"Chi Yuzhou, are you... short on money?"

At Xiao Yingwan’s sudden question, Chi Yuzhou paused slightly, then gave a gentle nod.

"So it is true."

Xiao Yingwan repeated the words absently, watching his emotionless demeanor as he admitted the fact.

Though she hadn’t known Chi Yuzhou long, she’d keenly noticed his financial struggles.

He rarely visited the school canteen. When she occasionally saw him leaving the convenience store, he only held cheap bread—just enough to fill his stomach.

Plus, his build wasn’t robust. Sleeping through every class suggested he wasn’t resting at night. He was likely working a part-time job instead.

Sighing softly, Xiao Yingwan stood up, feeling she’d uncovered most of the truth. "Chi Yuzhou, do you know about our school’s progress award bonus?"

"Huh? What’s that?"

At the mention of money, Chi Yuzhou’s hands stilled while packing his books. His voice carried a trace of curiosity.

He’d never heard of this progress bonus.

Xiao Yingwan then explained the award slowly.

To motivate struggling students, the school granted a generous bonus to one pupil per class showing remarkable improvement. Teachers rigorously reviewed grades to prevent gaming the system.

Their class’s slot was still empty.

Hearing this, Chi Yuzhou’s hopes shattered.

This bonus felt irrelevant to him. With only half a month until the next test, his tutoring time couldn’t bridge the gap.

Just as Chi Yuzhou opened his mouth to speak, Xiao Yingwan continued: "I’ve seen your weak spots these past days. Trust me. If you tutor over an hour daily and use weekends well, you’ll likely win it."

"How much is this bonus...?"

"Two thousand."

The number stunned Chi Yuzhou.

It was far more than he’d expected.

Though less than half his monthly wage from the Full Moon Night Tavern, it required far less time.

Chi Yuzhou met Xiao Yingwan’s gaze, his tone laced with doubt. "Just because of that accident in the sports warehouse? Are you sure you want this trouble?"

"Not just that. I’m helping a classmate."

A gentle, graceful smile softened Xiao Yingwan’s face. Her usual aloofness melted away completely.

Like an iceberg briefly thawing to reveal pure, flawless beauty.

"With my help and recommendation... think it over."

Seeing Chi Yuzhou deep in thought, Xiao Yingwan said no more. She turned to leave.

As she walked away, her eyes burned with renewed determination.

The bonus incentive. Her tutoring charm. Her subtle care for him. The temptation of more time together.

None of it had made Chi Yuzhou decide instantly.

What a stubborn Chi Yuzhou.

Her gaze sharpened like a challenged beast, filled with resolve.

She wondered how long he’d resist before falling for her.

...

Full Moon Night Tavern.

The atmosphere remained elegant, soft melodies drifting like clouds through the space.

Chi Yuzhou, three hours into his shift, still pondered Xiao Yingwan’s offer.

If he asked Manager Heng Li to shorten his weekday hours and reclaim weekends, the kind manager would likely agree. Heng Li had always cared about his studies.

And if he won the bonus, less work time could mean more money. His grades would improve too.

More rest. Less stress. Better results. Logically, Chi Yuzhou had no reason to hesitate.

But he knew one truth well:

Any benefit from a beautiful woman hid a barbed hook.

Extra free time meant more freedom.

Even knowing it was bait, Chi Yuzhou felt tempted to bite.

After all... places with sharper hooks hadn’t trapped him.

Don’t ask why—he simply trusted his own cleverness.

Tonight’s patrons were ordinary. Neither Qiujie Zhuo nor Hengqinghuai appeared.

Soon, closing time arrived.

At the counter, Chi Yuzhou explained his need for more study time to Manager Heng Li. He shared everything: tutoring with the top student, the school bonus. Nothing to hide.

As expected, Heng Li nodded warmly in agreement.

Better yet, the helpful manager refused to cut his pay.

Overwhelmed by the kindness, Chi Yuzhou could only stay silent.

Late at night, disguised, Chi Yuzhou trudged home, yawning repeatedly.

At a street corner, a black cat darted out, jolting him fully awake.

He sensed something. Glancing back—

Only dim streetlights and silence. Nothing there.

Shivering inexplicably, Chi Yuzhou hurried away.

He never noticed the police officer nearby, watching with a puzzled frown.

Had she mistaken him for someone else?

...

Next morning.

The classroom buzzed with energy, untouched by the boy already napping in the corner.

As the homeroom teacher stepped onto the platform, chatter faded into quiet.

Once the bell rang and students settled, the teacher cleared her throat. "Everyone knows about Wednesday’s off-campus activity?"

"Yes!"

Excited shouts erupted. Chi Yuzhou sat up, bewildered.

Off-campus activity? He’d never heard of it.

The teacher scanned the eager faces. "Form groups of five. Choose freely. The class monitor will submit your lists to me."