"Chi Yuzhou, how about I tutor you?"

Xiao Yingwan had overheard most of the teacher’s scolding. She led Chi Yuzhou aside and asked his opinion.

Over the past few days, she’d unintentionally noticed his situation.

In class, Chi Yuzhou mostly rested with his head on the desk.

At lunch, he was always alone. For two days straight, she’d seen him buy only bread from the convenience store.

Recalling their weekend encounter, he’d eaten only cheap snacks.

Xiao Yingwan admitted his self-assured attitude had caught her attention.

Another unspoken factor was this: the boy who ignored her and slept through most classes stayed awake in Ms. Guanmingxue’s lessons.

She felt that shouldn’t be.

Besides age, she wasn’t inferior to Guanmingxue.

No one would know her private thoughts.

Her top-ranked grades were enough to tutor him—she just wondered if he’d agree.

Even now, Xiao Yingwan saw no reason for rejection.

Chi Yuzhou looked at the suddenly reappearing Xiao Yingwan and countered:

"What’s in it for you? This doesn’t benefit you."

Xiao Yingwan casually swept her silky hair behind her ear, exuding unintentional charm. She parted her lips:

"Consider it repayment for last week. I dislike owing people."

?

Why was she still hung up on that? Had she obsessed over it?

Was Xiao Yingwan really that serious?

Chi Yuzhou naturally ignored her charm. After a pause, he replied:

"I’ll think about it. Okay?"

"...Of course."

Any other guy would’ve nodded eagerly by now.

Watching Chi Yuzhou walk away, a mysterious smile touched Xiao Yingwan’s exquisite face.

Just considering it was enough.

She didn’t believe he’d resist falling under her spell.

Bathed in golden hallway light, her cool features held a smile like she’d found a beloved toy.

A passing boy froze at the sight. He approached nervously:

"X-Xiao classmate... l-let me carry those for you?"

Xiao Yingwan didn’t reply. She simply shook her head slightly and walked on.

......

In class, Chi Yuzhou rested his chin on one hand, gazing out the window.

He was seriously weighing Xiao Yingwan’s offer.

He’d been on the run for months. If that woman never found him, could he finally plan his future?

He’d heard good grades were the best path in the human world.

Bartending was just survival—luck had brought him Manager Heng Li, but that path wasn’t replicable.

Customers with lustful eyes... one slip like that woman’s mistake, and he’d be ruined.

Strange women weren’t new to him; caution was reasonable.

Humans were weaker though—he wouldn’t feel powerless like before.

High school lasted three years. He was in his second year now. If that woman found him in this vast world, it might only happen after Gaokao.

So... should he study hard?

Just as the thought surfaced, noisy laughter drew his attention.

Classmates huddled together, led by Hua Qi.

Xiao Yingwan had returned, handing out test papers.

Hua Qi’s group called names or tossed papers onto desks.

The pre-class bell rang.

Hua Qi approached Chi Yuzhou, holding three papers. He handed one to the front seat.

"Here, Hua Fu."

"Thanks."

Hua Qi nodded and gave another to Chi Yuzhou.

As Chi Yuzhou took it, Hua Qi asked:

"You were staring out the window. What were you thinking?"

Chi Yuzhou didn’t answer immediately. He countered:

"Hua Qi, what do you want to do after graduation?"

"Why ask that?"

"Just for reference."

Hua Qi paused by the desk, feigning deep thought.

"For me... I want to start my own business. Be my own boss!"

"Starting a business?"

"Yeah! Reap the rewards all day."

Chi Yuzhou nodded slightly. Hua Qi added:

"If that fails, I’ll inherit the family business."

Chi Yuzhou recalled Hua Qi at the bar—his tailored suit fit perfectly, though his hairstyle was odd.

So Hua Qi was a rich kid? Given his past antics... a love-struck fool with money to burn.

Under Chi Yuzhou’s sudden scrutiny, Hua Qi stepped back.

"Why stare like that?"

"Just didn’t see it."

"No one ever asked."

Hua Qi scratched his head and returned to his seat.

Glancing back, he saw Chi Yuzhou nodding to himself—like he’d made a decision.

Studying hard was necessary preparation.

He couldn’t vanish from school like before.

University life would be security.

He had time—just not the fragmented after-school hours.

Chi Yuzhou’s gaze met Xiao Yingwan’s across the room.

They locked eyes briefly.

Her look held no familiar dread—just unreadable intent.

Since she insisted on helping as repayment, accepting was fine.

Mostly, it would finally close that apology chapter.