How could Xiao Yingwan have thought to review lessons together after dinner?

Chi Yuzhou ate his meal, only now feeling a trace of confusion over her invitation today.

Surely she hadn’t dressed up in that pretty skirt just for him to admire?

It was hard not to suspect this stubborn girl had some hidden agenda he couldn’t fathom.

Still… shouldn’t he also buy some regular clothes soon?

Back when he had no weekends off, he’d spent nearly all his time at the tavern. His own wardrobe rarely mattered.

If he didn’t add anything new soon, cobwebs would start gathering in the corners.

Though even if he wanted to shop, he’d have to wait until that promised bonus and salary arrived.

Chi Yuzhou pondered silently while finishing his food.

Across from him, Xiao Yingwan watched his plain school uniform. A flicker of displeasure crossed her eyes.

She hadn’t gone all out for this meeting, but she’d at least made an effort with her appearance.

Yet Chi Yuzhou looked exactly as he did in class—still that same gloomy, unpolished aura.

Did boys like him simply not care about grooming?

Was Chi Yuzhou incapable… or just unwilling?

If the former, should she tutor him on that too?

But if the latter… well. Good for him.

After dinner, both pulled out textbooks and notebooks.

The restaurant’s chatter didn’t disturb their focus. As time passed, the space grew quieter.

Xiao Yingwan had tutored Chi Yuzhou for a while now. Today’s session only reinforced previously covered material.

If he’d truly mastered this, she’d need to plan the next topics.

Judging by his progress, his chances of earning that bonus seemed solid.

To her surprise, tutoring him wasn’t as tedious as she’d feared.

Just as she’d guessed initially—he’d only struggled because his foundation was weak.

At least he wasn’t slow to learn.

Once those gaps were filled, catching up shouldn’t be hard.

Lately, he’d even stopped dozing off in class so often.

Clearly, her influence was working.

While Chi Yuzhou buried himself in problems, Xiao Yingwan flipped through a storybook to pass the time.

Two hours slipped by.

Chi Yuzhou sipped tangy-sweet lemonade, gazing out the window as he waited for her to grade his work.

Other diners stole glances at the odd pair—the pretty girl and the gloomy boy ignoring her for the scenery.

*What a clueless kid. What’s so special about him anyway?*

Xiao Yingwan set down her pen. Her cool, clear voice broke the silence:

“You did well. You’ve nearly mastered this section. Tomorrow, we’ll start first and second-year high school material.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

She gave a slight nod. “Keep practicing these concepts with extra exercises.”

“Got it.”

Chi Yuzhou listened intently—this bonus mattered. He’d buy workbooks right after leaving. Every practice problem counted.

By three o’clock, he felt ready to wrap up.

This session had lasted far longer than any at school. Sitting still made him stiff.

So did the strange stares around them.

An awkward silence settled between them at the window seat. Neither mentioned parting.

Chi Yuzhou finally spoke, already planning his next meat buns:

“I should head back. See you tomorrow.”

“Mm. Bye.”

Her reply stayed flat, unreadable.

As he passed her chair, he hesitated, then added belatedly:

“The dress suits you. You look… really…”

Xiao Yingwan cut in smoothly before he could finish:

“Tomorrow’s outfit will look good too.”

“…Right. Bye.”

Her closed-off expression made him swallow the rest.

*She has good taste. Her recommendations might help me find decent menswear.*

But after all her tutoring, he shouldn’t trouble her more. Maybe next time.

...

After Chi Yuzhou left, Xiao Yingwan texted someone quickly, then returned to her book.

Half her thoughts had already drifted elsewhere.

Chi Yuzhou wasn’t as gloomy and dull as he seemed.

At least he’d noticed her outfit today.

Late, but he’d noticed.

Then she recalled—a faint glimmer near his ear earlier.

Partially hidden by hair, but unmistakably an earring?

For the first time, Xiao Yingwan felt a flicker of curiosity about the face beneath his bangs.

His jawline was finely shaped. Maybe his whole face wasn’t unattractive?

Or did he hide some strange mark?

While she wondered, a nervous voice stammered beside her:

“X-Xiao Yingwan? S-so… coincidental.”

“Afternoon.”

A male classmate stood rigidly nearby.

Encouraged by her reply, he blurted: “Y-you look… really pretty today.”

Xiao Yingwan gave a curt nod. Her phone buzzed just then—a perfect exit.

She rose and left the restaurant, stepping into a black car.

Watching the city blur past the window, she suppressed an exasperated thought.

*So I’m only pretty today? Hmph. I look this good every day.*

Inside, the boy stood frozen. His eyes darted resentfully to the empty seat across from Xiao Yingwan’s.