In the principal’s office, Qin Cheng sat indifferently in a chair, waiting for Cheng Yu An.

Propping his chin on one hand, his gaze fixed on a photo atop the desk—a handsome middle-aged man laughing as he lifted a cute little girl high into the air.

His dark eyes flickered slightly. His index finger tapped unconsciously against the wood, lost in thought.

The curtains were drawn. Only a faint sliver of light seeped through the gap, casting the room in dim shadow. The atmosphere lent him a trace of mysterious allure, perfectly accentuating his already striking features.

Had any of Qin Cheng’s acquaintances seen him like this, they’d be stunned. Was this truly the same carefree, lecherous, cowardly young master from a wealthy family?

*Knock… knock…*

A soft rap echoed at the door. The corner of Qin Cheng’s lips lifted faintly.

*So she’s here.*

He gave no reply, made no move—just remained silent in his seat, crossing his long legs with an air of quiet anticipation.

“Excuse me?”

After a brief silence, more knocks followed, accompanied by a clear, melodious female voice.

*Creak…*

The doorknob turned. Cheng Yu An stepped inside and, out of habit, gently closed the door behind her.

The moment her eyes landed on the figure at the desk, she froze. Shadowy memories surged back.

“Y-You! How are *you* here?!”

She instinctively covered her lips, staring in disbelief. Panic seized her—she spun around, fingers flying to the doorknob.

But just as she was about to flee, Qin Cheng spoke.

“Relax. This is school. I won’t lay a finger on you.”

“And if you walk out now, Yu Zhe will never see freedom again. Malicious assault, intent to kill—the evidence alone is enough to bury him.”

“I’m here to talk.”

He rested his chin on both palms, his amused gaze drifting slowly over Cheng Yu An’s frame, as if appraising an object.

His words halted her. At Yu Zhe’s name, she stiffly turned back, eyes sharp with disgust and contempt. Fear seemed conquered—for now.

“Perfect. I also have matters to discuss with *Young Master Qin*…”

Her hand stayed locked on the doorknob. She forced down a wave of nausea, glaring at him. One wrong move, and she’d bolt.

*[Hmph… Not completely brainless. At least she knows her worth.]*

Qin Cheng mentally scoffed. She wasn’t some empty-headed girl—but her caution was still laughably low.

If he’d *wanted* to, someone like her would’ve been dragged to bed already.

But that’d be boring. He wasn’t some idiot who lost his head over any woman.

“Alright. What would you like to discuss?”

He nodded innocently and gestured politely to the seat beside her.

“I…"

Cheng Yu An stood frozen, eyes darting away. She shot him a hesitant glance, brows furrowed, words caught in her throat.

Qin Cheng chuckled lightly, offering a cold, hollow smile. “Speak plainly. I’ve no patience for fluff.”

“E-Eh? I… I understand…”

*[Why does he feel… like a completely different person?]*

An invisible pressure pressed down on her. His sharp, commanding tone left her momentarily dazed. She blinked at him, muttered inwardly, then pressed on.

“I want to talk about… what happened that day.”

“You mean the incident where a lunatic sent you to the hospital?”

“What *lunatic*?! It was *you* who tried to—! Yu Zhe only stepped in to save me! That’s what caused everything!”

Her brows tightened further, voice sharpening. She wouldn’t let this vile man slander Yu Zhe.

Qin Cheng merely watched, expression utterly unchanged—as if silently cueing her to continue the performance.

“But here I stand. He’s locked up. What exactly do *you* plan to do about it?”