"Boss... I..." During class, Li Yan suddenly called out to Xiao Mu, looking shy and flustered.

"What's up?" Xiao Mu eyed him curiously.

"I..." Li Yan fidgeted, clearly embarrassed.

"Just say it. No need to hide anything." Xiao Mu patted his shoulder.

Li Yan finally gathered his courage. "Um... Boss, is Night Glass really your cousin?"

He stared at Xiao Mu with eager hope.

Xiao Mu paused, then realized—Li Yan had a crush on her!

"You like her?"

"Ahhh... why did you just blurt that out!" Li Yan's face flushed crimson. Caught off guard, he didn't know where to put his hands.

"So, you want to chase her?" Xiao Mu pressed.

Li Yan nodded slightly. "You have to help me, Boss!" he pleaded.

Ah... headache. Li Yan thought Night Glass was his cousin and wanted his help. But she was one of Xiao Mu's targets. He couldn't assist him.

Still, Li Yan was solid—he'd stood by Xiao Mu yesterday against dozens, even when terrified. Ignoring him felt wrong.

"Boss?" Li Yan whispered as silence stretched. "If it's too much trouble..."

"I'll help you!"

"Eh?"

"Of course. Who am I if not your boss?" Xiao Mu smiled. He'd introduce them, but if Night Glass rejected Li Yan, that was out of his hands.

"Thank you, Boss!" Li Yan beamed.

"Warning though—if my cousin doesn't like you, don't blame me."

"Mhm! Just meeting her is enough!" Xiao Mu shook his head. He couldn't believe a model student like Li Yan liked a fiery girl like Night Glass. He'd expected him to prefer Lin Hanyun.

Class ended before he knew it. Sure enough, Night Glass stood by the door, waving at Xiao Mu with a bright smile. Boys stole glances, scheming to befriend Xiao Mu for a chance with her.

Xiao Mu walked out with Li Yan, whose face was bright red. "Night Glass, this is my bro, Li Yan."

"Hello! I'm Night Glass, Master's apprentice." She blinked big eyes and offered her hand.

Li Yan found "Master" odd but shook her hand stiffly. Afterward, his heart pounded wildly, palms slick with sweat.

"What's wrong?" Night Glass asked, noticing his state.

"N-nothing."

She turned to Xiao Mu. "Here, Master! I brought gum!" She held out a pack like treasure.

"I don't eat gum," Xiao Mu refused.

"Ah? Why not? It's amazing! Don't you like it, Master?" She puffed her cheeks, staring hard.

Her expression was adorable. Xiao Mu's heart skipped a beat. Li Yan just gaped, frozen.

"Alright." Unable to resist, Xiao Mu took it and popped one in his mouth. Night Glass grinned, satisfied.

She only left when class was about to start.

Xiao Mu saw Li Yan eyeing the gum. "Want some?"

"Mhm!" Li Yan nodded eagerly.

"Take it." Xiao Mu handed him the pack.

"No, just one's fine." Li Yan took a single piece and melted into bliss as he chewed.

Huh... that good? Xiao Mu wondered.

After third period, Night Glass returned with an ice cream for Xiao Mu. Halfway through eating it, she snatched it back and devoured it herself.

Ah... not my fault! Li Yan, stop giving me that look!