He was really handsome!

Kujou Yukihime observed the man before her.

Given her status, she’d met countless prodigies.

Most groveled for her favor, craving her grace.

But those so-called idols and stars weren’t worth a single strand of his hair.

She cared for no man but him.

She didn’t quite understand this feeling herself.

If her affection for Yun Mingxin was love, she wouldn’t mind it at all.

In fact, she’d welcome it gladly.

Yet she needed to confirm this yearning wasn’t a false fantasy.

Yun Mingxin watched her seamless tea ceremony movements, amazed.

Such skill was rare these days.

When she poured freshly boiled mountain spring water into the teapot, a fragrant aroma filled the air.

He couldn’t tell what tea she used.

Its scent was nothing like ordinary leaves.

As Kujou Yukihime gently poured a cup, a few tea fragments floated on the surface.

Yun Mingxin’s eyes widened slightly.

The liquid wasn’t green or reddish-brown.

It was a thick, dark brown.

This wasn’t traditional tea.

Yun Mingxin lifted the cup and sipped.

It carried a fresh fragrance, slightly bitter at first.

The aftertaste held a hint of sweetness.

More importantly, it had a subtle stimulating kick.

The sensation shot straight to his brain, invigorating him.

He’d had little rest these past two days.

After an intense run, his hands ached.

Daily writing for readers and rushing short stories left him genuinely tired.

Surprised by the tea’s effect, he looked at Kujou Yukihime.

Sensing his confusion, she smiled faintly.

She held out a dried purple flower.

“Lavender tea. It aids sleep and eases fatigue. Perfect for night owls.”

Yun Mingxin’s eyes gleamed. This tea worked wonders.

He’d expected her elaborate ritual for Da Hong Pao or something grand.

Not simple lavender.

Seeing his surprise, Kujou Yukihime gazed at him warmly.

She wouldn’t mention ordinary lavender paled next to her family’s botanist-bred strain.

This version was stronger, reserved for Kujou’s top technicians to stay energetic and healthy.

Hers was specially selected from home.

“If you like this, Teacher Yun, I have more.”

Kujou Yukihime took a gift box from the drawer and offered it.

“No, no,” Yun Mingxin waved frantically.

“I don’t deserve such a gift. I’ve done nothing to earn it. And ‘teacher’? Way too much.”

A faint smile curled Kujou Yukihime’s lips.

She exuded Yamato Nadeshiko grace as she lifted her chin.

“Mr. Yun, you deserve ‘teacher.’ Nominally, I’m yours. But your writing skills command my respect.”

“This piece is short yet profound. You must have many masterpieces. In my country, we honor writers deeply. Calling you ‘teacher’ isn’t excessive.”

“Let’s skip it,” Yun Mingxin refused. Being called ‘teacher’ still felt awkward.

“Alright, I’ll call you Mr. Yun,” Kujou Yukihime conceded.

“Wait—Ms. Kujou, didn’t you say you’re nominally my teacher?”

Yun Mingxin caught that detail sharply.

“Yes!” Kujou Yukihime replied playfully. “Don’t you know? I teach the Japanese elective at your school.”

“Huh?”

Yun Mingxin forgot manners. He pulled out his phone and checked his schedule.

Electives had recently been added.

Seeing “Kujou Yukihime” listed as his Japanese instructor, his expression faltered.

Kujou Yukihime covered her mouth, suppressing a laugh.

Of course she knew. She’d planned it.

Originally, she’d meant to skip classes, sending a substitute.

But seeing his name on the roster changed her mind.

The usual rich boys were either show-off peacocks or fake-refined suitors.

She’d grown tired of their tedious rituals.

She knew her beauty made her an ideal wife candidate—even for in-laws.

Yun Mingxin reacted genuinely.

Immune to her looks—likely due to his stunning ex—he wasn’t lecherous.

She liked that.

“Then you’re my teacher! Sorry, Teacher Kujou. I was too casual.”

“Just call me Xiao Yun, or whatever you prefer.”

“‘Mr.’ is too stiff!”

To his surprise, his words made her displeased.

Why?

Yun Mingxin couldn’t read her at all.

“Mr. Yun, I must say this. I respect your status. I switched from ‘Teacher Yun’ to honor you.”

“I’m just killing time here, teaching Japanese. I changed your title, yet you refuse to reciprocate. Insisting on ‘teacher’?”

“Isn’t that improper?”

Kujou Yukihime grew serious, releasing a hint of her aura.

Yun Mingxin felt completely overwhelmed.

Knowing she was his teacher, he couldn’t stay casual.

Teachers naturally held authority over students.

“But ‘teacher’ isn’t wrong!” Yun Mingxin flustered.

He truly couldn’t grasp her rhythm. The waters were too deep.

Seeing him flustered, she stopped teasing.

“How about this?” Kujou Yukihime softened. “We address each other as equals. No ‘teacher’ or ‘mister’ for either.”

This was her true goal all along—retreating to advance.

“What should I call you then?”

“I’ll call you Mingxin. You call me… Yukihime?”

“Huh?”

“Problem?”

Kujou Yukihime raised an eyebrow, displeased.

“Alright, since you don’t mind, Teacher—”

“Hmm?”

“Yukihime. As long as you don’t mind.”

Yun Mingxin felt helpless.