parting away from their kiss, both of them were breathy, the professor looking straight into her eyes.


    "You want to stop?"


    Shu Xian didn''t say anything for a while. With her putting her hand on Pan An''s chiseled chest, she bit her bottom lip, admiring silently how his body is perfectly formed.


    She had always noticed how hot the professor was. She was irritated at times when she found him so smug about himself, but now that they are dating and now that she is near him this close, she couldn''t help but gape at him in awe¡ªfeeling good about herself that she got a man like him.


    What''s something that she has that others don''t that made her get his attention?


    To Pan An, is she really that different?


    Shu Xian then tugged on the hem of his shirt, her fingers settled there. With her eyes burning with eagerness and passion, what she said made waked the lion within Pan An, not expecting what she said.


    "Teach me something new, Pan An. Let me touch you."


    A lot of thoughts came into Pan An''s imagination. He imagined her holding his shaft and innocently looking at him with a beet red face and slowly moving her hand up and down.


    God¡­ he even imagined her kissing him there¡ªsucking and licking his entire member as she tried to explore on her own!


    Oh, he had already experienced the wetness and the head at the same time and it was one of the best feelings that he had ever experienced.


    But what would it feel if it were Shu Xian to give it to him? Would it be different?


    Damn¡­ is it considered a sin to even think of her this way?


    The professor didn''t know whether to continue imagining, or end it here since it was wrong of him to wish for it at the same time!


    As Shu Xian noticed Pan An''s silence, she reached out to his face, getting his attention as her thumb caressed her cheek. The moment Pan An looked at her, she knitted her brows together and started to worry.


    "Pan An¡­ is something the matter?"


    Not answering her question, Pan An slowly sat up. With him letting out a small but slow sigh, he rested his back on the rest of the couch, his legs far apart as he felt slightly frustrated that he wanted to keep his sexy passions to himself so he won''t scare her.


    "Nothing¡­ just thinking that we have to stop if you don''t want to regret things."


    "What?"


    Shu Xian then sat up, blinking her eyes a few times as she felt a roller coaster of emotions with how their heated moment suddenly turned into something serious.


    "Please¡­ tell me what you''re thinking of and I''ll be the judge of that. We have different thoughts, Pan An!"


    With that said, Pan An realized that even with their 7-8 years of gap, Shu Xian is more mature than he thought she was.


    As he looked at her for a full three seconds, he then answered her question, making Shu Xian blush in an instant.


    "The moment you told me to teach you, I couldn''t help but think of you in a lewd manner¡ªyou touching me ''there''¡ªtasting me ''there.''"


    Shu Xian was at a loss for words. With her silence making Pan An embarrassed, he turned his head away just so he could no longer look straight into her eyes.


    "Forget it, Shu Xian," he said, already ruffling his shirt from the heated moment that had happened a while ago. "Like we said, let''s take it slow and let the progress speak for itself and¡ª"


    But before he could even leave and finish his sentence, Shu Xian ced her hand delicately on hisp, her soft action telling him that he should stay.


    With the professor now reluctantly looking at her, Shu Xian inched in closer, giving him a kiss on the cheek as her words were fire near his ears.


    "I told you to teach me, didn''t I? Why is my professor hesitating now when I''m so eager to learn? Don''t you have to help a student that is willing to learn?"


    Pan An then watched her. With Shu Xian now daring as opposed to her calm and gentle demeanor, Pan An hitched a breath when he felt Shu Xian tracing her index finger on hisp, going up to the hem of his pants.


    "Shu Xian¡­"


    Pan An said her name in a rather sultry way. The moment her fingertips brushed against the button and zipper, she stopped for a moment, teasing him with a little role-y that she was doing that further woke the ze in him.


    "Professor¡­ may I?"


    Pan An didn''t say a single word but he nodded as his answer. With Shu Xian efficiently unbuttoning his pants as she started to slowly pull the zipper down, seeing Pan An in a ck spandex boxer made him look sexy.


    Wanting to see more, her hands kept still in ce, now looking at the professor as she announced her next question.


    "Can I see more? Will you allow me to, professor?"


    Pan An just watched her expectantly. With not a single wording from his mouth and with not a single noding from him, Shu Xian took it as an agreement, a teasing smirking to her face with what she said next.


    "Silence means yes, I presume¡­"


    And Pan An started taking deep, breathy breaths. With him watching Shu Xian slowly pulling and tugging his pants down, she then settled it on the floor, now settling herself in between his legs as her hands slowly crept up from his leg then stopping on his hardening shaft against his boxers.


    "I think¡­ he needs more room to breathe into," Shu Xianmented, Pan An still mesmerized by her naughtiness. "Will I be given the permission to release him from his misery?"


    Damn! How can an innocent woman be like this when she has not experienced this ever? Is this normal? Is this possible?


    No matter what the answer, Pan An didn''t care¡ªShu Xian is hot this way and he would like to see more!


    "Hmm¡­ let me work on it, then."


    With Shu Xian''s statement snapping Pan An out of his thoughts, the professor then hitched a breath when he felt his underwear being removed by a not-so-innocent girl.

 Chapter 254 - [Bonus ] Then Do Something More With Me Tonight

    [WARNING: This chapter contains mature R-18 content. If you feel ufortable, you have been warned. Do skip. But since it''s Shu Xian and Pan An, then stay. XD Enjoy!]


    ***


    Pan An was still in disbelief¡ªseeing Shu Xian kneeling in between his legs as she marveled at his standing-erect member.


    With a soft blush on his face, he slightly fell shy that Shu Xian was eyeing him with amusement and at the same time curiosity. As Pan An cleared his throat, he got her attention, making her look at him in the eye.


    "You don''t have to force yourself, Shu Xian. I think you''re surprising yourself and you''re too quick to make your decisions."


    "No," Shu Xian immediately answered, not caring that her knees started to hurt against the floor. "I told you¡­ teach me¡­ or else I''ll explore learning myself."


    "Damn¡­ you''ll regret what you''re going to sayter on¡ªyou''re waking up the beast within me!"


    Pan An''s shaft twitched in arousal, slightly surprising Shu Xian that it can move that way without him holding it even. It was her first time seeing one so she was obviously amazed with how a man''s body works.


    Shu Xian bit her bottom lip. With her now liking Pan An''s answer, even she found herself surprised that she is capable of speaking this dirty towards him!


    She knew that she was innocent. She always thought that she would find it awkward that she would talk this way or do sexual acts such as this.


    But little did she know that she was quite of a demoness¡ªa seductress herself!


    Shu Xian then shook herself out of her thoughts. She stood up for a quick time then nted a kiss on Pan An''s cheek, her face not pulling away as she whispered against his ear, sending shivers down his spine.


    "Let me have the liberty to know¡­ and feel free to teach me further as we go on, professor."


    Pan An let out a heavy breath, his eagerness and curiosity obviously shown on his face. With Shu Xian now getting a small pillow from the couch, she settled it on the floor before she bent down again, now morefortable than she was a while ago.


    She then held Pan An''s shaft with shaky fingers, experiencing this for the first time. It made Pan An''s body stiffen as he was experiencing this for the first time after being chaste for how many years since he broke up with Ruo Xi!


    Pan An hitched a breath. With his lips slowly and slightly parting away as he felt Shu Xian''s delicate hand on him, he found himself way more turned onpared to when he was doing it with Ruo Xi when she was his first time.


    Yes, Pan An knew thatparing his past and present should not be done, but he just couldn''t help it.


    How can someone so innocent like Shu Xian be so different and so pleasurable?


    He had never felt this way with just a single touch!


    Breaking him away from his thoughts, Shu Xian started moving her hand up and down as she looked at him. With her hold getting tighter and faster at the same time, Pan An''s breathing started to quicken as he closed his eyes in pleasure.


    ''Damn¡­ it''s been so long but why is it so different with her?''


    "Am I¡­ doing it right?"


    When Shu Xian asked him a question, Pan An opened his eyes. When their gazes locked with each other, he nodded, closing his eyes again as he allowed himself to rx and enjoy while Shu Xian pleasured him with her hand.


    "Yes¡­ just keep doing that."


    Shu Xian nodded, not saying another word. With her watching him being satisfied with her touch, Shu Xian then wondered if there is more than she could do to make him feel good.


    If he made her feel so good before, then is there a way to make him feel the same ecstatic pleasure that she had upon his touch?


    Shu Xian may be on the floor, in between the professor''s legs. However, she found herself in control and in power with the way she made him still and feel good with just her hand.


    It''s as if she got the upper hand! She wondered if she could do more like what he did¡ªtasting her on the bed of his hidden room in one of his possessions.


    With that in thought, she then got curious of what it would have felt like to have him in her mouth¡ªwhat he could possibly taste like.


    As that idea stated in her mind, Shu Xian bent her head down as her face inched in closer to his member, Pan An unaware of her movements since he had his eyes closed, enjoying what was transpiring in between his legs.


    Shu Xian then suck her tongue out. With her tongue flicking at the tip as it swirled and delved on its slit, Pan An opened his eyes in slight surprise as he did not expect Shu Xian to do something so daring since this is her first time having this kind of experience.


    "Sh-Shu Xian," Pan An said her name, stammering at the same time as he couldn''t believe that a simple gesture like this send him a shockwave of pleasure throughout his body. "What are you doing?"


    Shu Xian didn''t answer. With her feeling good that she has the control along with the pleasured facial expression that the professor has on his face, she then continued to explore¡ªnow putting more of his member inside of her mouth.


    "Damn..."


    Pan An grunted under his breath, his teeth gritting together as if trying his best to suppress his sounds of satisfaction.


    Shu Xian had started putting half of his member inside her mouth, her head moving up and down as she sucked on it, her tongue yfully twirling around it.


    Out of pleasure, Pan An tipped his head up as he held Shu Xian''s head, taking a fistful of her hair as he allowed her to give him more pleasure.


    Pan An started to feel worried if he was being rough by putting his hand on her head, but when he opened his eyes for a brief moment to check on her, he noticed that Shu Xian didn''t mind, her slightly quickening the pace as if she liked it.


    ''It has never felt like this,'' Pan An thought,pletely tantalized and mesmerized by Shu Xian before him. ''Damn! It was never like this at all! It feels so good!''


    Shu Xian felt Pan An''s shaft pulsing in her mouth. Feeling satisfied with the reaction, she doubled her pace, wondering what the effect on him is.


    Pan An''s mouth was agape in pleasure as he heaved sighs of pleasure, making him feel that he was about toe.


    ''Damn... this!''


    As Pan An felt his body about to reach its climax, he looked at Shu Xian who was continuing to devour him, his hand on her hair tightening.


    He had never came this quick before¡ªeven with Ruo Xi! Is it because he had never experienced this for the first time? Is it because the woman who had done him is different?


    What the hell is the answer? It''s driving him crazy!


    Shu Xian''s driving him crazy!


    "Sh-Shu Xian!"


    Pan An sounded rmed, not wanting to cum inside of her mouth.


    "You have to stop. I might¡ªshit!"


    It was the first time Shu Xian heard a professor, Pan An at that, curse under his breath. Like his words flipping her like a switch, Shu Xian quickened her pace once more as Pan An let go of her hair, both of his hands now tightening on the couch in sheer pleasure.


    "Mmfh!"


    And there, it came...


    Pan An had released it in her, some of it oozing out of her mouth. Shu Xian then sat up, her eyes still locked on him as she watched Pan An panting in pleasure.


    The smell was strong, but Shu Xian didn''t mind it. She just seductively licked the corner of her lips, surprising Pan An as he didn''t expect that someone as inexperienced as her tasted it and swallowed it when other girls when they had their first time, never dared to do so.


    Shu Xian felt slightly weaker, but he was still erect. With Shu Xian amazed at herself that she had this effect on Pan An, her blush never left her face, now asking him a question.


    "Did that¡­ felt good?"


    Pan An just stared at her, still breathy from Shu Xian''s first blowjob that felt like heaven as if he had experienced it for the first time.


    Without answering her question, Pan An removed his shirt, nowpletely naked before her. He then gently pulled Shu Xian up and let her sit on hisp, not caring that his still-erect shaft is rubbing against her leg.


    "Oh, it felt so good¡­ that I want to do something more with you tonight."


    And with that, what Shu Xian did next was something that caught Pan An off guard.


    With the sight of her removing her shirt and revealing herself only in her bra and dolphin shorts, she got Pan An''s hand and led it to one of her mounds, her words suggesting something more.


    "Then do something more with me tonight, Pan An."

 Chapter 255 - Soon... Youre Going To Be Mine!

    [WARNING: This chapter contains mature R-18 content. If you feel ufortable, you have been warned. Do skip. But since it''s Shu Xian and Pan An, then stay. XD Enjoy!]


    ***


    "Then do something more with me tonight, Pan An."


    Pan An lifted his head from the crook of her neck. With him looking at her eyes, Shu Xian smiled at him and held his face, assuring him that it''s okay.


    "Maybe¡­ we can do it together this time. I don''t see the reason why it should be special when us being together is already special."


    Pan An didn''t know what to say. With his heart racing, he then kissed Shu Xian once more, both of them kissing each other romantically and passionately, taking things slow before going all the way.


    In the slightly dark living room, Pan An and Shu Xian were close enough for them to breathe in each other''s scent. Shu Xian felt love in the way that Pan An kissed her, feeling how his fingers ran through her hair.


    In this moment, Shu Xian loved Pan An with her eyes and lips has much as her body, their souls mingling in the quiet moments between action and stillness.


    In the twilight room their fingers caressed each other''s skin as if afraid that a heavier touch would break the heady magic.


    They will soon be one, one mind¡ªwith one goal and purpose, each utterly in love with each other.


    Pan An then carried Shu Xian to his bedroom. Shu Xian rarely came into his room and to be honest, it is her first time entering so¡ªhaving this intimate moment with him at that.


    They didn''t know why, but the cool room already felt warm. It''s hard to hold back, to make the momentst.


    To Shu Xian, he''s the only man on earth for her, the only one who can breathe fire into her even when she''s cold.


    From this moment on, both of them felt that her clothes are a hindrance, but Pan An solved the problem in under a minute.


    Shu Xian was only seen wearing her underwear. With Pan An looking at her for a while, she suddenly grew curious, a soft blushing to her face.


    "D-don''t look at me too long," Shu Xian shyly said, Pan An only giving her a small smile.


    He didn''t say a word. With them doing it for the first time, even Pan An is starting to feel nervous.


    However, even though the professor is starting to feel nervous, he still did what he knew he can¡ªmaking the best of this moment even though they''re doing it now for the first time.


    Pan An softly ced his lips on Shu Xian again. With her closing her eyes as he allowed him to kiss her passionately, she got turned on the moment she felt his tongue lick her bottom lip for entrance.


    She opened her lips willingly. With their tongues now intertwined, Shu Xian felt his shaft hardening against her, slightly surprising Shu Xian as he felt him in this close proximity since she only wore her underwear.


    They broke away from their kiss. With their eyes burning from desire, they looked at each other, Pan An breaking the silence when he spoke to Shu Xian, his heart racing in his chest.


    "Do you really want to do it?"


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times. She felt the reluctance and nervousness in the man''s voice, but it didn''t offend her.


    She knew Pan An well that he only is concerned about her and hopes that Shu Xian doesn''t feel that she is forced to do this with him.


    Shu Xian held Pan An''s face. With a nod along with a reassuring smile, he led his face to hers and kissed him again, both of their eyes closing as she led his hand on her body.


    Pan An felt his hand heating up. With his right hand slowly making its way to her breast, he cupped it, making Shu Xian moan against his lips as she felt his fingertips brush against her skin.


    He gave it a little squeeze. With him wanting to get a better feeling of her flesh, he pulled her bra down, releasing Shu Xian''s breasts.


    To make it easier for him, Shu Xian arched her back slightly the moment they broke away from their kiss. She unbuckled her bra and settled it at the side of the bed, Pan An now kissing her neck.


    "Mmm¡­"


    Shu Xian ran her hand through his hair, disheveling it. With Pan An now teasing her nipple in between his fingers, the girl parted her lips in pleasure.


    Pan An then opened his eyes. With him wanting to do more, doing it ever so slowly, he trailed kisses down her neck, and then to her breasts. The moment he was in front of her mounds, he teasingly looked at Shu Xian for a brief moment.


    Shu Xian watched him expectantly. With Pan An flicking his tongue at the top of her breasts, Shu Xian gasped, the professor now sucking and licking her left nipple at the same time while his other hand fondled and squeezed the other.


    Shu Xian let out soft moans of pleasure. With the sound of her satisfaction further turning Pan An on, he then trailed kisses on her stomach, to her lower abdomen, and then to her hip.


    Pan An knew that Shu XIan is now anticipating for more. With his right hand that held her breast, now holding the hem of her underwear, he pulled down,pletely revealing Shu Xian naked.


    The professor pulled her panty down slowly, making Shu Xian bite her bottom lip as she felt how expectant she was of what''s about to happen next.


    As the underwear finally left her feet, he settled it down on the floor, admiring Shu Xian''s naked body in full glory.


    Compared to a moment ago, she was now feeling more confident of showing her body. With Pan An smiling at her, Shu Xian blushed to see how tantalizingly handsome he is.


    She loved how Pan An looked on top of her, the professor looking at her longingly as if he always wanted to do this.


    Even she wanted to do this with him¡ªa memory that they will forever share as they make more memories that is about to happen in the future.


    Shu Xian smiled at him back. With her extending both arms at her lover as if telling him toe closer, she spoke sweetly, making Pan An feel loved as she offered herself to him.


    "I adore you, Pan An. I''m all yours."


    What she said was like a signal to Pan An''s brain. It was as if he was the torch and Shu Xian was the fire that lit him up.


    Pan An then kissed Shu Xian once more. With his shaft against her, Shu Xian let out a small moan against his lips once more, Pan An slowly grinding on her entrance to tease her.


    "Mmm¡­"


    Pan An was already naked even before they entered his room. With his hardened shaft released from the tight cloth, he wanted to already thrust himself hard inside Shu Xian, but he knew that he had to take things slow and that he would have to treat her gently.


    With them still continuing to kiss passionately, Pan An''s right hand moved from her waist, to her hip, to her leg, then to what''s in between her legs.


    Shu Xian knew where his hand was going, but still, he allowed him to do so as she decided upon herself that she willpletely offer herself to him.


    Pan An rubbed the tips of fingers on her entrance. Shu Xian sexily bit his bottom lip as she liked the sensation, the girl willingly parting her legs a bit for him to further touch her.


    The professor felt her wet. When he inserted one finger inside, Shu Xian gasped in pleasure and moaned, parting away from their kiss as she felt his finger go in and out of her slowly.


    "A-ah!"


    Pan An watched her close her eyes in satisfaction. With the crook of her neck very inviting, Pan An didn''t hesitate to suck a bit more roughly on her skin, leaving his mark on her as he thought to himself:


    ''Soon¡­ you''re going to be mine!''


    Pan An quickened the pace of his finger entering and exiting her entrance. With Shu Xian hitching a breath, her walls tightened and it became wetter, it was an indication that she is enjoying what Pan An is doing.


    He started rubbing her clitoris with his thumb as he did move his fingers inside her asionally. With Shu Xian''s body writhing in pleasure beneath him, he couldn''t help but wonder what it feels like to ram himself inside her.


    However, knowing that this is both of their first time, and that it may hurt the woman during their first time, he would need to promise to himself to be gentle and to be kind to her so she won''t get hurt.


    How can Shu Xian be so important in his life now in just a short amount of time?

 Chapter 256 - [Bonus ] Help Me Put It In… Please

    [WARNING: This chapter contains mature R-18 content. Please skip if you feel ufortable. You have been warned. For the summoning pens as well, you pervy readers. XD]


    ***


    "A-ah! P-Pan An!"


    When Shu Xian said his name, she was pressing her legs together, an indication that soon, it will be her release.


    "I''-I''m about toe!"


    Pan An felt his heart racing, and his body heating up. With him rubbing the head of his dick on her entrance the moment he withdrew his finger, Shu Xian looked at him in anticipation, the professor stopping the moment their eyes met.


    "Shu Xian¡­" he said the name of the woman he fell in love with, Shu Xian looking at him with such a sexy disheveled look along with the tantalizing blush of pleasure on her face. "I''m going in."


    "M-mm¡­"


    Shu Xian felt a little nervous. With her hearing from the others and reading on the inte how it may hurt during the first time and that there are possibilities of bleeding, she felt slightly uneasy.


    With that in thought, she furrowed her brows in worry, her voice soft as she spoke to Pan An almost in a whisper.


    "Please be gentle."


    Pan An nodded and smiled. With him kissing the top of Shu Xian''s head first, he then put his forehead against hers, Shu Xian gasping a bit when she felt the head of his dick against her entrance.


    "Don''t worry¡­ I''ll be careful."


    Shu Xian hitched a breath and moaned when she felt him slowly enter her. Pan An grunted as he felt her tight, Shu Xian wincing slightly in pain as she felt howrge and hard he was, entering her gently to make sure that she won''t get hurtpletely.


    "N-nggh!"


    Shu Xian''s nails dug on Pan An''s back. With him already halfway inside her, Pan An did a quick thrust inside her, Shu Xian''s legs wrapping around his waist the moment he was sessfully in.


    Pan An''s dick twitched inside of her. The moment their eyes met once more, their forehead were now pressed against each other. The professor then spoke, his breath fanning over Shu Xian''s lips as his concern and love was felt in his question.


    "Shu Xian, are you alright?"


    Shu Xian didn''t say a word. With her only nodding as she now initiated the kiss, Pan An then moved slowly, Shu Xian liking the sensation as her wetness helped him move inside her easily.


    Pan An wanted to move quicker. With the wetness and heat mixing together, it gave him more of a better sensationpared to when Shu Xian engulfed his dick with her mouth and teased it with her tongue.


    It is probably the pressure and tightness of her vagina that made it so good.


    With the professor now quickening his pace, he let out a grunt of satisfaction, somehow a sound that is sexy in Shu Xian''s ears.


    She opened her eyes looking straight into Pan An''s beautiful eyes. Their body started to get warmer and they started to sweat, Shu Xian now panting as she felt herself about toe once more.


    "I love you, Pan An¡­ before I even knew it, I already fell in love with you!"


    "I love you, too, Shu Xian," Pan An replied, the man further quickening his pace as he felt her tightening and at the same time, felt himself about toe along with her release. "I love you so much!"


    ***


    The moonlight illuminated in the room, passing through the gaps of the drawn curtains of his window. It shone on the couple that was sleeping peacefully on the bed, giving them more of a rxing night than they expected.


    Shu Xian embraced Pan An as if he were a child. He copsed right on top of her after they both met their release.


    Even though the professor clumsily ejacted on Shu Xian''s stomach since they didn''t n on doing this tonight and at the same time, not having protection, after cleaning her up with a cloth, both of them immediately drifted off to sleep.


    Pan An wrapped his arms around Shu Xian''s waist. With her hand that ran through his hair, it stayed still that way, both of them findingfort in an ufortable position.


    Shu Xian didn''t bother about the weight on top of her. Pan An loved how soft Shu Xian was¡ªpreferring her over his soft andfortable pillows.


    Of course, nothing feels better than sleeping with the person you love! From this point on, the professor wished that he could sleep with Shu Xian for a lot of days and for more days toe!


    However, with her moving out, then maybe they would just have to enjoy the little time they have together and make each moment count.


    Besides, they have to respect each other''s privacy. Pan An wanting to focus on his career, and Shu Xian wanting to focus on her studies.


    Soon after, the professor opened his eyes. The moment he did, he immediately saw Shu Xianfortably sleeping, having such a peaceful expression on her face.


    He couldn''t help but smile. With him carefully lifting his head up from her chest, Pan Anid on his pillow, Shu Xian moving in her sleep as she made her way to rest instead on his chest, embracing him at the same time.


    With a light chuckleing from the professor, he kissed the top of Shu Xian''s forehead, both of them still naked under the nket.


    "Pan An¡­" Shu Xian mumbled, the professor hearing her perfectly. "What time is it?"


    Pan An looked at the time of his phone. With him seeing that it was already 3:30 in the morning, he told her the answer, Shu Xian letting out a soft sigh.


    "3:30."


    "Then why are you awake?" she asked, furrowing her brows. "Go to sleep¡­ aren''t you tired with all that? We have to go to the university tomorrow."


    Pan An let out another chuckle. With him giving another kiss on the top of her head, he answered her question.


    "Why would I be tired? When I just woke up feeling active than ever?"


    Shu Xian''s body froze when she felt his dick hardening once more when he turned his body to look at her. With the girl''s eyes slowly opening as she was now awake, she blinked her eyes a few times, not believing his energy.


    "Y-you¡­ after all that?"


    Pan An grinned. With his shaft twitching against her stomach, Shu Xian gasped, the professor letting out anotherugh as he found his girl''s reaction cute.


    "I¡ªI don''t want to do it again. I''m still too tired!"


    "Don''t worry," Pan An replied, now giving her a peck on the lips. "Your professor will understand. I''ll have to be patient."


    "G-geez¡­"


    Shu Xian furrowed her brows and pouted her lips, not believing her boyfriend''s enthusiasm now that they''ve done it for the first time together.


    "It''s as if you''re eager for more¡­"


    "Oh, but I am¡­ I won''t lie." Pan An answered, pulling her closer by the waist, no more space between them.


    Shu Xian bit her bottom lip when she felt him hotter and harder¡ªher eyes not leaving his as they stared straight into each other''s eyes.


    "Oh, goodness¡­ don''t tell me you want more."


    Pan An grinned. With his hand shamelessly fondling her breast in their current position, Shu Xian had to admit that she felt another wave of pleasure coursing through her body, as if she was notining of her fatigue hours ago.


    "Only if you allow me to¡­ then I will ask for more."


    Shu Xian didn''t say a single word. With Pan An continuing to tease her nipple once more, Shu Xian closed her eyes in pleasure and let out a slow sigh of satisfaction, an indication to the professor to continue what he''s doing.


    Because of this, Pan An wanted to tease her further.


    "You''re not telling me to stop¡­ maybe it''s you who wants more?"


    Shu Xian opened her eyes. With a noding from her, it turned Pan An on as he felt her hand now touching him, moving up and down.


    "Maybe one more round¡­"


    Pan An obviously liked what he was hearing. With his hand that was squeezing her breast now moving down to her entrance, he teased it, already feeling how wet she is.


    "This quick," hemented, a smirking to his face. "Do you want me already? Hmm?"


    Shu Xian didn''t say a word. With her parting her legs, it gave the professor more space to tease her, allowing for more movement.


    Both of them stared into each other''s eyes. With her lips parting in want and longing, both of them quickened the pace of their hand. Pan An let out a grunt of satisfaction, Shu Xian moaning in pleasure as both of them continued to do what their body desires.


    "I¡­ I''m getting impatient¡­"


    What Shu Xian didpletely surprised Pan An. With her now going on top of him, she sat on him, his dick against her entrance in such a way that it wasn''t going in yet.


    As she shyly bit her lip, she said something that made the professor let out a chuckle, not believing what his girl had said.


    "Help me put it in¡­ please."

 Chapter 257 - Hotdog For Breakfast

    [WARNING: This chapter contains mature R-18 content. Please skip if you feel ufortable. You have been warned.]


    ***


    "Help me put it in¡­ please."


    "Pfft¡­"


    Shu Xian hit his chest. With her face beet red, Shu Xian''s eyebrow twitched in annoyance, not liking his reaction.


    "Or else I''ll give you blue balls forughing at me!"


    "Alright, alright¡­"


    Surprising Shu Xian, he efficiently lifted her up with just one hand, his dick mming inside her now as he put her rather quickly down.


    "A-aah!"


    With her grasping on Pan An''s waist, she stayed still for a while as she felt how hard and deep he was inside her,pared to when he was on top of her.


    As Shu Xian now adjusted and slowly moved up and down on him, Pan An helped her by holding her waist and guiding her, actually loving the show of his girl pleasure him as he watched her satisfying both of themselves.


    ''Damn¡­ Shu Xian looks hotter in this position more than I thought!''


    ***


    They did more than two rounds than they expected. It''s as if it''s no longer the weekday! In a few hours, they would have to go back to university.


    Pan An and Shu Xian found themselves more active even though it was their first night being together, both of them enjoying how they experiment on different positions and liking their forey as well.


    With thempletely depleting their energy, they now decided to rest, Shu Xian resting her head on his chest as Pan An caressed her back.


    "Pan An¡­ do you really mean it before?" she asked, Pan An contemting for a while as he was thinking about what she meant but s, no clues came to mind.


    "About what?"


    Shu Xian raised her head and looked at him.


    "That you''re going to help me with the search of my family."


    Pan An didn''t answer for a while. With a noding from him, he kissed the top of her head, now answering her question so as to reassure her of his intentions and genuine help that he wanted to give her.


    "Of course, Shu Xian. I even thought of this before we were even a couple. I''d really help you find your family because you deserve to learn the truth. I know for a fact that your uncle might be lying to you and that there''s more behind it."


    Shu Xian appreciated his efforts and his genuine intention to help. With her kissing his cheek, she told him about what he had talked about with Shi Lian and Zhang Ren when they visited a while ago.


    "Zhang Ren asked me about my background¡­ and that he is willing to help me with the help of his grandfather, Mr. Chen."


    Pan An was surprised to hear that. With him arching a brow at her in amusement, he knew who Mr. Chen is and wanted to further validate about it with her.


    "You mean¡­ that boy Shi Lian''s dating¡­ is Mr. Chen''s grandson?"


    "Yup," Shu Xian nodded, furrowing her brows together. "I was surprised as well. I was not familiar of who the man is until Shi Lian exined it to me and I was mind blown, too. I also learned about Zhang Ren''s background of his depression that''s why he''s here away from his family."


    "I see." Pan An let out a sigh,menting about what he heard. "So he actually is facing some struggles on his own. He hid it well. I hope he''s doing well," he added, Shu Xian nodding in agreement.


    "You really wouldn''t know from a person''s outer looks. He really dressed simply and his impressive background is such a mystery. I feel honored that he trusted us with this information and that I''m happy that he''s really willing to help me."


    Pan An turned to his side, now looking at Shu Xian straight in the eyes.


    "Mr. Chen is an impressive man, Shu Xian. In Country S, he owned almost all of the businesses there so he really has connections and good ones at that. Even those in the underground wouldn''t want to mess with him."


    "I see! Do you think that he could really help me with looking into my family?"


    "Yes," Pan An immediately answered. "I hate to admit it, but maybe he''d get more information that we could. But even then, I''d like to n with him because other than you being his friend, you''re my girl."


    Shu Xian liked hearing thest part, making her grin ear to ear. With her now cuddling Pan An, he kissed the top of her head, feelingfortable in each other''s arms.


    "I didn''t think that I''d ever get to say this¡­ but it''s as if I want to skip ssester on just to stay at home."


    Pan An let out a chuckle, agreeing to what she said.


    "I''d want that, too¡­ but if both of us are out of university, they might suspect a thing, don''t you think? With how I frequently call you out just to make out with you in the neighboring ssroom."


    Shu Xian scoffed.


    "You brought that to yourself. It''s not my fault."


    Pan An didn''t say another word. He felt his heart warming up. With him pulling Shu Xian in another embrace, he kissed her longer this time, Shu Xian resting her head on the crook of his neck afterward.


    "I just want to keep still like this¡ªwith you while you''re not yet moving out."


    "Me, too."


    However, what Shu Xian felt next ruined their sweet moment. When she felt his dick harden against her thigh, she snapped her eyes at him to look at him, Pan An chuckling as he asked her another shameless question.


    "Want to have another round?"


    "Geez¡­ Pan An!"


    The professor ignored her scolding tone. However, when he positioned himself on top of her and kissed her, Shu Xian did not push him away¡­


    Indicating that they may have another round before sleeping and waking upter than usual.


    ***


    Shu Xian further cuddled herself on the professor''s chest. With Pan An not minding how clingy she is, he just embraced her, the sunlight hitting both of them as it indicated that it''s already morning.


    It was Pan An who opened his eyes first. Seeing Shu Xian first thing in the morning made him feel warm, embracing her tighter as he wanted to enjoy this moment before they go to the universityter on.


    "Mmm..."


    Shu Xian groaned as she felt Pan An''s arms tighten around her.


    "You''re crushing me..."


    "Good morning." Pan An just greeted her, nting a lot of kisses on her face to wake her up. "Wake up. It''s already 6 o''clock in the morning."


    "Whaaaaat?"


    Shu Xian slowly opened her eyes, rubbing her eyes with her hand.


    "But I want to sleep more... with all that..."


    However, Shu Xian widened her eyes when she felt Pan An hardening against her. The moment her eyes were opened, Pan An grinned ear to ear, making Shu Xian roll her eyes at him with what she heard.


    "Morning boner. I either stand up and go to the bathroom to settle this... or we may do so together in a form of a morning exercise."


    Shu Xian hit his chest. With Pan An''s morning voice along with hisugh something she has rarely heard, Shu Xian narrowed her eyes at him and just smiled, already stretching as she sat up.


    Shu Xian didn''t mind that the moment she sat up, the nket that wrapped their body fell down on the bed. With her still naked and with Pan An marveling at her body, he couldn''t help but kiss her waist, tickling Shu Xian as she jolted a little.


    "Hey, don''t do that~!"


    Pan An''s hands were naughty so early in the morning! With it touching her breasts, Shu Xian hitched a breath the moment his hands touched both of them and squeezed them.


    Shu Xian didn''t even notice when the professor had sat up. With her closing her eyes as she bit her bottom lip in pleasure, Shu Xian rested her head on his shoulder, Pan An continuing to tease her as he flicked her nipples with his fingers.


    "So... do you want the morning exercise?"


    "P-Pan An..."


    Shu Xian moaned, her eyebrows furrowing in satisfaction as she then opened her eyes and ran her hand through his hair.


    "Stop it... I''m at least hungry for breakfast now."


    But Pan An didn''t stop. What he said next made Shu Xianugh out loud, kind of ruining the moment.


    "Don''t you want a hotdog for breakfast?"


    "Stop it!"


    Shu Xian couldn''t help butugh more, already removing his hands that were enjoying her body. With Pan An pouting as if he was a child, he plopped to the bed and watched her standing up from the bed.


    "I''ll be using your bathroom to freshen up this morning, thank you very much."


    Without even bothering to hear the professor''s reply, Shu Xian already briskly walked to his bathroom, Pan An sighing the moment he heard the door close.


    ''Damn¡­ why can she resist me when I find it so difficult to resist her?''

 Chapter 258 - Really Taking Advantage

    ~Earlier~


    Wang Lei hailed for a cab going back to the house. The moment he arrived, he was greeted by Yu Yan''s mom and Yu Yan''s son.


    "Mr. Wang Lei, Mr. Wang Lei!"


    The little mooncake suddenly jumped in Wang Lei excitedly, surprising Yu Yan as she didn''t expect her son to be this enthusiastic upon seeing his boss.


    "I-I''m sorry, Mr. Wang Lei! My son, he¡ª"


    However, what they saw next was something that they didn''t expect. Wang Lei carried Li Jie, the little boy giggling as he was lifted in the air.


    "Thank you for greeting me, Li Jie," Wang Lei said, now asking him how he is. "How are you? Did you get a nice sleep for you to be this active?"


    "Yes," Li Jie answered with a giggle, already brought down on the floor. "Mama and Nainai told me that you carried me to the room. Thank you for being nice!"


    Wang Lei smiled at Li Jie''s kindness. With him giving him a pat on the head, the little boy held Wang Lei''s hand then started pulling him.


    "Come on,e on~! We were waiting for you before we could eat dinner!"


    Wang Lei blinked his eyes a few times, looking at Yu Yan and her mother.


    "You waited for me? You could have eaten on ahead. Li Jie must be hungry."


    "No, no, it''s alright, dear," Yu Yan''s mother immediately answered, already standing up from the single couch then linked her arm with his. "Let''s go and eat now, yes? I''m actually happy that you''re here with us."


    With Yu Yan''s mouth agape as she was surprised with how her son and mother are hogging her boss, her heart raced in her chest as she felt uneasy with how the two are treating him.


    ''Oh¡­ he may look nice but he may feel ufortable already.''


    With her following the three in tow, they already arrived in the dining room, Wang Lei already getting a whiff of the meal that was prepared on the table.


    There were dumplings on the table, along with sweet and sour pork. With chao fan prepared, he actually felt famished, already smiling at Yu Yan''s mother and her as he thanked them for the dinner.


    "Thank you so much for preparing dinner. I''m excited to eat."


    With Wang Lei sitting down first, Li Jie sat beside Wang Lei, Yu Yan and her mother sitting across them. As Yu Yan looked at Li Jie, she slightly furrowed her brows, feeling embarrassed that he isfortably sitting beside Wang Lei.


    "Umm¡­ mooncake? Can you join mama so that I can feed you here?"


    Li Jie furrowed his brows, innocently answering his mama.


    "But I can eat on my own. I don''t need any feeding. I want to sit beside Mr. Wang Lei!"


    Yu Yan blushed, already finding her son quite defiant now that Wang Lei is with them. Without him, Li Jie would always follow his mother and grandmother but with a man rarely with them, could it be the reason why Li Jie is now this active?


    "Li Jie¡­" Yu Yan''s voice etched seriousness, making Li Jie''s body stiffen on the chair since he rarely saw his mother''s scolding tone. "I told you that you have to¡ª"


    "Yu Yan," Wang Lei interrupted, already putting sweet and sour pork and dumplings in his bowl, along with a small portion of chao fan. "It''s alright. I can watch over Li Jie. If he wants to sit beside me, then he could."


    "But¡­"


    Yu Yan felt warm in her heart. With how Wang Lei was patient and sweet with her son, she thought that she could trust him with her and just allowed Li Jie to act this way since her boss didn''t mind it.


    However, with what Wang Lei said next, Yu Yan already felt that he wanted to tease her¡­


    "It''s alright for Li Jie to act this way with me around. Besides, if I get closer with him, I''d definitely get closer with you, no?"


    With a winking after what he said, Yu Yan''s eyebrow twitched, feeling slightly annoyed now that she knew what his intentions are!


    ''So¡­ he really thought that he could get my attention just by being close with my son. This man¡­''


    Yu Yan''s mother understood what they were talking about. With her not minding it as she only let out a soft chuckle, it''s as if she was siding with the CEO, the woman already reaching out to Wang Lei''s te to give him more dumplings.


    "Eat more, dear. Maybe little Li Jie would want to ask you to yter on since he had a rather long nap this afternoon."


    "Oh, of course."


    With Wang Lei respectfully reaching out to the dumplings with his bowl, he even smiled at Yu Yan''s mother sincerely, Li Jie''s eyes twinkling like stars as he admired his mother''s boss.


    "Wow, Mr. Wang Lei~! When I grow up, I want to be like you¡ªso nice and respectful!"


    Yu Yan''s eyebrow twitched once more. With her having an internal monologue in her head about Wang Lei''s real nature, she then wished to herself that her son won''t see beyond Wang Lei''s personality.


    ''Oh, my little mooncake¡­ when you get older and when you learn about his past along with how he treats other women, you wouldn''t want to be like him!''


    "Mama, mama!"


    Yu Yan snapped out of her thoughts. With her smiling at Li Jie as she took a bite of her dumpling, Li Jie asked her a question that made her cough on her food profusely.


    "Can Mr. Wang Lei be my father, pretty please?"


    *Cough, cough*


    Yu Yan kept hitting her chest. With her mother quickly patting her back, she was too worried to help her, asking Wang Lei to get a ss of water for her daughter.


    "Oh, Wang Lei, dear¡­ can you please get Yu Yan water?"


    "Of course," Wang Lei said, internally chuckling as he liked Yu Yan''s reaction towards her son''s statement.


    He thought to himself that if he couldn''t favor Yu Yan for now, then he would have to get the favor of her mother and especially his son and luckily and surprisingly enough¡­


    It''s starting to progress!


    With Yu Yan ring at Wang Lei as she took the ss of water from him, she drank it in one down, wiping the corner of her lips before answering her son.


    "Oh, Li Jie," she started, giving him a small smile. "Mr. Wang Lei is mama''s boss! It would be inappropriate to say that even though he''s a great man."


    Li Jie pouted. With him looking at Yu Yan then back at Wang Lei, he made ament with his softest voice that almost broke the three adults'' heart.


    "But I always wanted a father¡­ Mr. Wang Lei is the only man that visited mama¡­"


    Oh, their heart! How can children be this innocently cute!?


    However, even though Yu Yan wanted to do something about her son''s request, she knew that she and Wang Lei just couldn''t happen.


    First, he''s her boss.


    Second, he''s a womanizer.


    And third¡­ she wants her focus only on Li Jie!


    "Li Jie¡­" Yu Yan spoke softly, love evident in her voice. "We will talk about thister, alright? For now, you won''t understand it¡­ but mama wants you to stop thinking about this for now, alright?"


    Li Jie gave up, the excitement in his eyes dying out. With him nodding as he was now silent, he just nodded once to his mother, breaking Yu Yan and Yu Yan''s mother''s heart to see him this way.


    Heck, even Wang Lei who wasn''t so fond of children made him feel uneasy seeing cute little Li Jie this way! With him shaking himself out of his thoughts, he smiled at Li Jie and put his hand on his shoulder, now talking to him sincerely to cheer him up.


    "Listen to your mother," Wang Lei said, further talking to him. "I know you''re a good boy. Don''t worry¡­ I will visit from time to time and y with you. You want that?"


    Li Jie''s eyes then shown like stars as if he was given hope. With him looking at his mother and grandmother, he announced what he heard even though the two of them heard Wang Lei.


    "You hear that, mama, nainai? Mr. Wang Lei said he''d visit every now and then to y!"


    "That''s right," Yu Yan''s mother said, beaming at Mr. Wang Lei to say thank you.


    Yu Yan was grateful that Wang Lei had wiped the sad smile away from her Li Jie''s face. With her mouthing a thank you, what little Li Jie had said next made Yu Yan freeze on her seat, along with Wang Lei''s answer.


    "Great! So that would mean after work, you''re going to be going home with mama every evening and be sleeping here?"


    Yu Yan had never thought of that! With her head snapping at Wang Lei, the CEO just smirked at her, back at their teasing game as Wang Lei answered his question for Yu Yan.


    "Yes. Your mama and I will being home together frequently now. You want that?"


    "Yeah!"


    With Yu Yan''s mother giggling on her seat, Yu Yan discreetly red at her boss, not expecting the sudden turn of events.


    ''You''re really taking advantage of this, Wang Lei¡­ you''re really taking advantage of this!''


    ***


    MASS RELEASE OF 30 CHAPS WILL HAPPEN SOON! 12 AM GMT+8, OCTOBER 1ST, 2021!

 Chapter 259 - I Want Him

    Wang Lei was ying with Li Jie. With the giggle of the little boy heard as Yu Yan yed with them, she couldn''t actually keep up with how Li Jie and Wang Lei were ying because they were using cars.


    "Vroom vroom!" said the little boy as he was zooming back and forth his small sports car. With Wang Lei seated on the carpet as the bow was on his knees ying, Wang Lei got a ck sports car and drove it near his car.


    "So, do you like red sports car?"


    "Yes!" Li Jie immediately answered his question. "When I grow up, I''d definitely want to have one so I can let my mama and nainai ride~!"


    "Alright," Wang Lei said, acknowledging his answer with a pat on the head. "I know you''re going to reach your dream. May I know what you want to be in the future?"


    "Hmm¡­"


    Innocent little Wang Lei blinked his eyes a few times, cocking his head to the side as he wondered about Wang Lei''s question.


    "I don''t know what I wanna be. But I think I wanna be great like you!"


    Wang Lei smiled. With Yu Yan amazed that Wang Lei can manage a little boy like Li Jie very well, she just watched them from the corner of her eye as she served Wang Lei tea that her mother just made a moment ago.


    "Thank you," Wang Lei thanked his secretary, Yu Yan just giving him a nod.


    As they were ying and while Li Jie''s grandmother excused herself to sleep already, Wang Lei continued ying with Li Jie, the television turned on as Yu Yan was watching a TV show.


    While the show suddenly went for amercial break, Li Jie suddenly stopped ying his cars when he saw an advertisement of a race track shown with electric powered cars zooming back and forth.


    The little boy''s eyes shone like stars as he was immediately in awe with how the toy was moving. With him eager as if wanting to hold the exact same toy from the advertisement, Wang Lei and Yu Yan saw how Li Jie immediately withdrew his gaze, looking at his little toy with content.


    "What''s wrong, Li Jie?" Wang Lei asked, the little boy shaking his head as he looked at his mother.


    "Nothing, Mr. Wang Lei. I was looking at the toy and only found it amazing."


    Wang Lei cocked his head to the side. "And¡­ you want it?"


    "I do," Li Jie honestly answered, smiling at his mother with such a sweet grin on his cute face. "But I don''t want my mama to buy something unnecessary as that. I am still happy with my toy. Li Jie is a good boy. Li Jie knows that we need to buy more important stuff other than this."


    "Oh, mooncake."


    Yu Yan didn''t know whether tough or cry because of what her son had said. She wanted to be happy because her son already opted for a simple lifestyle with only having a few toys, but at the same time, she felt bad that her son said it this way when it is his right to y and enjoy.


    "Li Jie¡­" Yu Yan inched in closer and scooped him in her arms and gave him three kisses on top of his head. "You know you can ask me anything as you are a good boy and you don''t demand for it. You''re a good boy. You deserve this as you are such a nice boy."


    "I know, mama," Li Jie said, giving his mama a kiss on the cheek and tried his best to embrace her with his little arms. "But don''t worry. It''s amazing and all, but Li Jie is happy with what he has for now."


    Wang Lei couldn''t help but smile. With him patting the little boy''s head, Li Jie''s eyes shone when he was insteadplimented by the man and then said something that he always wished for.


    He always wanted to hear something so endearing from a man¡ªa man that he would like to be his father.


    "Don''t worry, Li Jie," Wang Lei said, giving him another pat on the head. "I will give you the toy as a gift for being a good boy not only to your mama, but for having such good principles I have never thought of even when I was a child."


    "R-really~!?"


    Li Jie''s smile was different and joyfulpared to the smiles that he usually shown his family. With him looking at his mother eagerly, Yu Yan couldn''t also believe what her boss Wang Lei had said, blinking her eyes a few times.


    "Mr. Wang Lei is such a good man! I hope in the future, I''d really be like this to other people!"


    Yu Yan couldn''t help but cough. With her only faking a smile and then nodding as she couldn''t help but think that maybe Wang Lei is doing this because he wanted to get her favor by being close with her son.


    "Thank you, Mr. Wang Lei," Yu Yan said fakely, doing her best to conceal her annoyance because of his hidden agenda. "I will dly be happy that you are going to give my son such a nice present out of your good heart."


    There was even sarcasm hinted in her voice! With Wang Lei chuckling, Li Jie snapped them out of their thoughts with what he said next.


    "I''m really happy that I am now ying with a guy, Mr. Wang Lei! It has always been my mama, but she rarely ys with me, too, because of her busy schedule!"


    Both of the adults suddenly became silent. With them focused on work, and with how Wang Lei always asked Yu Yan to do overtime, he only realized in the boy''s statements now that he was keeping her from him because of how often he asked his secretary to do overtime.


    With how Yu Yan was notining about it, Wang Lei could now deduce that Yu Yan did not say no because she was only doing this to have extra money for how she raised Li Jie.


    As the little boy now stood up from the carpet, he yawned, already excusing himself as he also felt the need tofort himself in thefort room.


    "Please wait for me," the little boy said with great manners. "I need to go pee-pee."


    With that, the two adults just smiled at him, Li Jie now running off as he went to the nearestfort room. As the two, Yu Yan and Wang Lei are now alone in the living room, the CEO looked at his secretary, an apologetic smile appearing on his face.


    "I''m sorry for keeping you from your son."


    "It was not your intention," Yu Yan said, giving him a small smile as well. "You didn''t know yet that I have a son and besides, I have to be honest, I needed the ie. I have a little boy to raise alone."


    Wang Lei couldn''t say anything. With him only nodding once, what he said next further surprised his secretary as she didn''t expect what he heard from him.


    "You know¡­ I meant it without hidden agendas when I told your son that I will give him a toy."


    Yu Yan blinked her eyes a few times, quite confused.


    "Why? Didn''t you say that so you could curry favor to me?"


    Wang Lei couldn''t help butugh. With him arching a brow at her, he did an Indian seat on the carpeted floor and folded his arms in front of his chest.


    "I would like to do that¡­ but I have to be honest. Your little Li Jie had melted my heart with his manners and mature thinking for his age. You really raise him well."


    Yu Yan brimmed with pride. Nothing feels better than a personplimenting on how she raised his child. With her nodding in agreement as she didn''t hold back with her smile, she genuinely thanked her boss.


    "Thank you, then, Mr. Wang Lei¡­ for yourpliment."


    With a nod, Wang Lei even told her a proposal that surprised Yu Yan yet again.


    "Even though I gave you more time home, then maybe I could do work here and we could extend work hours here since we live in the same house. For you to check on Li Jie every now and then. What do you think?"


    Yu Yan arched both of her eyebrows.


    "You really want to do that?"


    "Sure," Wang Lei said, a mischievous grin also appearing on his face. "Other than sincerely wanting you to be with your son, I''d also take this opportunity to prove my point."


    Yu Yan scoffed, rolling her eyes at him as she also folded her arms in front of her chest.


    "Which is?"


    "That I mean what I said."


    Wang Lei inched in closer, his face near hers.


    "You¡­ will understand what I mean."


    As they continued staring at each other, little did they know that before Li Jie came, he was hiding behind a wall, watching them with sparking eyes as he thought to himself:


    ''Mama and Mr. Wang Lei are this close? I want him as my baba!''


    ***


    MASS RELEASE OF 30 CHAPS WILL HAPPEN SOON! 12 AM GMT+8, OCTOBER 1ST, 2021!

 Chapter 260 - [Bonus ] Could Have That

    "The night was dark, for the moon was young and the stars were asleep and rare; The clouds were thick, yet Youth went out to see his Maiden fair."


    Wang Lei volunteered to put Li Jie to sleep because little did they know that the little boy was actually being a matchmaker to the two!


    With him wanting to have more time with Wang Lei, he asked him to put him to sleep, Wang Lei now telling him a poem entitled "Bad of a Mother''s Heart" by Jose La Vi Tierra.


    "''Dear One,'' he pleaded as he knelt. Before her feet, in tears, ''My love is true; why have you kept me waiting all these years?''"


    Li Jie was listening to the poem intently. With him in awe with how Li Jie is telling him the poem, Yu Yan was listening by the doorframe, leaning on her shoulder.


    "The maiden looked at him unmoved, it seemed, and whispered low: ''Persistent Youth, you have to prove by deeds your love is true.''"


    "Oooh¡­"


    Li Jie furrowed his brows, making him look cuter this way. It was a good thing that he looked so much like her mother rather than his father¡­


    "I don''t like how the girl is testing the boy for his love."


    With a light chuckle, Wang Lei continued the next parts of the poem for him to finish his story telling.


    "''There''s not a thing I would not do for you, Beloved,'' said he. ''Then go,'' said she, ''to your mother dear and bring her heart to me.''"


    Yu Yan saw a new side to her CEO boss. As she couldn''t help but smile, she listened to him, also wanting to know more about the poem that she is not familiar of.


    "Without another word, Youth left and went to his mother dear. And opened her breast and took her heart. He did not shed a tear!"


    "No~!"


    Li Jie eximed, feeling annoyed with how the story turned out. With him fuming cutely in anger, Wang Lei couldn''t help but pinch the bridge of his nose as he spoke.


    "How could the boy do that to his mother? I can never do that to my mama!"


    "I know you wouldn''t," Li Jie acknowledged, really finding him cute and irresistible. "You''re such a good boy and your mama raised you well. Now listen, and I want you to have an important life lesson from this story, yes?"


    "Mm~!"


    And with that, Li Jie went quiet, Wang Lei continuing the next parts of the poem.


    "Then back to his Maiden fair he ran, unmindful of the rain; But his feet slipped and he fell down and loud he groaned with pain!"


    Yu Yan found Wang Lei passionate with his enunciation of the poem. With her also paying attention, it''s as if she was a child listening to a good story-teller.


    "Still in his hand he held the prize that would win his Maiden''s hand; And he thought of his mother dear so kind, so sweet, so fond."


    Li Jie''s eyes then started pooling tears, a boy at his age understanding how big a mother''s love can be as the message of the poem.


    "And then he heard a voice, not from his lips but all apart: ''Get up,'' it said; ''Were you hurt, Child?'' It was his mother''s heart."


    With thest stanza of the poem mentioned, Li Jie couldn''t help but voice out his opinions, not really liking the guy in the story.


    "I don''t like how the boy was tested with his love. If I were him, I would not choose a girl like her that would want to harm my mama. I will always have my mama first."


    "Yes, that''s a good thing. And I know that you are never going to hurt your mama."


    With a smile on his face, Li Jie noticed his mother. With him calling out to him as he reached out to her, Yu Yan came to his side and sat on the side of the bed.


    "What''s up, my little mooncake?"


    Li Jie smiled. With him pointing at his cheek, he made a request that Yu Yan just couldn''t say no.


    "Kiss me on the cheek?"


    Yu Yan immediately showered him with kisses on the face. With a giggle, he looked at Li Jie, making Yu Yan blushed.


    "Kiss Mr. Wang Lei on the cheek, too?"


    Wang Lei couldn''t help butugh out loud, tipping his head up with how the little boy said this innocently. With this happening, Yu Yan couldn''t help but blush as she shook her head profusely.


    "Dear¡­ that is inappropriate for me to do. Please don''t say such words to him, alright?"


    "Oh, alright¡­"


    Li Jie pouted, making him look like a wronged little boy.


    "I did not mean to. I just see that since Mr. Wang Lei told me a story today, that we should thank him properly. Look. I will kiss Mr. Wang Lei on the cheek!"


    Before Yu Yan could even reject, Li Jie already sat up and nted a kiss on his cheek. With Yu Yan wanting to scold him, Li Jie butted in and made ament.


    "It''s just a simple thank you like how you always kiss me on the cheek! Is it bad?"


    Yu Yan didn''t know how to exin to her son. However, with what Wang Lei did next, it''s as if Yu Yan''s eyes almost popped out of their sockets, making Li Jie giggle as he liked what he saw.


    It was Wang Lei who kissed her on the cheek instead, with what he said next making the little boy feel happy.


    "I''d rather thank your mom because I had a good time with such a good boy like you."


    "Hihi! I knew it that Mr. Wang Lei would love this~!"


    Yu Yan narrowed her eyes at him. With Wang Lei already standing up from his seat, he already excused himself, saying onest good night to Li Jie.


    "Good night, Li Jie. And I hope you will sleep well tonight."


    "Thank you, Mr. Wang Lei!" the little boy thanked him gratefully. "Mama will still tuck me in. I hope you have a nice sleep, too!"


    And with that, the the CEO just nodded, now leaving the mother and son alone as they had a time to themselves before turning in for the night.


    ***


    Wang Lei went to his office. With him typing away some documents that he wanted to settle that is found in his email, he furrowed his brows as he went serious¡ªdoing work as he was unable to sleep earlier.


    He would want to turn in earlier, but when he tried, he just couldn''t keep Yu Yan out of his thoughts, the idea of them living in the same house with his family something that made him imagine.


    It''s as if it''s his own family¡ªespecially when he felt warm being around little Li Jie all the time.


    Not wanting to think ahead of himself as he didn''t want to take advantage of this situation, he continued typing away as his eyes skimmed and scanned on some documents found on his email.


    As he was taking down notes and then scrolling down at his other documents on his second screen, Yu Yan passed by the open office door, arching a brow at him as she didn''t expect him to be still awake at 11 in the evening.


    "Wang Lei?"


    With her no longer addressing to him formally, he peered over hisputer screen, giving her a small smile before he continued reading the documents.


    "Yu Yan? Why aren''t you asleep?"


    "I could ask you the same thing," Yu Yan answered andmented, already leaning on the door frame as she embraced herself, only wearing a robe that covered her body.


    From where he was, Wang Lei discreetly gaped at her through the gaps of his twoputer screens just so he could admire her body.


    Never did he expect her to look this sexy!


    Was she always this attractive?


    "Want to have some coffee or a sandwich?"


    With her question snapping himself out of his thoughts, Wang Lei nodded and pretended to focus on his screen, grateful that the dark room didn''t let Yu Yan see him looking at her secretly.


    "Yes, please."


    "On it. Take it as my thank you for giving time to my son."


    As she left without even expecting for a reply, Wang Lei then slumped on his office chair and swivelled it for him to look outside the window.


    Soon after, he let out a sigh, the moon brighter than ever as it was full tonight¡ªmaking thete evening more beautiful and at the same time, mystical.


    "This Yu Yan¡­ why am I making sudden decisions that even I could get surprised at every now and then?"


    With him continuing to look at the view outside his window, he couldn''t help but imagine Yu Yan''s smiling face¡ªthe kind of smile she always showed to Li Jie.


    He wondered if someday¡­ he could have that kind of smile from her.


    ***


    MASS RELEASE OF 30 CHAPS WILL HAPPEN SOON! 12 AM GMT+8, OCTOBER 1ST, 2021!

 Chapter 261 - Indeed Meant Something

    Yu Yan arrived in the office with Wang Lei''s creamy coffee along with a tuna sandwich. With her already settling it on the table, she allowed herself to sit on the couch and then eat since she also made a share for herself.


    As Wang Lei thanked her with a nod and a smile, he then saved the documents¡ªalready done with half of what he''s going to do tomorrow. With a stretch, he then took a small sip of his coffee, Yu Yan starting a conversation.


    "With the documents that you did and updated in your email, is there something that you want me to do?"


    "Yes," Wang Lei immediately answered, putting his cup of coffee down as he leanedfortably on the rest of his swivel chair. "Just put a short summary and updates of the changes and print it so that in the morning, it''s already prepared on my desk."


    "Alright," Yu Yan said, already taking a bite of her sandwich.


    With them already in afortable silence, Wang Lei wanted to change the topic as he noticed that it was always a topic about work when ites to them being together. As he released a small sigh, Yu Yan looked at him, chewing on her sandwich.


    "Oh! Do you want me to leave?"


    "Oh, no, no," Wang Lei immediately answered, also taking his sandwich as he now stood up and sat beside her, with his coffee carried on his other hand. "It''s just that since we''re together, can we not talk about work and then have a topic that''s anything under the sun?"


    With this proposed and suggested, Yu Yan blinked her eyes a few times, nodding slowly once as she cocked her head to the side.


    "Alright¡­ but what should we talk about, then?"


    Wang Lei didn''t expect her to be so willing about this. He thought that Yu Yan would feel ufortable because of what they have shared a while ago and because of what they talked about a while ago as well.


    However, Yu Yan showed how mature she was¡ªnot letting the past hinder her.


    Thus, what Wang Lei didn''t know was that deep down, Yu Yan was conscious of him noticing her uneasiness through the beating of her heart.


    She''s actually grateful that she can conceal her feelings good enough because of how long she had worked for the CEO.


    "Hmm¡­"


    Wang Lei took another bite of his sandwich. With him actually enjoying how it was made, it''s as if he wanted to request another slice but then again, eating too much in the evening is not always advisable.


    "I''d like to know more about you," Wang Lei said, making Yu Yan arch a brow at him, letting out a soft chuckle.


    "Oh, Wang Lei¡­ there is nothing interesting about me other than my little Li Jie," she answered, taking a small sip of her tea instead, rather than her making a coffee for herself.


    As she settled her cup on the coffee table in front of them, Wang Lei rested his back on the couch''s cushion, asking a question instead so they could start a conversation about her.


    "Well¡­ at least tell me what your interests are? As it may seem like a small talk, it''s good to start here, don''t you think?"


    "True," Yu Yan agreed, nodding as she gave him a small smile that was enough to make his heart feel warm in his chest. "Well¡­ I could tell you how I was when I was young."


    This introduction had actually gotten his attention. With him giving her an acknowledging nod, he further asked a question that is rted to her suggestion.


    "How were you when you were young?"


    "Well¡­" Yu Yan started, tucking some tendrils of her hair behind her ear. "I may have suggested it, but it''s not actually something interesting," she added, Wang Lei just gesturing for her to continue.


    "As a youngdy¡­ probably around college," she began, getting the full attention of Wang Lei. I was actually considered one of the most desired women."


    With herughing as she couldn''t believe it herself, Wang Lei couldn''t help but grin at her, interested as to why was that the im.


    "Tell me why," Wang Lei asked, Yu Yan shaking her head as she recalled what other men thought.


    "I don''t see myself that way¡­ but they call me a simple beauty¡ªlike a woman with brains and wit. Thetter part, I proudly agree. But the aforementioned? Maybe I mayck that confidence on my part. I always focused on my studies, so I never give so much thought on it."


    "And?" Wang Lei arched a brow at her. "I''m guessing that you are getting more attention that what you wanted?"


    "Oh, you''re right," Yu Yan agreed, rolling her eyes at him at the same time. "Some men were courting me, but no one actually got my attention. Let''s just say that they''re not my type."


    "Hmm¡­"


    Wang Lei then got interested, now getting his cup of coffee as he took a small sip.


    "What is your type then, Yu Yan?"


    With that questioning from the CEO, her boss at that, Yu Yan hesitated to answer after she gave it a thought. However, with her finding it unusual that she isfortable to talk about anything with him, she thought if it''s because of the atmosphere that they are in now.


    Both of them casual with each other since they know that they are alone at home and that the home is something where they can be themselves.


    "My type of man," Yu Yan started, snapping herself out of her thoughts. "I think it would have to be a man who is a gentleman¡ªone that is smart and at the same time, gentle. Good looks is a bonus."


    Wang Lei arched a brow at her.


    "And you think that there are no men like that?"


    "Oh, there are," Yu Yan admitted, nodding at the same time. "It''s just that¡­ I think that no one actually took my fancy. I tried giving some men a try, but as it progressed before, I just can''t see myself with them, you know? Because of that, people say I''m hard to get."


    Wang Lei smiled, actually liking this part of Yu Yan. With her really unique from those women who usually throw themselves at him, it made Yu Yan more desirable since she is not a woman who would always curry favor to him to get his attention.


    He wondered if Li Jie weren''t around as now that she is giving most of her attention to him¡­ would he have seeded in getting her attention?


    With him not afraid to ask her a question, he took a bite of his sandwich, already finishing his slice. He then spoke, making Yu Yan blink her eyes a few times.


    "Do you think¡­ that I could get your attention before if we met earlier before work and before Li Jie existed?"


    Yu Yan was true to herself. With a grining to her face, she immediately shook her head, not hesitating to answer his question.


    "No. To be honest, if I''d met you, I won''t sumb to your ways. I hate womanizers."


    "Ouch," Wang Lei reacted, feigning hurt as he put his hand on his chest and winced. "Never hesitating to answer honestly, huh, dear?"


    With both of them alreadyughing out loud, they suddenly silenced when they locked eyes with each other. With them unknowingly thinking about the kiss, Yu Yan suddenly spoke about it, catching Wang Lei off guard.


    "You know¡­ even if we kissed again right now, I could tell you that there is no meaning behind it and that I would feel nothing."


    "Oh?" Wang Lei smirked. "Is this a challenge?"


    Yu Yan cocked her head to the side. "Perhaps."


    Wang Lei couldn''t help but get interested on Yu Yan. With him alsomenting on what she said, Yu Yan smirked, as if she was under in the impression of him challenging her as well.


    "Like you imed it, I may find it nothing as it was something that had happened so suddenly."


    Both of them chuckled again. As they inched in closer, their face near each other''s, Yu Yan''s breath fanned over his lips, slightly sending shivers down his spine.


    "Then¡­ shall we give it a test?"


    "You dare challenge me, Yu Yan."


    "And you to me, too."


    And without them even knowing, both of them closed their eyes, allowing themselves to kiss each other. With Wang Lei''s lips softly brushing against hers, both of them felt a tingling sensation course through their body, as if experiencing their kiss for the first time.


    As it was something differentpared to their kiss that happened a while ago, Yu Yan felt different this time, allowing even herself to kiss him back and even initiated it with him.


    The moment they broke away from their kiss, they just smiled at each other as if iming that it was just a baseless kiss when in fact¡­


    Their heart started beating crazily inside their chest, both of them thinking at the back of their mind that this kiss indeed meant something.


    But is it just because of the sudden moment?


    Or something else?


    ***


    MASS RELEASE OF 30 CHAPS WILL HAPPEN SOON! 12 AM GMT+8, OCTOBER 1ST, 2021!

 Chapter 262 - My Little One

    After they shared the kiss together, Yu Yan and Wang Lei just ended it at that and further notment about it. As she excused herself and told Wang Lei that she would be checking on Li Jie onest time before she slept, she already left the office for Wang Lei to be alone.


    However, as they already were alone to themselves, both of them couldn''t help but have a foolish smile on their face, wondering why they felt this way as if they were teenagers.


    As Wang Lei sat on the couch alone, he couldn''t help but grin ear to ear, feeling like a young boy who just had his first kiss.


    "Damn¡­ what''s with that Yu Yan?" he mumbled to himself, the man not able to get her out of his mind. "She''s just so¡­ different."


    With him already staying in the office for a while, he allowed himself to imagine about their kiss over and over again¡ªwondering what she found in her that he never saw in other women.


    ***


    Yu Yan actually stayed in the hallway for a while before walking up the stairs. With her fanning herself as her grin never left her face, she wondered what made her feel giddy as she recalled the kiss she had with Wang Lei.


    With her brushing herself from her thoughts, she then thought of Li Jie, wanting to check up on him before going to sleep.


    It''s one of the things a parent does¡ªchecking up on the little one before going to bed. It''s their way of seeing if they are okay¡ªbeing relieved once they are assured that they are having a nice sleep.


    As she was already making way to the slightly opened door, her hand froze on the doorknob when she heard her son silently sobbing, as if forcing himself not to cry.


    With her already opening the door slowly, the view of the little boy''s back broke her heart¡ªhis shoulders shaking up and down making her want to pull him immediately in her arms as if it is a cure to whatever is making him feel bad.


    "Oh, Li Jie¡­"


    With Yu Yan''s soothing voice already resounding in the room, the little boy was slightly startled, now turning his body to look at his mama with such vulnerable and weak eyes.


    "What''s wrong, my little mooncake?" Yu Yan asked, already sitting on his bed as she pulled him to sit on herp. "Did you have a nightmare, little one? Hmm? Tell mama, and I will spray my magic spray to keep them at bay!"


    With her saying this as it is her way to calm Li Jie down as it is one of his fears after a nightmare that the monster or ghost might be hiding under his bed, the little boy shook his head, snuggling up to his mama as what he said next made Yu Yan quiet.


    "It''s not that I had a nightmare¡­ I woke up having a nice dream of wanting to have a baba."


    Yu Yan didn''t know what to say. With her just hugging her son tight as she rocked him back and forth and patted his back, Yu Yan just allowed him to cry, the little boy continuing to vent in the arms of his beloved mama.


    "Why don''t I have a baba, mama? Is little Li Jie too bad? Am I the reason?"


    "No, baby," Yu Yan immediately answered, her voice breaking with how the little boy med himself when he had nothing to do with it. "It is never your fault, my little mooncake¡ªnever."


    "Then why?" Li Jie sobbed, rubbing both of his eyes with his small fists. "Is my real baba a bad man?"


    Yu Yan didn''t know how to exin this to a little boy such as him. She did not want to further break his heart by telling him the truth¡ªespecially with how young he is and with how vulnerable he can be with him knowing that he grew up without a father.


    With her sighing as she just kissed the top of his head, Yu Yan embraced him tightly, saying the words she thought is best.


    "Don''t worry, Li Jie. Mama can be your baba. You know that me and nainai are always here for you, right?"


    "I know, mama," Li Jie said, snuggling on his mother''s chest. "But I always wanted to have a baba¡ªI always wondered what it would feel like."


    Yu Yan then remembered how she felt like as a child. With her growing up without a father as well as he died when she was young, she felt a lump on her throat as she forced herself not to cry.


    She could understand the emptiness her son was feeling¡ªyearning for a father to fill up the empty space. With him experiencing the same frustrations that she had as a child, Yu Yan''s heart broke, not wanting for her son to feel this way in the first ce.


    "You know, my mooncake," Yu Yan started, forcing herself not to cry so she won''t look vulnerable in front of her son when he is the one who neededfort the most. "Mama also wanted to have a baba when she was young."


    "Really?"


    Li Jie looked up at her, as if sensing the sadness in her voice as he touched her face with his small hand.


    "I''m sorry, mama. I didn''t know that you''re also sad."


    "Oh, baby¡­"


    Yu Yan now cried and let out augh, as she was disappointed at herself for crying in front of her son.


    "Never mind your mama. Your mama is strong and is more worried about you."


    With Li Jie forcing out a smile, he kissed his mama''s cheek and then asked a question that made her silent for a full five seconds.


    "Mama¡­ can I not have Mr. Wang Lei as my baba?"


    What Yu Yan feared the most started to happen¡ªher little Li Jie looking for a father. With her boss giving him the attention that he always wanted, she couldn''t me Li Jie to feel this way¡ªWang Lei the only male model he has in his recent interactions.


    "I can''t answer that, my dear."


    Li Jie pouted. With him only nodding as he was an obedient little boy, what he asked next further broke Yu Yan''s heart¡ªnot wanting her child to expect something more as Li Jie even started ming himself.


    "Is it because Li Jie is not his real son? Is it because Li Jie is not yet enough? What should I do? Am I not yet a good boy?"


    "Oh, my mooncake¡­" Yu Yan embraced him tightly, hiding her face on his little shoulder. "Never me yourself¡ªyou''re the best child anyone could wish for. Please don''t always say that you''re not enough. You''re perfect¡ªyou''re more than that in mama''s heart."


    "Then¡­ does that mean that Mr. Wang Lei will like me as his son?"


    Yu Yan didn''t answer his question. With her removing her slippers as sheid Li Jie down on the bed, she positioned herself beside him, already deciding that they should sleep together. As she put the nket on both of them, Yu Yan just kissed the top of his head, ignoring her son''s question.


    "Time to sleep, my baby," Yu Yan said, already patting his side as if her hand contained magic that immediately made him close his eyes and slowly drift to sleep. "You need rest to be strong, my little one. I love you so much."


    With Yu Yan silently crying as she let her tears freely escape her eyes as she closed her eyelids, little did she know that Wang Lei actually listened since the start of their conversation, hiding behind the wall as the opened door made their conversation audible.


    He even found himself sad with what he heard¡ªthe man reflecting on their conversation as the wishes of the child lingered in his thoughts.


    He even had the sudden urge to be that man for Li Jie, but deep inside his heart, he also felt fear and anxiety.


    If he were to give the boy his wishes, would he be a good father to someone who is not even his blood? With him even getting closer to the little boy, will he really be a good role model to a good little boy such as him?


    He knew that he even had bad qualities about himself! He wouldn''t want to disappoint the little kid!


    With him not wanting to think too much about this, he quietly walked away, deciding to reflect on himself as he started to reassess his intentions to Yu Yan.


    Of course, he wouldn''t want to take advantage of the little boy just so he could get closer to Yu Yan! With him genuinely wanting him to be his baba, of course, Wang Lei would never want to break the little boy''s heart as well.


    As Wang Lei continued to worry about this, he decided to knock himself out by getting a bottle of wine from the kitchen and drinking it in one go inside his bedroom so he can immediately drift to sleep.


    ***


    MASS RELEASE OF 30 CHAPS WILL HAPPEN IN A FEW HOURS! 12 AM GMT+8, OCTOBER 1ST, 2021!

 Chapter 263 - Black Coffee

    Ru Shi came home a bitter than usual since she came from her mother''s house. With her sighing and walking in as she felt tired, she saw her husband, Chia Hao, sitting on the couch.


    His eyebrows were furrowed as he read the documents in his hand, his phone on loud speaker as he was talking to his secretary who was still working in the country where hispany is.


    "Yes, please. Summarize it for me."


    "Put all of the recent documents in one folder so as to sort it from the old ones."


    "The files that are obsolete, don''t delete them yet¡ªwe may use it every now and then."


    "Are you sure that you have followed it up from the otherpany?"


    "Thank you for giving time despite the busy schedule."


    "Yes¡­ don''t worry, I''ll be able to sleep soon once everything is settled and once I feel assured."


    Ru Shi listened to their conversation as she stayed standing still on her ce, a small smile appearing on her face as she never saw this side of her husband, Chia Hao.


    She always knew that the man is responsible and that he is a role model to other business men as well.


    However, she had never paid attention to him until now¡ªRu Shi actually admiring him more. Other than his personality paired with his handsome looks and gentlemanliness, Chia Hao is a good man¡ªa person with a good sense of responsibility.


    With her still admiring him, she noticed that Chia Hao kept saying that it''s alright even though it was evident on his face that he was tired doing his job evente at night.


    He didn''t have a choice because of the 12-hour time difference of Country M to Country C. As he stayed away this nearing midnight, Ru Shi''s lips turned into a tight line as she realized that her heart was racing fast with what she thought.


    She had an idea of preparing coffee and a few snacks for Chia Hao, Ru Shi already heading to the kitchen to prepare something for him.


    As she reached the kitchen, she immediately got a mug. With her cocking her head to the side, she then knitted her brows together as she realized something at this very minute.


    She doesn''t know what kind of coffee that Chia Hao would like.


    With her biting her bottom lip as she was unsure, she wanted to ask him what his preferences are, but she blushed at this moment.


    She didn''t know whether to ask Chia Hao what he would like for his coffee. She somehow felt awkward with the thought of her talking to Chia Hao suddenly and ask about his likes and dislikes¡ªhe may form an idea that she may like him!


    But even then, she knew that Chia Hao is not the type to tease her, so she just thought of him and did his coffee with what she thought was his preference.


    ck coffee.


    As she prepared the coffee and allowed it to cool down for a while, she then got a pair of bread and then put butter in it before toasting it.


    With it a goodbination to the ck coffee perhaps, she then put it on the small tter and then got his mug before serving it to him.


    "Yes, thank you. We can already end it here."


    As Ru Shi heard that their call is about to end, she suddenly felt butterflies in her stomach. With her already making way in front of him, Chia Hao was slightly distracted when he saw her presence, not expecting her in the living room.


    As their eyes met, Chia Hao did his best to focus on the caller at the other end of the conference, clearing his throat as he watched Ru Shi serve coffee and toast in front of him.


    As Ru Shi just smiled at him and then sat across him, Chia Hao thenposed himself and then spoke to the other person in the call.


    "Thank you. Yes, I will call you again tomorrow once things have been finalized¡ªespecially my schedule."


    With him giving Ru Shi a brief smile, Ru Shi nodded at him in acknowledgement, her husband already putting his phone down on the coffee table near the coffee.


    "Ru Shi," he said her name, his gentle and sweet smile not leaving his face. "How are you? You came homete?"


    "I''m fine," Ru Shi answered, clearing her throat as well as they rarely talk since their marriage. "And, uh¡­ I''m sorry¡­ I haven''t told you."


    "It''s alright. I know you''re with your family, anyway." Chia Hao said as he understood. "And¡­"


    The man then gestured to the coffee and the toast, arching a brow at his wife with amusement.


    "You made this¡­ for me?"


    Ru Shi nodded, her soft blushing to her face.


    "Y-yes¡­ you seem to be working so hard even at this time of day and with me going homete, then, I thought I might prepare something for you."


    The smile on Chia Hao''s face turned brighter, his smile now showing his perfect teeth. With his handsomeness slightly surprising Ru Shi as she never saw this side of him, Chia Hao excitedly got his coffee and then thanked his wife with such a sweet tone.


    "How thoughtful of you, Ru Shi," hemented, feeling warm in his heart. "I''m energized now¡ªthank you!"


    As he took a sip of his coffee, however, the expression on his face changed the moment the bitterness hit his tongue.


    With him forcing out a smile, Ru Shi actually saw the slight disappointment on his face, feeling quite bad that she did not get his coffee right.


    "I''m sorry¡­ is it too bitter?"


    "It''s fine," Chia Hao answered, taking another sip as if it was no problem. "I needed the jolt, anyway. I have to work for a few more hours before turning in."


    With him drinking the coffee as if there was no problem at all, Ru Shi''s heart raced in her chest as she found his sweetness admirable¡ªknowing that he was doing this just so he could not make her sad because of the effort that she had done for him.


    ***


    Favor:


    Please do leavements since I need interactivity with readers, too~ my power stones are also decreasing and I don''t know if I can do well for the WSA contest. :''(

 Chapter 264 - Will I Ever Have Your Heart?

    Chia Hao finished his coffee first when he could have finished the toast. It''s as if he wanted to finish the drink just so he could remove the bitterness with eating the buttered breadst!


    As Ru Shi noticed this, she instead made him orange juice, Chia Hao thanking her once again as he made ament on how she was preparing his drinks for him.


    "Thank you," he thanked her first, furthermenting on her efforts. "Your coffee may be bitter than my usual tastes, but don''t worry. It helped me."


    With a smile, Ru Shi sat before him once more, not wanting to sit beside him since there are still documents found on the space beside him on the couch.


    "You''re wee¡­ umm¡­ I''m sorry. I''ll do better next time once I know your preference."


    "Coffee with milk."


    Ru Shi blinked her eyes a few times, not expecting his sudden answer.


    "I beg your pardon?"


    "Coffee with milk," Chia Hao said again, his sweet smile making her heart race as he further exined what he meant. "It''s my preference. With me saying it again, it would mean that I will hope from time to time that you''ll make it for me?"


    Ru Shi didn''t know what to say. With her just batting her eyshes at him as she blushed, Chia Hao found her prettier than ever, his wife averting her gaze away from him.


    "I¡ªI see," she stammered, getting her phone as she pretended to do something important. "Thanks for letting me know."


    With a man perceptive as Chia Hao, he noticed that she may be feeling awkward with his statement. As he decided to stay quiet for a while, he then got his documents on the side and then continued reading just so he could not make his wife feel ufortable.


    With them not speaking so much since their marriage until recently, it was indeed awkward between them, especially for Ru Shi since she was forced into the marriage¡ªChia Hao only obviously infatuated with her.


    However, Chia Hao never took advantage of their marriage and still respected her feelings even though it may be present in his eyes from time to time that his wife may have not forgotten her past love.


    As Ru Shi thought of this, she peered at him discreetly through her phone and watched how focused he is in doing his work. With her not wanting to get caught, she just opened her novel in her phone, making Chia Hao speak as he still read the documents in his hand.


    "Are you not going to sleep yet?"


    "No," Ru Shi immediately answered, her answer further surprising the man. "I think I''m going to wait for you before I turn in for the night¡ªin my room, of course."


    Chia Hao actually felt happy in his heart. Even though Ru Shi told him that she is going to use her own room in his house, he liked the thought that Ru Shi was waiting for him to finish work.


    It''s making him feel slightly guilty to say that he might take more time! He''s torn between wanting to let her rest because this will take a while¡­ or lying to make her stay just so she could be with him while he works.


    With his goodness getting the best of him, Chia Hao showed a small smile and replied to his wife''s statement.


    "I''m going to be here for two hours at least. I think you should go on and rest."


    Ru Shi blinked her eyes a few times as she contemted for a full three seconds. With a shook of her head followed afterward, Chia Hao couldn''t help but feel his heart beat fast in his chest, wondering why she was acting this way.


    "Don''t worry. I can wait that long."


    And with that, she continued reading whatever she was reading on her phone.


    With Chia Hao wondering why she was acting this way, he wanted to ask her a question immediately and know what her intentions are if there are any. Or he wanted to ask her why she decided to give him attention!


    However, if he initiated more conversation with her, he feared that Ru Shi will now feel awkward around him and will leave him alone, so he just nodded and stayed quiet, actually unable to focus on the documents at hand.


    ***


    The moment the first 30 minutes had passed, this was then the time that Chia Hao was able to focus on his work. With themfortable in each other''s silence, it took Chia Haote to realize that his wife was actually dozing off on the couch''s rest.


    With her cheek leaning on her arm as her phone was already on herp, Chia Hao suddenly looked at the time and noticed that the two hours had gone by so quickly.


    ''Ah¡­ this time already?''


    As he was finally done with his work, he did a stretch and then settled the documents stacked on top of the coffee table. With a smile on his face, he smiled and then made way to Ru Shi, already sitting beside her softly so as to not wake her up.


    "Ru Shi¡­" he said her name softly, actually not wanting to wake her up as she looked peaceful in her sleep. "I''m done¡­ time to go to sleep."


    "Mmm¡­"


    With only a groan heard from her as she slightly furrowed her brows, she continued sleeping, making Chia Hao chuckle as he found her cute this way.


    Having no choice, he gently carried her in his arms, Ru Shi still sleeping soundly. With him adjusting her body carefully so as to make her feelfortable, that''s when his gazended on her beautiful sleeping face, a loving smile tugging the corner of his lips.


    "Oh, Ru Shi¡­"


    He mumbled to himself as he stared at her. With him softly cing his lips on top of her forehead, he then closed his eyes for a brief moment, his feelings shown in his simple yet sweet actions.


    "Will I ever have your heart?"

 Chapter 265 - They Have Actually Met Before

    Chia Hao walked carefully up the stairs, to the second floor to put Ru Shi down on her own bedroom in his home. They had always been this way since they were married¡ªnever sleeping together.


    Actually, the only time that Chia Hao got a slightly intimate interaction with her is only during this time! With him being careful with every step he took, little did he know, however¡­


    That Ru Shi felt him carrying him and that she had woken up¡ªjust pretending to be asleep.


    As he already reached the second floor, Chia Hao effortlessly opened the door of her bedroom. With him already walking inside and then putting her softly on the bed, Ru Shi kept her eyes shut, pretending to be rxed in his touch.


    If she let him feel her difort with how she was surprised with the thought of Chia Hao carrying her, she felt ufortable to know that Chia Hao might say something about her pretending to be asleep.


    The moment he settled her head on her pillow, Chia Hao already tucked her in, Ru Shi realizing as she took a small peek that Chia Hao was only wearing his robe!


    Damn! Why did she only realize now that he was wearing his robe when he had been wearing it ever since?!


    Ru Shi thought that her husband would immediately leave. However, he stayed for a while, sitting by the side of the bed as he tucked some tendrils of her hair behind her ear.


    As he had a forlorn expression on his face, he bent down a bit and then gave her another kiss on the top of her head, Ru Shi''s heart beating in her chest as she listened to him mumbling to himself.


    "You may be my wife, Ru Shi¡­" Chia Hao started, forcing out a smile as he stared at her sleeping face. "But my heart aches everyday¡­ for you."


    Ru Shi didn''t know whether to tell him that she''s awake, or just pretend to be asleep.


    With her not wanting to invade his private emotions at the same time and with her also not wanting to look stupid for eavesdropping in his thoughts by pretending to sleep, she was torn on what to do.


    However, she did what she thought was best¡ªcontinuing to pretend sleeping even though what she was doing is embarrassing on her part.


    "I have loved you ever since I havein my eyes on you," he added, Ru Shi''s heart beating in her chest as she never expected Chia Hao''s sudden confession to her even though it was obvious¡ªhis feelings towards her. "But I know that your heart belongs to someone else."


    And what Chia Hao said was right. Before him, Ru Shi was a normal young woman, in love with a man who was infatuated with her. Both of them wanted to spend their lives together, but even then, it was hindered because of his struggles.


    Ru Shi''s beloved had no choice but to ept her father''s money. It was told that her father will pay for all of the expenses of his mother''s hospital fees from the surgery to the amodations and all¡ªas long as he will leave Ru Shi alone.


    At first, it was uneptable to Ru Shi, however, as time went on, she little by little epted his decision¡ªthe importance of his family ruling above all else and with their big gap of differences.


    It broke Ru Shi''s heart, yes¡­ but she thought that if she were to be in the shoes of her beloved, then she would have done the same but it will break her, too.


    Since then, they never had the closure that they needed. He never talked to her after that and even though Ru Shi sought for him and visited him, he would always avoid him and wouldn''t dare even look at her from the window.


    Ru Shi gave up, yes¡­ but it still broke her heart that her very first love shunned her as if he regretted being with her.


    "I''m going to be okay," Chia Hao spoke again, snapping Ru Shi out of her thoughts. "As long as you''re here with me and that you''re happy with the efforts I do, then I will keep doing so."


    Chia Hao then held her hand. With him kissing the back of her palm, he sighed and stayed quiet. Ru Shi still didn''t open her eyes. However, soon after, she felt her index finger wet, deducing that Chia Hao might be crying before her.


    "I yearn for you, Ru Shi," Chia Hao said, his voice almost breaking. "I have loved you since we were ssmates before¡ªhow kind you are, how smart you are, how beautiful you are¡­ it was because of you that I have exceled this well for me to get your attention."


    With that said, it was then that Ru Shi was surprised. She wanted to suddenly open her eyes with the sudden realization that Chia Hao was actually that nerdy seatmate that she was sitting beside with before¡ªunrecognized!


    So it was him¡ªthe summa cumude¡ªthe young man who established hispany from zero to beyond recognition¡ªthe man who made a name for himself without having a good background¡­


    The man who was able to get their father''s recognition despite him having normal parents!


    With Chia Hao putting down Ru Shi''s hand, he then stood up and then left the room, Ru Shi now slowly opening her eyes as she couldn''t believe her sudden realization.


    This man she''s married to turned out to be the man whom she helped ever since! This humble and handsome man¡­ it was him all along and why did she only realize it now when he pointed it out!?


    With her alone in the room as that thought lingered in her mind, her eyes stared at the closed door¡ªalready reminiscing about the past as she still couldn''t believe that they have actually met before they were even introduced for marriage.


    Her husband.... is actually someone amazing before she even realized it!

 Chapter 266 - Want To Start Being Your Wife Now

    "I yearn for you, Ru Shi," Chia Hao said, his voice almost breaking. "I have loved you since we were ssmates before¡ªhow kind you are, how smart you are, how beautiful you are¡­ it was because of you that I have exceled this well for me to get your attention."


    With that said, it was then that Ru Shi was surprised. She wanted to suddenly open her eyes with the sudden realization that Chia Hao was actually that nerdy seatmate that she was sitting beside with before¡ªunrecognized!


    So it was him¡ªthe summa cumude¡ªthe young man who established hispany from zero to beyond recognition¡ªthe man who made a name for himself without having a good background¡­


    The man who was able to get their father''s recognition despite him having normal parents!


    With Chia Hao putting down Ru Shi''s hand, he then stood up and then left the room, Ru Shi now slowly opening her eyes as she couldn''t believe her sudden realization.


    This man she''s married to turned out to be the man whom she helped ever since! This humble and handsome man¡­ it was him all along and why did she only realize it now when he pointed it out!?


    With her alone in the room as that thought lingered in her mind, her eyes stared at the closed door¡ªalready reminiscing about the past as she still couldn''t believe that they have actually met before they were even introduced for marriage.


    Her husband.... is actually someone amazing before she even realized it!


    As she then continued to look at the closed door, her mouth slightly parted as she spoke to herself, still in disbelief with what she had found out.


    "The simple, nerdy guy who I always sat with since he needed help¡­ it was him all along¡­"


    As the thought lingered in her mind, her lips then went into a tight line. She then let out a sigh, shaking her head as she stood up, now looking outside her window as she gave herself an embrace.


    Why is it possible for her to forget him? Was it because he was wearing sses before and that he wasn''t able to fix himself?


    She knew that he needed help and that he was smart just shy to speak up¡­ but she didn''t expect that that type of guy would turn out to be his husband!


    In the first ce, how did he be her husband, anyway? She knew for a fact that her father is strict when ites to choosing prospects¡ªalways taking into consideration the background of the man.


    Ru Shi always thought that Chia Hao had a wonderful background that''s why she never thought much about it and had never researched about it.


    "I have loved you since we were ssmates before¡ªhow kind you are, how smart you are, how beautiful you are¡­ it was because of you that I have exceled this well for me to get your attention."


    However, with this pointed out, Ru Shi then remembered Chia Hao many years ago back in their masterals and that they had indeed be ssmates before!


    How was he able to get his father''s attention?


    With this in thought, she bit her bottom lip, feeling a little bit dibobted. With her now further curious about her husband as she grew more interested about him by the second, she furrowed her brows as she put her hand on her chest.


    "Nnngh¡­ why can''t I get him out of my mind already?"


    With her heart racing in her chest as she still felt the butterflies in her stomach with how Chia Hao confessed his feelings to her, a blush then crept on her face, making her look at the moon and continued thinking about him.


    Maybe it''s time for her to let go of her past¡ªlet go about her unrequited love towards the man who had left her behind.


    Maybe it''s time to give this sweet guy a chance¡ªthis guy who loves her for who she is despite her being so depressed about her past.


    Maybe it''s time to let Chia Hao further express himself so that she can let go, making sure that of course, she wouldn''t take advantage of his love.


    With that in thought, a tear escaped her eye as she closed her eyes. She finally decided after how many years to let go of her past love and that she should start focusing on herself than dwell on the past.


    As she reminisced and then let go of the beautiful but bittersweet memories she had with her past lover, a small smile then crept her face as Chia Hao now filled her mind.


    She remembered his kindness towards her even before they were married. By the time that her father had introduced him to her, he had always shown kindness and patience towards her.


    With him always thinking about what she likes first, Ru Shi felt how sincere and genuine Chia Hao is, now taking a deep breath as she made a decision to herself right here and then.


    It''s time for her to start anew.


    As she was now energized all of a sudden as if she had an epiphany, Ru Shi then went out of her bedroom. She then walked towards Chia Hao''s room and then opened the door without even knocking.


    The moment the door opened, Chia Hao widened his eyes in surprise when he suddenly saw Ru Shi so alive after seeing her sleeping on her bed.


    "Ru Shi?" he said her name with shock evident in his voice. "Why are you awake? Is there something wrong?"


    Ru Shi didn''t say a word. However, she stepped inside his room and then approached him, now holding both of his hands.


    With Chia Hao confused about her actions, he then couldn''t believe what he had heard next¡ªhis heart uncontrobly racing in his chest.


    "Nothing," Ru Shi said, a loving smile now appearing on her face as she looked at him. "I just¡­ want to start being your wife now. Seriously."

 Chapter 267 - Going To Take Advantage

    ~Earlier, Same Day Before Monday~


    Zhang Ren came home after eating dinner with Shi Lian''s mother. As he now arrived in his home via cab, his personal psychiatrist greeted him, crossing his arms in front of his chest.


    "You know, your grandfather called me tonight¡ªlooking for you."


    "Oh, really?"


    Zhang Ren widened his eyes slightly as he scratched the back of his head.


    "I''m sorry. I was out with Shi Lian and had a dinner with her mother at their house."


    The psychiatrist had a teasing smile on his face. As he closed the door behind them, he crossed his arms in front of his chest and then leaned on the door as he told him hisment..


    "Uhuh¡­ you''re now going out and having fun. You''re forgetting you have me here with you?"


    "Oh, big brother Su Yan¡­ you know I''m bing better¡ªare you gonna scold me?"


    Su Yan, the name of his psychiatrist. With him always with Zhang Ren since he was diagnosed with depression and had always guided him even before they were here in City S, both of them became close as if Zhang Ren saw him as his older brother.


    "Well¡­" Su Yan trailed off, letting out a soft chuckle. "I''m d that you''re going out more and that you''re opening yourself up to people, but I worry. I won''t scold you, just tell you that you have to tell me your whereabouts from time to time. Understood?"


    "Yes," Zhang Ren said, now patting his shoulder as he got what he was pointing out. "I''m sorry. I''ll let you know next time."


    As they now made way to the living room, both of them sat on the couch, Zhang Ren lounging as Su Yan yfully hit his leg so he can make space for him.


    "Anyway, what''s up with you and Shi Lian? Things progressing well based from you two starting your rtionship?"


    "Uh, yeah," Zhang Ren answered, looking at Su Yan. "But you know¡­ I''m thinking of my other friend."


    Su Yan cocked his head to the side, furrowing his brows as he already understood who he was talking about.


    "You mean¡­ Shu Xian?"


    Su Yan asked, knowing who she is since Zhang Ren had always been updating his life to his psychiatrist not only because he needed to keep track with the progress¡­


    But because Su Yan is like his older brother from another mother.


    "Yeah, Shu Xian." Zhang Ren then sat up, further telling his concern to his brother. "You know, I learned about her background and I start to worry about her. It seems that something important is being kept from her¡ªlike her identity."


    "That sounds serious," Su Yanmented, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "And why are you worried about this?"


    Zhang Ren stayed quiet for a while. With him letting out a sigh, he looked at Su Yan then replied to what he said.


    "She ran away from the person who raised her¡ªbut turns out that the person who raised her is an evil man."


    Su Yan arched a brow at him, quite lost at the conversation but still, listening to what he''s saying.


    "Soundsplicated."


    "It is."


    Zhang Ren then stood up, thinking of talking to his grandfather since at this time of night, he is still awake.


    "Maybe I''ll talk to grandfather about this," he added, Su Yan nodding as he stood up as well, saying something that sounds delicious.


    "Want fried noodles?"


    "Yes, please!"


    "Guess you needed more than the dinner you had with Shi Lian."


    With a chuckleing from Zhang Ren, he now went straight to his room, in the mood to talk to his grandfather.


    As he closed the door and then got his phone, he dialed his grandfather''s number, the old man already greeting him with a loving tone as he did not wait for the phone to ring anymore longer.


    "Zhang Ren! How are you, my boy?"


    "I''m fine," Zhang Ren said, sitting on the side of his bed as he remembered that he did not yet tell his grandfather that he is in a rtionship with Shi Lian. "Remember the girl I told you I was visiting?"


    "Of course!" Mr. Chen chuckled, as if reading his grandson''s mind. "It''s official now?"


    Zhang Ren grinned, nodding even though he couldn''t see.


    "You''re really my grandpa. You know me so well."


    Mr. Chen chuckled again. However, he knew that this is not the reason why his grandson had called him. If it is about Shi Lian, he could''ve told himter but with him not excited to tell him just yet, Mr. Chen can deduce that something might be up.


    "Is there something else you need to tell me, child?"


    "Yes."


    And with that, Zhang Ren told Mr. Chen about Shu Xian, the old man''s facial expression changing from time to time.


    ***


    "Oh¡­ her story seems sad," the old manmented, the two of them already finishing the story about Shu Xian''s background.


    "I know," Zhang Ren agreed, letting out a sigh. "That''s why I''m telling you now to ask for help. Shu Xian is my friend and in just a short amount of time, I already find them important. Can you help when ites to finding connections?"


    "Of course."


    Mr. Chen didn''t hesitate to answer, actually happy that his grandson is asking help from him when ites to someone precious in his life.


    With him also feeling warm in his heart that Zhang Ren is now feeling better and happier with his newly formed friendship and rtionship, he wouldn''t want nothing more but to support him with every decision he has.


    Better than how he was years ago before they met them.


    "Let me meet her, child. And I will promise to help you and of course, her."


    Zhang Ren knew that he could trust his grandfather. With him also telling his grandchild that a lot of people are asking help from him when ites to looking for someone, Zhang Ren requested that he hopes that he could listen to him first¡ªbefore he decides to help someone else.


    Of course, he''s going to take advantage of his connection towards his grandfather sometimes¡­

 Chapter 268 - The Same Birthday As Yan Rans

    It was already Monday morning, another day to start the week as it is the first day of the weekdays.


    Another busy day at the library, and Zhong Li and Yan Yan were encoding the newly submitted set of theses and dissertations. As they were encoding, Yan Yan read the abstract of one research that she was typing and found it interesting.


    "Hey, hey¡­ look at this."


    Zhong Li then stopped for a moment, listening to what Yan Yan was saying.


    ***


    There are various ways a person could read their favorite literature. The mostmon one is reading physical copies of the book by visiting the library or by buying the books from the bookstores.


    If people opt for more convenience and wouldn''t want to carry books, they could even buy or download from the inte¡ªPDF versions of the books, or even audio versions of it..


    There are a lot of ways in which a reader could read and since people now are interacting much with the inte or the online world, people also read in websites found in the World Wide Web.


    Since people nowadays use technology and inte, people who love to read tend to read more online, giving other opportunities for people to work online as well.


    In 2018, the digital economy weed new jobs as everyone began to work remotely (Bryce, 2020). With people usually turning to be a content creator in YouTube and other known content creating sites, content creation is a viable way of making ends meet for many people.


    As said by Bryce (2020), when ites to content creation, bing a digital creator is one such job that is slowly starting to pick up and starting to gain traction.


    In essence, these are authors that create content by writing their novels and uploading on the inte in order to make a living.


    Moreover,pared to other mainstream professions such as game streamers and YouTube vloggers, digital authors have the advantage of having high flexibility and low barriers of entry.


    They control their own schedule, they fix their own time, and most importantly, they are their own bosses (Bryce, 2020).


    As stated by the content editor, Bryce (2020), there is no need for academic qualifications or any prior working experience when ites to being a digital author.


    Writing online do not require heavy equipment or overly priced items like in YouTube content creation. What the author only needs is a device where to write their story, their own ideas, and a story to captivate their future audiences.


    To Bryce (2020), writing is just like singing or riding a bike. Once you learn it, a person will probably never forget how to do it. The biggest issue is only how well you do it. Talent ys a part, but hard work and knowledge ys an important role as well.


    Because of this, people now read stories online and these stories are called Web Fiction.


    ***


    "It speaks about Web Fiction," Yan Yanmented, looking at Zhong Li as she cocked her head to the side. "It''s the kind you''re reading from time to time, right? Like those cultivation novels or system novels I see you reading from time to time?"


    Zhong Li furrowed his brows, noticing that Yan Yan was actually paying attention to him.


    "You know¡­ what my interests are?"


    "Uh, yeah!"


    Yan Yan even shook her head as if he had said something stupid.


    "We''re always together since we started working for the library. Of course, I notice things. Well, not that you notice about my interests. It''s not a big deal."


    With that said, Zhong Li just smiled as he got the research from her, further doing a quick scan as he was always fascinated with Web Fiction.


    "I know more about you than you think," he mumbled, enough for Yan Yan to hear.


    "Oh? Like what?"


    Yan Yan was pretty obvious that she was interested. With a chuckleing from Zhong Li, he just ruffled her hair as if she was a little girl, teasing her further with what he said next.


    "Secret."


    "You¡ª!!"


    At the same time, the door of the office of the Chief Librarian opened. With Wang Fang already back to work and with her getting out of the office as if to get a stretch, two of her student assistants stood up and gave her a small bow, greeting her.


    "Good morning, Miss Wang Fang."


    "Good morning," she greeted, already making way to their counter and leaned in closer to talk to them. "How are you two? Is there something that I missed while I was away?"


    "Well, yes!"


    Remembering that she was being teased by Zhong Li, Yan Yan blurted out something that she has learned about him recently, making him blush as he elbowed her side.


    "Zhong Li is actually interested in Shu Xian! They often hang out with each other during break and he even had a little something for her during her birthday."


    "Whaa¡ª!!"


    With his face red, he red at Yan Yan and shook his head profusely, looking at their boss with a hint of embarrassment on his face.


    "Yan Yan is saying nonsense. Don''t listen to her, Miss Wang Fang."


    However, Wang Fang only found thetter part interesting, her eyes blinking a few times as she heard that it was Shu Xian''s birthday.


    "Shu Xian''s birthday? When?"


    "Oh,st week," Yan Yan answered, a smile on her face as she answered. "It was also a few days after you took leave. Maybe¡­ the following day!"


    ''The following day¡­'' Wang Fang thought, remembering that it was also the day of her little sister''s death. ''It''s also the day of Yan Ran''s day.''


    With her suddenly silent as she thought that the coincidence is unusual, she furrowed her brows, maybe thinking too much about this.


    She thought what if Shu Xian and Yan Ran are connected? However, there are a lot of cases having same birthdays. Besides, they saw Yan Ran''s body that day¡ªcharcoal ck.


    With the thought saddening to her, she put her memories aside¡ªhowever, the thought of Shu Xian having the same birthday as Yan Ran''s still lingered in her mind.

 Chapter 269 - Keep My Guard Up

    Online literature is the umbre term that refers to e-books, novels, and other literary works that are created specifically to be read on digital devices like phones, tablets, orputers (Bryce, 2020).


    Unlike most modern books, a work of web fiction is often not published as a whole. It is released on the website in installments or chapters as they are finished.


    The web serial form dominates in the category of fan fiction, as writing a serial takes less specialized software and often less time than an e-book.


    Moreover, ording Bryce (2020), he stated that there is a difference between online literature and AllNovelFulls are not limited to them just being found on the inte or being found on the inte or being designed to be consumed digitally.


    Web novels generally has its own unique writing characteristics, styles, and tropes.


    Web novels are usually found as stories that are more market driven, requiring a high frequency of interaction with their readers obtaining valuable feedback and optimizing their works as authors write to obtain a better oue (Bryce, 2020).


    Web fiction has be hugely popr in China, with revenues topping US$2.5 billion. As said by AXP (2018), there is a growing base of web fiction offered for free and followed by a loyal readership.


    In countries like China, web fiction has taken off, bing a major industry with top writers making millions of dors and their stories adapted into TV and movies.


    One example of a web novel website that publishes a lot of tranted Chinese stories and even original stories is called AllNovelFull.


    These Chinese novels are tranted and posted in English and is enjoyed by many. Furthermore, in AllNovelFull, people in and out of China can make their own stories and enjoyed by a lot of readers.


    AllNovelFull is a website that isunchedst May 2017 as a brand under Tencent. As said by Bryce (2020), that AllNovelFull is now gaining traction and is also a well-known international online literature reading and publishing tform.


    Bryce (2020) also stated that over the years, AllNovelFull has built a stable rtionship with authors, readers, and content adaption partners.


    The authors will publish the content on AllNovelFull, the readers will pay for the content, generating ie for the authors and on top of that adaptation partners, will look at the content and will decide on how popr or profitable it is.


    There are chances that it may create an opportunity for a story to be adapted into games, movies, or even TV series (Bryce, 2020).


    ording to the verified editor of the writing tform AllNovelFull, Bryce (2020), the benefits of joining AllNovelFull is to allow an author''s story to be seen by the 70 million cumtive viewers on the site.


    They can also get features on their front pages found in their website or in the mobile application for more exposure.


    There were also shows that were based in AllNovelFull stories such as one Chinese series in Netflix entitled, "The King''s Avatar." Other than that, the story "Bringing the Nation''s Husband Home," was made into an animation, and also has been made into a Chinese drama as well.


    As said by AXP (2018), AllNovelFull (allnovelfull) is a fast-growing publisher of online fiction. They are owned by Yuewen (Qidian), a Chinese web fictionpany, which is a subsidiary of tech behemoth Tencent.


    ***


    "Huh¡­"


    Shu Xian put down the research she was reading for a while as she looked at Zhang Ren and said herment.


    "Zhong Li was right! There is a research here on the table that I might find interesting since it involves web fiction¡ªweb novels to be specific!"


    It was already their afternoon duty and it was now Zhang Ren and Shu Xian''s turn to continue the task that the morning duty weren''t able to finish.


    With Zhang Ren hearing the fact that Zhong Li had told her this, he arched a brow at her and then made ament that got his friend''s attention.


    "And how are you talking to Zhong Li? It''s amazing that you two are getting closer nowadays," hemented, Shu Xian, blinking her eyes at him at the same time.


    "We text," she answered, furrowing her brows together. "Is there something wrong?"


    "Shu Xian."


    With how Zhang Ren said her name, he put the research he was typing for a moment then turned his swivel chair so he could look at her.


    "You''re kinda clueless. You know¡­ he may be interested in you. He was never like this towards a woman."


    Shu Xian widened her eyes in surprise.


    "Really?"


    "Yeah!" Zhang Ren nodded immediately, shrugging his shoulders as well. "Your rtionship may be a secret and I know you''re this innocent to think, but be careful¡ªyou are indeed someone else''s girlfriend now."


    Shu Xian didn''t know what to say because Zhang Ren was indeed right. With her letting out a small sigh, she crossed her arms in front of her chest and made ament as well.


    "Well, if that''s the case, then we may be wrong with the assumptions."


    Zhang Ren looked at her again. "What?"


    Shu Xian shrugged. "What if he''s just¡­ you know, kind?"


    "Oh, I''m telling you, Shu Xian¡ª" Zhang Ren said, letting out a scoff at the same time. "¡ªthat he was never like this¡ªalways aloof."


    At the same moment before Shu Xian could even retort, there came Zhong Li. With him giving them a small smile, he greeted them both, but specifically had his eyes on Shu Xian.


    "Good afternoon, guys," he started, his gaze still on Shu Xian. "Uh¡­ you usually have your break at this time, no?"


    "Oh!" Shu Xian noticed the time, indeed already her break time. "Yeah."


    "Wanna have break together? I may be in need of some help again," he said and asked, already gesturing to the lounge. "In the lounge?"


    "Sure," Shu Xian answered immediately, Zhang Ren shocked that she had ignored his warning. "I will see you then."


    And before Zhang Ren could even retort, Zhong Li already went on ahead, Shu Xian preparing her things as she wanted to have her break as she was already hungry.


    "Shu Xian, please consider what I said."


    "Of course," Shu Xian said, ruffling his hair at the same time as she could still not get his point.. "I''ll keep my guard up."

 Chapter 270 - Together And Talking

    Zhong Li and Shu Xian were having their break already. With Zhong Li buying for him fried noodles, Shu Xian ate it as she shared her dumplings with him, Shu Xian quickly helping him with his homework.


    "We went through the topic in a breeze. What do you wanna talk about?" she asked, Zhong Li then smiling as he remembered Shu Xian''s favorite novel.


    The Soul Eater''s Possession.


    "Do you wanna talk about your favorite web novel?"


    "Oh!" Shu Xian''s eyes lit up, already excited. "The Soul Eater''s Possession?"


    "Yup!" Zhong Li said, his smile turning into a wide grin. "I think I may have gotten a spoiler when I read the chapters in advance because the author herself, MysticAmy, left clues."


    Shu Xian widened her eyes in amazement, not believing what she heard.


    "Is that true?"


    "Yup," Zhong Li answered again, narrowing his eyes at her. "Are you up for some spoilers?"


    "Well¡­" Shu Xian thought for a while, thinking about the story as well. "The story is already ending soon. So why the heck not?"


    And with that, Zhong Li opened his phone and showed her the screenshots he took that the author had left in thements section as a tease for her readers.


    ***


    Levin and Ava


    They both live in Devin''s ind away from everyone else, with caretaker Saibara and Ellen. With Ava rubbing her tummy, Ellen lectured her about her cravings so that she can remain healthy for the baby.


    As Levin was out doing errands as Love''s Overseer, he came back with Heraleen, the Almighty Seraphim checking on her daughter inw.


    Levin then tells Ava to take it easy since she had been a big eater ever since she got pregnant. With them not wanting to know the gender on the baby, they decided it to be a surprise¡ªalready thinking of a name for the child.


    If it were to be a girl, they will name her Avarynn and if it were to be a boy, they will name him Levrynn. With them already excited as Ava will give birth soon, Heraleen blessed their child and had a private talk with Ava, thanking her for being there with her son, Levin.


    Both of them got close¡ªrting to their love since Heraleen also fell in love with a demon herself.


    She then thought that loving someone that is not of the same race doesn''t define what true love¡ªrather, it defines what love actually is and it expands from what the stereotype is.


    Ivar and Gwen


    Both of them take care of their daughter, Cydrill. With Gwen pregnant one more time, Frey apanied her all the time since they are now living together ever since she married Arvid.


    With her and Martha watching over Gwen as Ivar took care of Devin''spany as their source of ie, Gwen started to wonder if she could raise another child.


    To her, raising Cydrill is already difficult and without her mother or without Frey, she would already be too stressed.


    She wondered why before, it was easier to take care of Angeal and Arvid. Why now that she is a mother, taking care of her own children is difficult? Is it always like this?


    As she was now preparing to sleep, Ivar already came home from work. With him already taking a shower , Avarynn approached her mother, already grinning ear to ear as she rubbed Gwen''s stomach, asking what the gender of the baby is.


    Like Levin and Ava, they n to have it as a surprise, Gwen asking what Avarynn would want to have. Avarynn then thinks and wished to have not a sibling instead¡ªmaking Gwenugh out loud.


    Arvid and Frey


    Frey breaks the news to everyone in the mansion. As she, her husband Arvid, Edwin, Martha, Ivar, and Gwen were eating on the table, Frey cleared her throat and surprised everyone with her announcement.


    She is expecting a child and other than this being good news, it made everyone, especially Arvid worry too much about her.


    It was known that a human and an angel having a child can be dangerous on the human since the baby would possess powerful magic that is too much for the mother.


    With that in thought, Arvid started to worry for Frey, his father catching it on his facial expression as Arvid has never hesitated showing his true emotions.


    Arvid didn''t finish his dinner. With him already walking out of the dining room as he excused himself, Frey sighed, Edwin stopping her and telling him that he will talk to him instead since he knows what his son could possibly be thinking.


    As Frey was left alone with the others, Gwen and Martha approached her, congratting her and telling her not to worry or stress too much about Arvid or else it would affect the baby.


    Frey also knew what Arvid could possibly be thinking¡ªshe is scared of the oue, too, if she were to die or if it would be different since Arvid is half-human, half-angel.


    With them unsure of what to happen, all of them could only hope for the best, the husband and wife having to talk about their feelings and decisions about this.


    ***


    Shu Xian could no longer believe her eyes. With her closing them for a while as she was already surprised with the plot that was shown for the first three couples, she felt her heart racing in her chest, already looking at Zhong Li as she could not help herself but feel ecstatic.


    "Goodness¡­ this is more than a spoil!"


    "I know, right?" Zhong Li agreed, letting out a chuckle. "And this is for the first three couples. There are more for the others."


    "Like Arlo and Dharvey?"


    Zhong Li smirked. "Oh¡­ Arlo won''t end up with Dharvey."


    "What!?"


    With her voice almost a shout, Zhong Li put his index finger in front of his mouth, telling her to be quiet or else she might disturb the people outside of the lounge.


    "Just read¡­ and you''ll get it!"


    And with that, Shu Xian did read, her heart still pounding in her chest. For Zhong Li, however, he was obviously happy that he is getting Shu Xian''s attention by talking about something that she likes¡­


    And that alone makes him feel overjoyed that both of them are together and talking.

 Chapter 271 - Shu Xians Type Of Guy

    Arlo


    He now works as a licensed psychiatrist. With him already helping in his little brother''s study, he decided to enroll him in his school and at the same time, meeting his homeroom teacher.


    As he was already in school and had led his little brother to his ssroom for him to know his surroundings so he won''t get lost, people gaped at the handsome man, making Kentment about his charisma.


    Arlo only brushed it off.


    With him not dating anyone since the case of Angeal, he decided that he should just focus on his dream and goals¡ªbeing a sessful psychiatrist while taking his education units so he could teach in a university while helping his family thrive with his help now that his stepfather had taken it easy from work.


    As they entered the ssroom, it turned out that Arlo''s ex-girlfriend, Jorna Murphy, was his little brother''s homeroom teacher!


    With a familiar smileing to his face, Jorna red at him from afar, her hands turning into tight fists as she never expected to see Arlo after how many years since their unexpected breakup!


    With Arlo greeting her with a smirk on his face, he greeted her and asked how she was, Jorna being sarcastic with telling him how great he was since he had left her only to find out that the reason why was that he was raising a child from another woman whom he suddenly fell in love with.


    As Kent furrowed his brows with the confusion, he said, "what does he mean, brother?" making Jorna suddenly feel embarrassed as she misunderstood the situation¡ªKent, her student, actually her ex-boyfriend''s little brother!


    Arlo then chuckled and then enjoyed her reaction, telling her that they will further see each other from time to time since he is the school''s guidance counselor.


    Nevin and Dharvey


    Dharvey lived in the Kingdom of Gehenna even though she''s now studying as an artist in a university¡ªdropping from nursing school as she now pursued her dreams.


    With Umbra now getting close with her daughter ever since the war ended, he started changing since King nc had reigned the kingdom. With his best friend, Shadow, dead, he grew to be attached to his daughter, Dharvey.


    From time to time, Dharvey woulde to visit his father in the castle since Umbra is now King nc''s right hand. From time to time, he would see Nevin helping his father with the ns, both of them getting close as well ever since she had rescued him from the evil King Zen.


    As they decided to have a walk in the garden, both of them werefortable in each other''s silence, from time to time talking about anything under the sun.


    With them already sitting by the water fountain, Dharvey was doing a quick sketch of the garden before them¡ªthinking of how to show love as it is the theme asked for their art.


    With her sighing in frustration, Nevin asked what''s bothering her, Dharvey saying that love is difficult to visualize since her heartbreak.


    With Nevin only joking that they should try kissing, both of them actually did it since they thought that they won''t feel a thing. However, when their lips met each other''s, they found their heart racing in their chest, their assumptions wrong as they now thought of each other since that night.


    Devin and Angeal


    Angeal''s eyebrow twitched as she heard their children fighting over the final slice of cake. With them raising their voices at each other, Angeal could no longer control them since they Damon and Annalise are aged 8 and 5 respectively, not yet mature for their years.


    With her already rubbing her temples as she gave up reprimanding them, Devin took action, already getting a fork and starting taking a piece of the final slice of cake and brought it over to his wife.


    As their children eximed theirin, both of them silenced when Devin took another forkful of cake and had given his wife a taste of it.


    He then calmly reprimanded their children, saying that their mother was tired from writing novels and their shouting doesn''t help at all.


    With the two already quiet, they apologized to their mother, Angeal thanking Devin as they decided that they would eat out for dinner then will buy them each a small cake.


    After their dinner and once the children were knocked out, the two had their usual stargazing, both of them enjoying and remembering how it was before wherein they always hoped for a life like this.


    With it already happening, they realized that they were so busy about their children''s future, that they were already in the position that they always wished for years ago.


    ***


    "Aaaaw¡­ so this is what the author nned for the other couples," Shu Xianmented, already feeling warm in her heart that each of them is getting their happy ending.


    "And¡­ what can you say about Arlo''s?" Zhong Li asked, Shu Xian looking at him with wide open eyes, her voice enthusiastic in her answer.


    "At first, I was actually sad that Arlo is not going to end up with Dharvey because I thought that they''d make amends! Turns out that this ending is also good¡ªmeaning that Arlo has gotten over and may have met someone that is for him!"


    "True," Zhong Li agreed, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "And besides¡­ I find it unrealistic if after the cheating incident wherein they broke the friendship, Arlo and Dharvey would be together. It''s as if they have no conscience for their actions at all."


    "Well, you''re right," Shu Xian agreed, remembering what she read a while ago. "Besides¡­ Dharvey and Nevin can make a good match, too! Don''t you think?"


    "Agreed."


    And with that, Shu Xian continued to read the veryst part of the spoil that the author left, Zhong Li preparing his question as he wanted to initiate the conversation about it.


    What could be Shu Xian''s type of guy¡­ and is it possible that he could ever be the one for her?

 Chapter 272 - Wanted To Be In Her Lovers Arms

    Happily Every After


    A few years had passed already, Damon already aged 20, and Annalise, aged 17. They were having a family pic with everyone in the mansion, meeting with everyone. Arvid and Frey had a son, Vincent, aged 19.


    Ivar and Gwen, having Cydrill at age 22, and Theodore at age 17. Levin and Ava had Levrynn and Avarynn, twins at age 18, and Nevin and Dharvey having twins as well, Aidan and Nadia, aged 16.


    Everyonemented on how amazed they were that their children were almost the same age, also starting toment on each other''s child on who he or she looks after and who they took after when ites to their personality.


    With seeing how their children are so close with each other, the now previously-people-of-the-mansion realized how the time had passed since the war had ended.


    They also felt happy with how their friendship turned out, also wondering how Arlo was now.


    With them inviting him after how many years of nomunication so they can catch up, they were all surprised to see him with a wife and three children, only one year each apart of each other. Antoine, aged 19, Brianna, aged 18, and Crian, aged 17.


    As all of them reunited, their children were also introduced to the others, all of them quickly bing friends as their parents reminisced on the past and forgot about the issues that they had in the past and formally made amends and rekindled their friendship.


    ***


    "Aaaaw!"


    Zhong Li was surprised to see Shu Xian sniffle. With her crying silently as she wiped the corner of her eyes, Zhong Li didn''t know how to talk to her¡ªheck¡­ how to evenfort her!


    "I like this ending! She really thought of this very well!"


    With Shu Xian swooning and then hugging Zhong Li''s heart to her chest as if it were a person in need of a cuddle, Zhong Li deep down wished that it was him instead that was being hugged by Shu Xian¡­


    "I really wanted a good ending for this! I was so d that Angeal wasn''t going to die like the author had always hinted in the beginning! Goodness¡­ those seeds of uncertainty were nted pretty well!"


    With that said, Zhong Li now got a tissue for her to wipe her tears away. As he now propped his hand under his chin, he asked a question, getting her attention as he started the conversation with a good question before he diverted it to his real question.


    What is Shu Xian''s type?


    "Who''s your favorite couple in the story?" Zhong Li asked, Shu Xian answering quickly.


    "To be honest, it would have to be Levin and Ava. People think that I would like the main couple, Devin and Angeal, but to be honest, Levin and Ava are actually a very good couple!"


    "You mean¡­ Levin the virgin and Ava the experienced?"


    "Yes," Shu Xian answered, letting out a chuckle as well. "You know, even though they were like that, I love how Levin managed Ava''s troubles well and that he never judged her. Levin is so kind and Ava quickly melted for him."


    "Well, true," Zhong Li nodded slowly, also telling her what he thinks. "Well, for me, I like Ivar and Gwen as a couple."


    Shu Xian grinned. "The wild couple? The ones who love to explore?"


    "Yes," Zhong Li answered, chuckling as well. "There friendship and love is one to be admired. Even Arvid and Frey''s¡ªfrom best friend to lovers."


    "Oh! I also like Arvid and Frey''s rtionship!"


    With that said, she let out a sigh, now taking a sip of her chocte drink.


    "It''s a friendship worth having forever," she added, Zhong Li now having this opportunity to ask her a question.


    "Well¡­ Shu Xian," he started, getting her attention. "What is your type of guy?"


    "Oh!"


    With Shu Xian blinking her eyes a few times as she thought for a while, a blush crept her face as she thought of Pan An, Zhong Li''s heart racing in his chest as he grew nervous on what Shu Xian''s answer is going to be.


    He even hoped in his heart that whatever Shu Xian is going to say, it would be possible that he has most of those qualities so he can make her happy.


    However, little did the hopeful man knew¡­ that Shu Xian is thinking about someone else.


    She thought of the professor¡ªhis intellect and his charms. She thought of his kindness and gentleness, the smugness that contradicted it, too. She also remembered his pride for himself¡ªhow important his ideals and dreams arepared to what his father wanted him to be.


    She remembered the professor''s responsibility¡ªhis sense of humor. She remembered his willingness to help her, the moment he rescued her when she was in trouble¡­


    She remembered his tender, loving, and seductive kisses. She remembered his touch¡ªhis fingers touching her everywhere whilst his lips enjoyed the different parts of her body.


    Shu Xian started warming up, squeezing her thighs together as she suddenly remembered the sensation of the professor''s weight on top of her. Her lips then parted in want, making Zhong Li wonder what she could have been thinking because right now¡­


    She looked utterly hot and insatiable¡­


    "Shu Xian?"


    Zhong Li called for her attention, Shu Xian now snapping herself out of her thoughts as she fanned herself with her hand.


    With Shu Xian now getting her drink and drinking it in one go in attempts to calm herself down, she shook her head, faking a smile as Pan An still lingered in her mind.


    "N-nothing," Shu Xian said, stammering on her words as well. "I just¡­ thought of your question for a moment and then my mind went elsewhere."


    With that said, Zhong Li assumed that she already had the answer to his question, already expectant to know about it.


    "Well?" he started, smiling at her. "Care to tell me?"


    And as Shu Xian looked at him, she could still imagine Pan An right behind her, his hand everywhere as his lips were on the crook of her neck, making her want to go home immediately as she wanted to be in her lover''s arms.

 Chapter 273 - Mayari

    "Well? Care to tell me?"


    With Zhang Ren''s statement ringing in Shu Xian''s mind, she let out a sigh and then shook her head, letting out a small smile as she was obviously lost in the conversation.


    "T-tell you what?" she stammered, Zhong Li arching a brow at her as he noticed that she was out of her focus.


    "You know¡­" he trailed off, slightly embarrassed that he would have to repeat himself. "Your type."


    "Oh!"


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times, already furrowing her brows as she now thought of her answers seriously so she could answer Zhong Li.


    "Oh¡­ uh¡­"


    With her being quiet for a few seconds, she then let out a sigh and then answered his question after contemting about her answers for a while.


    "I like a guy who''s sweet and then kind. A man who''s gentle and also smart. Someone who also has a sense of humor¡­ and uh¡­"


    As the image of Professor Pan An lingered in her thoughts, a blush crept her face, now revealing a small smile that made Zhong Li''s heart race in his chest.


    "Someone who''s older than me¡ªsomeone who''s also quite handsome is a bonus point."


    As Zhong Li listened to the aforementioned qualities of being sweet and kind, he thought that he could be the man to be that for her. With also being said a gentle man who is also smart, he was quite confident that he could be the one.


    With humor said, he was quite hesitant at first but now that Shu Xian said a man who''s older than her and someone who''s quite handsome as a bonus point¡­


    It made him feel insecure about himself because:


    1.   He is not older than Shu Xian.


    2.   He''s not sure if his looks are passable as "quite handsome".


    As Zhong Li thought of this, he couldn''t help but clear his throat, further getting the attention of Shu Xian.


    "So¡­ this is your ideal type?"


    "I think so," Shu Xian answered, twirling the ends of her hair with her index finger as she continued thinking about Pan An.


    As she didn''t want to sound too airheaded or sound like a woman who''s so in love, she then looked at Zhong Li, asking him a question instead.


    "Well, how about you?" she asked, Zhong Li straightening up his posture. "What''s your type, Zhong Li?"


    Like Shu Xian who was taken aback by the question, he didn''t answer immediately. Rather, he cleared his throat as he blinked his eyes a few times, now conscious about how he looked in front of the girl he likes because he started to feel nervous.


    ''Come on, Zhong Li¡­'' he spoke to himself, while looking directly at her eyes. ''If you seem too nervous in front of her, even to Shu Xian, she could notice how nervous you are!''


    With him letting out three coughs, Shu Xian cocked her head to the side, wondering why he wasn''t answering her question yet.


    "Well, Zhong Li? Are you alright? I never thought that the question has stumped you."


    As the man heard herment, he gave her a small smile, now shaking his head as he tried his best to answer her question.


    "Well¡­ the woman I like," Zhong Li started, Shu Xian''s undivided attention now on him. "I like a woman who''s kind and gentle¡­ somewhat simr to your type," he added, Shu Xian nodding as she was now interested about his answer.


    "Other than that, I like that she''s kind and that she''s friendly with other people. I also like how hard-working she is and that she has a sense of responsibility," he continued on, the guy continuing to look straight into her eyes.


    The moment they locked gazes, Zhong Li never realized how beautiful Shu Xian was. She was not the typical kind of girl who would always put make up on¡ªwho would always style her hair and wear those popr and expensive brands of clothes¡­


    Rather, she is a very simple and humble woman. The longer you''d look at her, you''ll notice how beautiful she ispared to other women and that her beauty is indeed beyondpare.


    Zhong Li, being interested in literature as well, couldpare Shu Xian to a goddess in Philippine mythology.


    Mayari is the Philippine goddess of the moon, as well asbat, beauty, revolution, equality and strength.


    She fought her brother, Apki, for equal run of the skies, and although she won and now rules half the sky, she lost her eye inbat. Depite that, she is still regarded as one of the most beautiful and charming of Philippine deities.


    One of the things that we admire her for is that she embodies the truth that you don''t have to have physical perfection to be beautiful, and that strength and revolution walk hand in hand with divinity.


    Unlike Mayari who lost her eye inbat, it was not the physical beauty that made Zhong Lipare her to the goddess. In fact, it is because of her wisdom and then also her enigma that made himpare her to Mayari.


    As Shu Xian cocked her head to the side as she noticed that Zhong Li was now quiet, she snapped her fingers in front of him a few times, Zhong Li now looking at her as he focused on her.


    "Uh¡­ yeah," Zhong Li started, clearing his throat. "That''s¡­ my type."


    "I see!"


    With Shu Xian smiling at him as she was oblivious that he was describing her, Zhong Li felt somewhat grateful that she wasn''t able to discern since it would be too early for her to know his growing affection towards her.


    Besides¡­ he would have to improve himself to be Shu Xian''s type so that sooner orter, especially in the near future, she would be able to notice him. And once she notices him¡­


    It would then be easier to get her attention.


    Will he really get her attention, though?

 Chapter 274 - In Utter Shock

    "Uh¡­ yeah. That''s¡­ my type."


    "I see!"


    With Zhong Li now finding it awkward to continue the conversation, he know scratched the back of his head, Shu Xian nowmenting about his preference.


    "It''s like we have the same type! The difference is that I told you an age difference and then ament about his looks," she said, Zhong Li, nodding at her statement.


    "Yeah," he said rather quickly, already embarrassed but in the eyes of Shu Xian, she is obviously oblivious to his reaction. "That''s my type."


    Zhong Li then wondered why it was so quick for them to have this kind of topic when they have only became friends so recently.


    With him about to change the topic, both of them diverted their attention on the opening student lounge door, the figure of Zhang Ren alreadying into ce.


    The guy crossed his arms in front of his chest. With him arching a brow at them as if they were their older brother who is about to scold them, his voice came out rather snappy, this already noticed by Shu Xian.


    "Your break is almost over and you''re still here?"


    Shu Xian looked at the time shed on her phone. With her shrugging as she noticed that there were only a few minutes left, she stood up, still following him since indeed in the workce, he is her senior.


    "I only have 2-3 minutes left, but alright. You can have your break now since you''re here."


    With Shu Xian already walking out, she then did ast minute look on Zhong Li, waving her hand as she bid her farewell.


    "Bye, Zhong Li! Thanks for the food! See ya tomorrow!"


    With her not even bothering to hear his reply, she now left the roompletely, closing the door behind her as the two men were already alone in the room.


    With his arms still crossed in front of his chest and with Zhong Li still sitting down on the chair, Zhang Ren looked down on him, furrowing his brows together as he talked to him.


    "Are you really interested in Shu Xian?"


    Zhang Ren went directly to the point. With his question direct, then Zhong Li thought that his answer should be direct as well.


    "Yes," he said immediately, not hesitating to answer. "I am interested in Shu Xian."


    Both of them looked at each other straight in the eye. With it quiet for a full three seconds, that''s when Zhang Ren let out a sigh, already shaking his head as if he was in disapproval of his answer.


    Because of this, it actually pissed Zhong Li off a little. As he arched a brow at Zhang Ren, he then crossed his arms in front of his chest as well and wondered why he was acting that way.


    "And what could be your problem? Do you think that I am not qualified for Shu Xian because she''s your friend?"


    "No," Zhang Ren answered, now sitting down on the chair where Shu Xian sat a while ago. "You could actually be a good boyfriend for Shu Xian. There is no problem."


    "Huh¡­"


    Zhong Li let out a scoff, rolling his eyes at him in disbelief at the same time with what he had heard from him.


    "Then, if that''s the case, why do you look like that you''re against it?"


    Zhong Li is actually happy to know that he could somewhat get the approval of Shu Xian''s friend. However, he could not remove the fact that he''s annoyed at his reaction¡ªseemingly both of them not possible to be together.


    "You don''t get it," Zhang Ren started, further surprising Zhong Li with what he heard next. "You may not realize it because Shu Xian is not open about it, but she''s already in a rtionship with someone else."


    ''What?'' Zhong Li immediately thought, as if a ringing heard in his head. ''Shu Xian¡­ is in a rtionship with someone already?''


    Zhong Li slumped on his seat. With him already rxing as if he didn''t know whether to back down or what, he looked at Zhang Ren, further looking for some exnation since he still couldn''t ept it yet.


    "What do you mean¡­ Shu Xian is in a rtionship? Is it true?"


    "It is," Zhang Ren answered, giving him an apologetic smile. "You know me¡­ I wouldn''t lie to you about this."


    "Then¡­" Zhong Li furrowed his brows, not liking what he has heard as he further confirmed it from him. "Who is the man and since when?"


    "Just recently," he replied, "just¡­ I can''t tell you who¡ªit''s ssified and I respect their privacy."


    Zhong Li knew that Zhang Ren is no liar. They have known each other since they started working in the library! With this told by him now and with him closer to Shu Xian that he is, he knew that he would have to believe his statements.


    "I''m telling you this now¡ª" Zhang Ren spoke again, getting his attention. "¡ªbecause I''m also concerned about you as a friend and I wouldn''t want you to get your hopes up," he added, Zhong Li''s hands on the chair''s arm rest balling into tight fists.


    "This¡­ I¡­"


    Anyone could see the disbelief and at the same time, disappointment on Zhong Li''s face. With Zhang Ren reaching out to him as he tapped his shoulder, he spoke to him in the best way he thought was good.


    "I''m sorry," he apologized, genuinely sad for him since it''s his first time liking someone. "I don''t want to make you feel disappointed, but I have to tell you what I know since both of you are my friends. I hope you don''t see me as a mean person."


    With Zhang Ren not saying another word as he wasn''t sure on how to continue the conversation, he just stood up then left Zhong Li alone.


    Zhong Li was still in utter shock! With him starting to fall for a girl for the first time, he wondered if he should continue pursuing her¡­


    or stop feeling disappointed that he lost her without him even trying¡ªthat someone had already taken her once he had decided to do his best.

 Chapter 275 - Discombobulated And Dumbfounded

    "You don''t get it. You may not realize it because Shu Xian is not open about it, but she''s already in a rtionship with someone else."


    "I can''t tell you who it is¡ªit''s ssified and I respect their privacy."


    "I''m telling you now because I''m also concerned about you as a friend and I wouldn''t want you to get your hopes up."


    "I''m sorry. I don''t want to make you feel disappointed, but I have to tell you what I know since both of you are my friends. I hope you don''t see me as a mean person."


    Zhang Ren''s words kept repeating in Zhong Li''s mind. With him still dibobted and dumbfounded with what he learned¡ªShu Xian, the first girl he started falling for now being in a rtionship, he found himself at a loss for words.


    He was nning to woo her! He was nning to get her attention and he was nning to get to know her more since he would really want to be in a rtionship with such a great girl like her!


    As he was shaking his head in disappointment and disbelief, he slumped on his chair, letting out a sigh as he raked his hand through his hair.


    He never expected falling in love in the first ce. With him now finding interest in Shu Xian, he found his heart aching already and he started disliking himself because he didn''t want to feel this way.


    Heck, who would want a heartbreak?


    He had to admit that it had hurt his pride, though. He never thought of love once in his life. He never thought of falling in love with someone else.


    Now that he has started getting interested in someone else¡­ this is already a point in his life that his first love is stolen away from him?


    Is this normal?


    Zhong Li furrowed his brows. With him feeling stupid that he had even surfed the for some answers, with him feeling stupid that he felt this way, with his pride hurt that he wasn''t even able to fight for her, to extend his efforts into getting her¡­


    He felt like he never wanted to fall in love again at all!


    However, how is it possible that he didn''t want to give up at the same time? He knows that Zhang Ren is not lying to him about Shu Xian being in a rtionship. Zhang Ren is never a liar. Heck, even if he tried, he would soon give up because he hates being dishonest!


    With him still in disbelief as if he wanted to look for more evidences about Zhang Ren''s shared information, his hand balled into a tight fist, thinking of talking to Shu Xian about this.


    Though, he is honestly shy about initiating the conversation¡ªconsidering that they just started getting close recently. With him already thinking that he would like to spy on Shu Xian to confirm on this, his heart raced, thinking if it''s the right thing to do.


    Obviously, it''s not the right thing to do¡ªZhong Li knew that pretty well. However, he knew that he will not rx once he knows the real person whom Shu Xian''s dating right now.


    It may be a secret, yes¡­ but he couldn''t help but be curious!


    When she was describing the type of man that she preferred. Did Shu Xian describe the man that she was currently dating now?


    Is he the type of man who is sweet and gentle¡ªthe type of man who has a sense of humor? Is he also the type of man who''s handsome and also older than her?


    Now that he thought about it, he couldn''t help but be more curious about the man Shu Xian''s currently dating!


    With him now curious than he was just a moment ago, he thought if he should stay behind after his sses and then follow her just so he could see the person who stole Shu Xian away from him.


    ***


    Thirty minutes had passed and Zhang Ren is already finished with his break with Shi Lian.


    "Shu Xian?"


    As Wang Fang called Shu Xian who was busy working at their workstation. With her standing up as she smiled at their Chief Librarian, Wang Fang gestured for her to enter her office, Shu Xian now curious as to why she is called.


    Shu Xian wanted to ask, but with her feeling nervous all of a sudden, she entered the room with no questions asked.


    Wang Fang had not been in work for a whole week. With her being called in her office, did she possibly do a wrong thing in one of their tasks and it was only noticed now?


    With Wang Fang gesturing for Shu Xian to take a sit, the youngdy fidgeted on her seat. The Chief Librarian let out a soft chuckle, actually noticing the uneasiness in Shu Xian''s demeanor.


    "You don''t have to worry, Shu Xian," Wang Fang said, already getting a small box of cake from her table and then handing it over to her. "I only want to give you this!"


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times. With her curious as to why she was getting something from their Chief Librarian, she was hesitant, but still got the box from her carefully.


    Wang Fang then gestured for her to open the small box and Shu Xian did so. As the ribbonse undone, she widened her eyes the moment she lifted the cover and saw a small, chocte moist cake.


    "This¡­"


    Wang Fang sat in front of Shu Xian. With her reaching out to her as she put her hand on her shoulder, Shu Xian felt warm in her heart with what she heard next.


    "I heard that it was recently your birthday, Shu Xian. This is my present for you. It may not be much¡­ but I hope that you''d like this."


    Even though her birthday had long been over, Shu Xian felt tears pooling in her eyes. With her ovee with joy, she put the cake down on the coffee table before them and then gave Wang Fang a hug, the Chief Librarian not expecting her show of affection.


    "You already gave me a ce to stay¡­ and you say that the cake is not much? Oh, Miss Wang Fang¡­ you''re indeed too kind! Thank you so much!"

 Chapter 276 - Slightly Aching Her Heart

    Thirty minutes had passed and Zhang Ren is already finished with his break with Shi Lian.


    "Shu Xian?"


    As Wang Fang called Shu Xian who was busy working at their workstation. With her standing up as she smiled at their Chief Librarian, Wang Fang gestured for her to enter her office, Shu Xian now curious as to why she is called.


    Shu Xian wanted to ask, but with her feeling nervous all of a sudden, she entered the room with no questions asked.


    Wang Fang had not been in work for a whole week. With her being called in her office, did she possibly do a wrong thing in one of their tasks and it was only noticed now?


    With Wang Fang gesturing for Shu Xian to take a sit, the youngdy fidgeted on her seat. The Chief Librarian let out a soft chuckle, actually noticing the uneasiness in Shu Xian''s demeanor.


    "You don''t have to worry, Shu Xian," Wang Fang said, already getting a small box of cake from her table and then handing it over to her. "I only want to give you this!"


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times. With her curious as to why she was getting something from their Chief Librarian, she was hesitant, but still got the box from her carefully.


    Wang Fang then gestured for her to open the small box and Shu Xian did so. As the ribbonse undone, she widened her eyes the moment she lifted the cover and saw a small, chocte moist cake.


    "This¡­"


    Wang Fang sat in front of Shu Xian. With her reaching out to her as she put her hand on her shoulder, Shu Xian felt warm in her heart with what she heard next.


    "I heard that it was recently your birthday, Shu Xian. This is my present for you. It may not be much¡­ but I hope that you''d like this."


    Even though her birthday had long been over, Shu Xian felt tears pooling in her eyes. With her ovee with joy, she put the cake down on the coffee table before them and then gave Wang Fang a hug, the Chief Librarian not expecting her show of affection.


    "You already gave me a ce to stay¡­ and you say that the cake is not much? Oh, Miss Wang Fang¡­ you''re indeed too kind! Thank you so much!"


    As Wang Fang patted Shu Xian''s back, she couldn''t help but feel warm in her heart, remembering that she shared the same birthday with her dead sister.


    If she was still alive, then she would be having the same moment with Shu Xian, her little sister probably giving her a tight embrace such as this.


    With her tearing up at the thought because she knew that they would be in the same age, Wang Fang gently broke away from the embrace, Shu Xian sitting down as she noticed that there''s something wrong with Wang Fang¡ªher eyes pooling tears.


    "Is there something wrong?" Shu Xian asked, furrowing her brows together. "I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have hugged you¡ªI didn''t know it''d make you feel ufortable."


    "Oh, no, no, dear," Wang Fang immediately replied, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. "It''s just that I got emotional with my thoughts," she added, Shu Xian cocking her head to the side.


    "If I may¡­ can I know why?"


    It was silent for a full three seconds. With a sighing out from Wang Fang''s mouth, she then let out a small smile, answering Shu Xian''s question as she was nowfortable of telling her.


    "You''re the same age with my little sister. If she''s still alive, both of you are the same age. Both of you even share the same birthday."


    Shu Xian then nodded, now getting her handkerchief and then handing it over to their Chief Librarian. With Wang Fang gratefully getting it from her, she wiped her eyes once more and then continued talking.


    "I¡­ I got emotional when you hugged me. I thought to myself it would be nice if my little sister Yan Ran would be able to do that to me, too."


    "Yan Ran¡­"


    Shu Xian trailed off, feeling warm in her heart for an odd reason as she liked the name even though it isn''t hers.


    How is it possible to feel ted and joyful in your heart without you even knowing who the person is and why a simple name could make her feel this way?


    Such an odd, but harmonious feeling¡­


    "It''s¡­" Shu Xian trailed off, snapping herself out of her thoughts. "It''s a beautiful name¡­ Yan Ran."


    "Oh, it is," Wang Fang agreed, nodding as her smile never left her face. "I know she''d be pretty as you."


    "Oh, I think not," Shu Xian said, smiling at her back. "I know she would be as pretty as you. I''m just simple."


    Wang Fang knew that Shu Xian was just being modest and humble. Heck, Shu Xian may not even be aware of how pretty she was with how she regards herself as a simple gal!


    With them now silent, Wang Fang then redirected the conversation towards the cake, Shu Xian now looking at it with eager eyes.


    "I guessed that you might like chocte?"


    "Oh, I do. It''s my favorite vor," Shu Xian replied, Wang Fang relieved that she had chosen a good vor for Shu Xian''s cake.


    "I''m d you like it," she said, now standing up as she put her hand on Shu Xian''s shoulder. "We will talkter for dinner, yes? It''s about you moving already to the house I prepared for you."


    "Oh!"


    With Shu Xian blinking her eyes a few times as she was surprised by the news, she then nodded, Wang Fang further exining.


    "Yes, you don''t have to worry about anything. Like I told you, I''m willing to let you stay for free as long as you watch over the house."


    With this said, Shu Xian''s mind started going nk.. With the thought of her soon moving out, she felt a little hallow in her heart¡ªthe thought of leaving Pan An even though they live across each other slightly aching her heart.

 Chapter 277 - Sisterhood Bond

    "Yes, you don''t have to worry about anything. Like I told you, I''m willing to let you stay for free as long as you watch over the house."


    With this said, Shu Xian''s mind started going nk. With the thought of her soon moving out, she felt a little hallow in her heart¡ªthe thought of leaving Pan An even though they live across each other slightly aching her heart.


    Shu Xian still hadn''t spoken even a single word. With her silent as she sat back down on the single couch, Wang Fang furrowed her brows, wondering why Shu Xian suddenly looked silent.


    "What''s wrong? Do you have any problems?"


    "Oh, no, no!"


    Shu Xian immediately answered as she suddenly felt bad for sounding sad. It was already Wang Fang who offered her a ce to stay! With her sounding this sad, it''s as if she was ungrateful for it when in fact, she is!


    With her not answering for a while, it''s as if Wang Fang could already guess why she was feeling sad. With her sitting back down on the couch behind her, she crossed her arms in front of her chest, her tone of voice teasing the youngdy in front of her.


    "It''s about Pan An, isn''t it?"


    Shu Xian widened her eyes as if she was caught on the spot. With a wide grin appearing on the Chief Librarian''s face, she couldn''t help but chuckle, furthermenting about it.


    "You don''t have to say yes or no to me, Shu Xian. I could already deduce this much," she added, Shu Xian now blushing.


    "A-ah¡­ w-well¡­"


    Wang Fang started to have mixed feelings. She didn''t know why, but other than feeling happy for Shu Xian, she started feeling overprotective about her, too!


    At the same time, she started wondering why she felt overprotective of her. She knew for a fact that Shu Xian is indeed her student assistant and being overprotective of her because of her duties and focus on work and at the same time studies is important.


    However¡­ Wang Fang started to think if that is indeed the point.


    It''s as if she started to regard Shu Xian as her little sister without her even realizing it!


    Is that possible for a short amount of time?


    With her suddenly silent, Shu Xian scratched the back of her head, feeling embarrassed.


    "Umm¡­ Miss Wang Fang?"


    When Shu Xian regarded to her as "miss" already, that''s when the Chief Librarian woke up to reality that Shu Xian is not her sister, but her student assistant.


    She is another gal, only sharing the same birthday with her little sister.


    With her showing a small smile, she then arched a brow at her and then teased her for her to put her thoughts aside.


    "Since when did you and Pan An be a couple?" she asked, Shu Xian''s blush never leaving her face.


    "Uuh¡­ just a few days," she said, Wang Fang immediately reacting.


    "A few days!?"


    With her sudden outburst quite loud, even Shu Xian was surprised, her hand on her chest as it slightly jumped.


    "Y-yes¡­ is something wrong?"


    Wang Fang couldn''t help but put her hands on her hips. With her shaking her head at the same time, she didn''t hold back on herment.


    "Isn''t it too early? I mean¡­ did you even give him a hard time?"


    Shu Xian blinked her eyes a few times.


    "I should give him a hard time?"


    "Yes!"


    Wang Fang answered immediately, crossing her leg over the other at the same time.


    "Like¡­ test his patience and his efforts! What if he doesn''t cherish you importantly after a few days?"


    "Well¡­" Shu Xian contemted for a while, cocking her head to the side at the same time. "I think that Pan An will never do that. He is a very nice man."


    "Oh, I know¡­" Wang Fang let out a sigh, rolling her eyes at the same time. "I don''t know why¡­ I just find myself so concern about you since you''re so young and Pan An is the same age as me, you know."


    Shu Xian couldn''t help but smile. With her feeling warm in her heart as she was happy with the thought that the Chief Librarian was concerned about her, she made ament about it, making Wang Fang slightly feel shy.


    "This may sound awkward to hear, but¡­ other than you being my boss, you''re like my big sister, Miss Wang Fang."


    The Chief Librarian was at aplete loss for words. With her lips turning into a tight line as she wasn''t sure of what to say, Shu Xian continued talking to her as if to reassure her that she will be okay with her rtionship with the professor.


    "Don''t worry¡­ you''re close with Pan An so I know that you know him very well, even more so than I know about him. From what I can see, I think he won''t ever hurt me considering of what he was carrying from the past until he has learned to let it go."


    Shu Xian didn''t directly say it, but she was pertaining to Ruo Xi''s sudden reappearance in her life. With that in thought, she didn''t know whether to be direct at Wang Fang since she didn''t know which information she knew or not.


    With Wang Fang feeling more at ease with how Shu Xian spoke to her, she just nodded slowly and let out a relieved smile, now smiling at her as she told her her heartfelt regards.


    "Thank you for talking to me with ease, Shu Xian. It warms my heart to know that you see me as your big sister. To be honest, I see you as my little sister, too!"


    As Wang Fang reached out to her so she could hold Shu Xian''s hand, both of them smiled at each other, Shu Xian really feeling their sisterhood bond even though they know that they are not rted.


    "I''m happy for you still that you are with a great man.. Just know that if ever he breaks your heart, I will definitely scold him and I will always cheer you on like a big sister to a little sister."

 Chapter 278 - Just The Three Of Us

    As Shu Xian continued staying in the Chief Librarian''s office for a chat, Wang Fang diverted the talk with her moving out soon.


    "So, since the ce is prepared already, the moving process is the only thing that''s missing. Do you have a lot to pack?"


    "No," Shu Xian said, shaking her head at the same time. "I only have a few personal things like my clothes and my stuff for university. And of course, my dog."


    "Then, alright," Wang Fang said, nodding approvingly as she let out a sigh of relief knowing that she is good to go. "You need a week to be with your boyfriend first before moving out?"


    Shu Xian blushed. With just a single noding from her, Wang Fang couldn''t help butugh out loud, wanting to tease her further.


    "Oh, young love¡­ I could really see you unable to part with him. It''s normal to feel in the beginning, but I wonder what would happen sooner orter once you date longer."


    Shu Xian arched a brow at her, quite curious with what she said.


    "You mean to say¡­ that once the rtionship gets longer, that we will get used to each other and may not be this¡­ sweet or passionate?"


    "Maybe?" Wang Fang shrugged. "No one will be able to tell. Most rtionships are like that, but it still depends on the couple," she added, Shu Xian now curious about her as her question made Wang Fang cough with how unexpected it is.


    "Have you already tired dating, Miss Wang Fang?"


    Wang Fang kept fanning herself. With her getting warmer as she felt embarrassed about herself since she didn''t know how to answer Shu Xian''s question, she continued coughing.


    Shu Xian then stood up and walked to her side, now giving her pats on her back to calm her down.


    "Uh¡­ Miss Wang Fang?"


    Wang Fang then drowned in her own thoughts. With Shu Xian''s question still ringing in her mind as it was recently said, she held up one finger asking for a moment, also formting an answer.


    To be honest, Wang Fang had never dated anyone before! With her already nearing her thirties and not even experiencing being courted by anyone with being such a workaholic, she wondered what she could say to Shu Xian!


    Shemented about her rtionship and even gave her advice! With her being asked if she ever had an experience, then Shu Xian might wonder why she''s giving advice when even a young girl as her now experienced being in a rtionship!


    Heck, Shu Xian is obviously more experienced than her now! How can she tell Shu Xian about this?


    Well, she knew that the youngdy is indeed warm and sweet¡ªnot a type of person to judge anyone.


    However, still, she worried about her sisterly image that both of them just recently formed so instead, she concealed her uneasiness in her smile, talking to her in the best way she thought.


    "Well¡­ I will have to tell you about that sooner orter but for now, my love life is a secret~!" she said, letting out a wink at the same time.


    As Shu Xian saw nothing hidden in that gesture, she just nodded and then understood, now standing up as she got her small box of cake.


    "Thank you for everything and also for the cake, Miss Wang Fang."


    She then carried the small box of cake and then proceeded to leave the office.


    "I will share it with Pan An at home and will tell him about the n."


    "Alright," Wang Fang said, internally sighing in relief as Shu Xian no longer probed further about her love life. "I''m d you liked the cake."


    And with that, Shu Xian already left the office, Wang Fang now standing up as she did a stretch, now rxed that Shu Xian and her were no longer talking about her love life.


    ***


    "Woah! Is that cake for us?"


    "No!"


    Shu Xian immediately set aside the cake on her side of the table and stuck out her tongue at Zhang Ren.


    "This is mine¡ªMiss Wang Fang gave it to me! I will share this with Pan An."


    "Right."


    Zhang Ren scoffed, his joke making Shu Xian blush as she imagined it.


    "You''re just gonna waste it if you n to be yful with Pan An on bed and then smother it on his chest and start to lick him."


    With Shu Xian silent for a while, Zhang Ren immediately knew why she was quiet. With him widening his eyes in surprise, he immediately chuckled silently, making sure that he won''t disturb the students studying in the library.


    "Hey¡­ I was joking and you''re already thinking about naughty stuff like this?"


    Shu Xian just said nothing and narrowed her eyes at him. With her sitting down on her swivel chair, Zhang Ren then continued typing the synopsis of the researches, Shu Xian now getting her phone to text Pan An.


    Her text read: I only have a week left before I move out.


    With her text sounding so formal, the moment Pan An immediately read it while he is in the faculty room, he immediately excused himself and went to the conference room so he could be alone.


    He stared at her text for a moment, not knowing what to say. With him feeling sad about the thought of his girlfriend leaving soon, he let out a sigh, replying to her message with what he thought was best.


    His text read: Don''t worry. It would only mean that we have to make the most of it. Besides, you will leave across my house.


    Shu Xian smiled slightly when she read his message. With her putting her phone at the side, at the same time, Shi Lian came to visit them, already giving Zhang Ren a flying kiss.


    "So¡­ wanna have dinnerter, just the three of us?"


    Zhang Ren and Shu Xian nodded immediately.. With Shu Xian also telling them that she will have to announce something important about her moving out, the three thought it was best to have a dinner out together before heading home.

 Chapter 279 - Housewarming Party

    While Shi Lian and Zhang Ren were discreetly flirting with each other over the counter, Shu Xianpletely ignored them as she looked at the thesis that Zhong Li told him was interesting since it tackled about web fiction.


    With her reading the outline proposal of the thesis, she now thought what could she propose when it''s time for her to make her thesis.


    For now, she just read this in hopes that she may have an early idea that she may use in the near future.


    ***


    Nowadays, when ites to literature, it branches from reading them with the use of books, or with the use of the inte. Since the status quo shows that most people are now involved with the use of the technology and inte, users now tend to read online.


    Because of this, people now read stories online and these stories are called Web Fiction.


    ording to Wikipedia (2021), Web Fiction is written works of literature avable primarily or solely on the inte. Amon type of web fiction is the web serial. The termes from old serial stories that were once published regrly in newspapers and magazines.


    Furthermore, unlike most modern books, a work of web fiction is often not published as a whole. Instead, it is released on the Inte in installments or chapters as they are finished, although publishedptions and anthologies are not unknown.


    The web serial form dominates in the category of fan fiction, as writing a serial takes less specialized software and often less time than an e-book (Wikipedia, 2021).


    As said by Wikipedia (2021), web fiction has be hugely popr in China, with revenues topping US$2.5 billion. ording to AXP (2018), there is a growing base of web fiction offered for free and followed by a loyal readership.


    In countries like China, web fiction has taken off, bing a major industry with top writers making millions of dors and their stories adapted into TV and movies.


    One example of a web novel website that publishes a lot of tranted Chinese stories and even original stories is called AllNovelFull.


    As said by AXP (2018), AllNovelFull (allnovelfull) is a fast-growing publisher of online fiction. They are owned by Yuewen (Qidian), a Chinese web fictionpany, which is a subsidiary of tech behemoth Tencent.


    ording to the aforementioned author of the article, the site features both tranted works and English originals.


    Unlike the other sites featured here, AllNovelFull does charge a fee to unlock chapters for some of their more popr works through a convoluted "spirit stone" (now using the term coins) currency system. On the plus side, the UI and design are a step above the norm.


    With that, since most researchers do literary analysis on books found in the library or in shops, doing literary criticism on web fiction can be something interesting as it may show different tropes and concepts not found in usual fiction books.


    Literary criticism is theparison, analysis, interpretation, and/or evaluation of works of literature and it is essentially an opinion, supported by evidence, rting to theme, style, setting or historical or political context (Dickinson, 2020).


    Furthermore, it usually includes discussion of the work''s content and integrates your ideas with other insights gained from research.


    ording to Dickinson (2020), literary criticism may have a positive or a negative bias and may be a study of an individual piece of literature or an author''s body of work.


    As stated by Dickinson (2020), although criticism may include some of the following elements in order to support an idea, literary criticism is NOT a plot summary, a biography of the author, or simply finding fault with the literature.


    ording to the author of the article (Dickinson, 2020), researching, reading, and writing works of literary criticism will help you to make better sense of the work, form judgments about literature, study ideas from different points of view, and determine on an individual level whether a literary work is worth reading.


    Examples of some types of literary criticism are, biographical,parative, ethical, expressive, feminist, historical, mimetic, pragmatic, psychological, social, textual and theoretical.


    Given the following approaches in literary criticism, the researcher may choose any of the following approaches they see fit in order to do an analysis of a literary work created by the author.


    ***


    Shu Xian waspletely lost in thought as she admired the researcher''s thesis. With Shi Lian and Zhang Ren noticing how engrossed she was, Shi Lian pped her hands thrice, immediately getting Shu Xian''s attention.


    "What is it?" she asked, blinking her eyes a few times as she put the thesis down. "Is there something wrong?" she added, Shi Lian yfully rolling her eyes at her as she answered her question.


    "No¡­ it''s just that you''re so focused with what you''re reading, you''re ignoring me and Zhang Ren!"


    Shu Xian arched a brow at them, grinning at the same time.


    "The audacity of you saying that, when in fact, it''s both of you ignoring me because of your incessant flirting."


    The two let out a chuckle. With Shu Xian suddenly remembering what Ruo Xi had told her¡ªShu Xian moving out soon, she then told her best friends, Zhang Ren and Shi Lian already familiar about her living in the Chief Librarian''s house.


    "I''ll be moving out in a week. Thought I''d tell you guys now the gist of it since Miss Wang Fang and I have already talked about it a moment ago."


    With that said, the couple looked at each other. With a big smile on their face, Zhang Ren immediately said a suggestion that sparked the excitement within Shi Lian.


    "Why not we organize a small weing party in your house? Like¡­ housewarming? Since you moved out and you''re now staying in a new ce."


    "Yeah!" Shi Lian immediately agreed, further adding her suggestion. "Also, you don''t have to worry since it''s not going to be loud. It will be just us, anyway¡ªwith important people in your life!"


    Shu Xian actually liked the idea.. The three of them started to n what they could do for the uing housewarming party that only involved them since they wouldn''t want to get other people''s attention around the university.

 Chapter 280 - What Do You Suggest

    As the conversation continued about their preparation for Shu Xian''s housewarming party at the new house, Shu Xian couldn''t help but think if they are really nning for a small one like they said, or if they are nning for a big one with how long they have been talking about it.


    Because of that, she just left them to it, admitting that she''s not good at preparations like this and just proceeded to read the other parts of the research such as its theoretical framework.


    ***


    Approaches to Literature


    Described below are themon critical approaches to the literature. Quotations are from X.J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia''s _Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama_, Sixth Edition (New York: HarperCollins, 1995), pages 1790-1818.


    Formalist Criticism


    This approach regards literature as "a unique form of human knowledge that needs to be examined on its own terms." All the elements necessary for understanding the work are contained within the work itself.


    Of particr interest to the formalist critic are the elements of form-style, structure, tone, imagery, etc.-that are found within the text. A primary goal for formalist critics is to determine how such elements work together with the text''s content to shape its effects upon readers.


    Biographical Criticism


    This approach "begins with the simple but central insight that literature is written by actual people and that understanding an author''s life can help readers more thoroughlyprehend the work."


    Hence, it often affords a practical method by which readers can better understand a text.


    However, a biographical critic must be careful not to take the biographical facts of a writer''s life too far in criticizing the works of that writer.


    Historical Criticism


    This approach "seeks to understand a literary work by investigating the social, cultural, and intellectual context that produced it a context that necessarily includes the artist''s biography and milieu."


    A key goal for historical critics is to understand the effect of a literary work upon its original readers.


    Psychological Criticism


    This approach reflects the effect that modern psychology has had upon both literature and literary criticism.


    Fundamental figures in psychological criticism include Sigmund Freud, whose "psychoanalytic theories changed our notions of human behavior by exploring new or controversial areas like wish-fulfillment, sexuality, the unconscious, and repression" as well as expanding our understanding of how nguage and symbols operate by demonstrating their ability to reflect unconscious fears or desires"; and Carl Jung, whose theories about the unconscious are also a key foundation of mythological criticism.


    Psychological criticism has a number of approaches, but in general, it usually employs one (or more) of three approaches such as: (1) an investigation of "the creative process of the artist: what is the nature of literary genius and how does it rte to normal mental functions?", (2) the psychological study of a particr artist, usually noting how an author''s biographical circumstances affect or influence their motivations and/or behavior, and (3) the analysis of fictional characters using thenguage and methods of psychology.


    Mythological Criticism


    This approach emphasizes "the recurrent universal patterns underlying most literary works."


    Combining the insights from anthropology, psychology, history, andparative religion, mythological criticism "explores the artist''smon humanity by tracing how the individual imagination uses myths and symbolsmon to different cultures and epochs."


    One key concept in mythological criticism is the archetype, "a symbol, character, situation, or image that evokes a deep universal response," which entered literary criticism from Swiss psychologist Carl Jung.


    ording to Jung, all individuals share a "collective unconscious," a set of primal memoriesmon to the human race, existing below each person''s conscious mind"-often deriving from primordial phenomena such as the sun, moon, fire, night, and blood, archetypes ording to Jung "trigger the collective unconscious."


    Another critic, Northrop Frye, defined archetype in a more limited way as "a symbol, usually an image, which recurs often enough in literature to be recognizable as an element of one''s literary experience as a whole."


    Regardless of the definition of archetype they use, mythological critics tend to view literary works in the broader context of works sharing a simr pattern.


    Reader-Response Criticism


    This approach takes as a fundamental t that "literature" exists not as an artifact upon a printed page but as a transaction between the physical text and the mind of a reader.


    It attempts "to describe what happens in the reader''s mind while interpreting a text" and reflects that reading, like writing, is a creative process.


    ording to reader-response critics, literary texts do not "contain" a meaning; meanings derive only from the act of individual readings.


    Hence, two different readers may derivepletely different interpretations of the same literary text; likewise, a reader who re-reads work yearster may find the work shockingly different.


    Reader-response criticism, then, emphasizes how "religious, cultural, and social values affect readings; it also oveps with gender criticism in exploring how men and women read the same text with different assumptions."


    Though this approach rejects the notion that a single "correct" reading exists for a literary work, it does not consider all readings permissible: "Each text creates limits to its possible interpretations."


    ***


    Shu Xian realized that the research is not only focusing on the premise of Web Fiction, but also modern interpretations of Web Fiction with the use of literary criticism!


    With her somewhat familiar of the theories to literary criticism, she furrowed her brows and tried her best toprehend even though it''s not yet discussed in her major subjects.


    "We should do something like backyard BBQ," Shi Lian suggested, Zhang Ren arching a brow at her.


    "When ites to BBQ, you would just rely the boys to grill for ya."


    "Wha¡ª" Shi Lian scoffed. "But we are the ones preparing the meat! Grilling is no big deal¡ªbesides we take turns and you still get to eat!"


    Zhang Ren narrowed his eyes at her.


    "Do you know how to grill meat?"


    "I¡­"


    Shi Lian blushed, now crossing her arms in front of her chest as their conversation distracted Shu Xian for a while, making herugh as she listened to them bickering.


    "Oh, what do you suggest we do for her housewarming, then!?"


    And with that, the three of them continued talking about their housewarming, the Chief Librarian now getting out of the office and saw them together at the counter.


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