Under Meng Wanyu’s steady gaze, Lu Chengzhou scrambled for a plausible excuse to show gratitude.

He glanced around—the broom nearby caught his eye.

Striding over, he snatched it up and gave it a habitual, light heft.

“How about I sweep the floor for you?”

“…”

“Or… wash the dishes? Maybe cook you some egg fried rice?”

Meng Wanyu’s confident smile froze.

Sweep?

Wash dishes??

Cook???

She’d poised herself to bond with him—only to be met with *this*?

A sharp wave of “iron-refusing-to-become-steel” frustration washed over her.

Anger flickered to life.

“Lu Chengzhou!”

She sat up straight.

The little princess aura flared instantly.

A single call summoned him closer, gesturing for him to sit.

Lu Chengzhou approached with a helpless sigh, still clutching the broom.

Realizing it was awkward to point a broom at a girl, he quietly set it down.

Meng Wanyu pulled this year’s math Olympiad practice test from her bag and tossed it before him.

Her playful smirk vanished; cool composure returned.

“Since Teacher Lu is here—applying for the role—I must test your skill,” she said, handing him a pen.

She leaned in slightly, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

Eyes narrowed, lips curving into a teasing yet threatening smile.

“Get one question wrong… and I’ll punish you.”

*Punish?*

Lu Chengzhou’s mind raced—what could she possibly mean?

Nothing reasonable came to mind.

“Of course,” she added, “ace every question… and I might reward you.”

She clearly preferred the idea of punishment.

Straightening up, she settled comfortably, gazing up at him.

Lu Chengzhou suddenly felt like he was bowing before a princess.

*If I deliberately fail… would she feel mocked?*

His fingers tightened around the pen.

*Guess I’ll show real skill. Earn a little respect.*

Being teased by a beautiful girl was… oddly thrilling, yet faintly humiliating.

His pride rebelled at forever bowing to this little princess.

…

Thirty minutes later.

Lu Chengzhou submitted the paper.

Meng Wanyu took it, checking answers one by one.

Her expression grew serious.

Correct.

Next—also correct.

Every solution flawless, flowing seamlessly.

He’d barely paused. Pen to paper, near-perfect accuracy.

She frowned, lips pressing together in reluctant disbelief.

“Have you seen these before?”

How could such speed be genuine?

Lu Chengzhou, lacking an excuse, smoothly played along.

“Yeah… I’ve done them once.”

“You’re lying!”

*Slam!* The paper hit the table. She lunged, pinned his shoulders, and shoved him onto the sofa.

Too sudden to react.

By the time he registered being pinned—she was already close. *Too* close.

“W-Wait… Miss Meng, please—”

Muscles locked, he instinctively retreated.

His back scraped the leather sofa with a soft *creak*.

Chin resting on her palm, she studied him, eyes narrowed.

“These came out *yesterday*. You’ve done them?”

“Uh…”

*Oops.*

Miscalculation.

*Her scent must’ve scrambled my brain.*

She said *this year’s* test—obviously not old questions!

How could he possibly know them?

He sighed. “If I said… I solved them in a dream? Would you believe me?”

She reached out, gently pinching his cheek.

Crimson lips parted.

A whisper, laced with mischief:

“From anyone else? No. From you? Maybe.”

Spotting the faint blush on his eartips, her smile turned sly.

“So Lu classmate *does* react to beauty. Not so aloof after all.”

He turned slightly toward the spider plant by the door, seeking distraction.

Truthfully? Still no reaction.

*But if she keeps pressing like this…*

Never challenge a man’s late-night self-control.

Thankfully, she rose.

“Ah—”

A sharp tug at her scalp.

She glanced down—his arm trapped a strand of her hair.

“Lu classmate… you’re pinning my hair.”

He froze, yanked his arm back, and slipped free.

Two loud coughs masked the flush on his cheeks.

That unfortunate angle… revealed a sliver of pale green lace trim.

Just lace—but his mind sprinted where it shouldn’t.

*Damn it. Why can’t I rein these thoughts in?*

Meng Wanyu let out a soft chuckle, sprawling onto the spot he’d vacated.

“Let’s end here, Lu classmate. Push you further… and focus might become impossible.”

“Mm.” He packed swiftly, eyes darting toward the door.

Every step from sofa to exit, he braced for ambush.

None came.

“Goodnight, Miss Meng.”

“Goodnight~”

Outside, he faced pitch-black streets.

Ten kilometers to the nearest bus stop.

Missed the last bus anyway.

Taxis rarely ventured into this wealthy neighborhood.

Hand pressed to his forehead, he sighed.

Only one path left.

*No wonder she didn’t stop me.*

*She knew I’d walk right back.*

*She counted on it.*

Just then—her voice floated from behind:

“Lu classmate… it’s late. Why not stay over for the night?”