Receiving the driver’s call,

Meng Wanyu rubbed her eyes and mumbled a sleepy “Mm-hmm” in reply.

But once fully awake, she’d already forgotten what she’d agreed to.

She had no choice but to call the driver back.

“Miss, Mr. Lin of the Lin family is inviting you to his only son’s birthday banquet.”

Meng Wanyu frowned slightly.

Lin Chen’s birthday party?

Just thinking of that tacky rich second-gen kid made her let out a soft *tsk*.

“Going to his party? Wouldn’t that be giving him way too much face?”

Her attendance wasn’t just about her—it represented the Meng family.

Personal preference aside, she had to uphold the family’s dignity.

The Mengs moved in Jingzhou’s elite circles.

They couldn’t casually mingle with Yi City’s smaller social scene.

Getting tangled in messy interests would be trouble—her sister and mom had warned her countless times before she left.

“Tell that Lin guy my cat’s sick. I need to take it to the vet.”

Without hesitation, Meng Wanyu declined the invitation.

Honestly, she was far more excited about Lu Chengzhou coming over later to help with homework.

He’d slipped away every time before—but not tonight.

“Tonight, you’re *not* escaping early. Hmph.”

To welcome Teacher Lu, she changed outfits.

She usually went cute—but today? Alluring.

Her new low-cut maid dress was perfect for the test.

But… how *did* this cat tail attach?

After fiddling with it for a while, she gave up and clipped it loosely at her waist, hiding the clip with a ribbon.

“Perfect~”

Gazing at the mirror—catgirl maid blending cute and sexy—Meng Wanyu smiled, satisfied.

“No way Lu Chengzhou stays calm this time.”

…

*Ding-dong.*

The doorbell jolted her nerves.

Instinctively, she snatched a long coat, draped it over herself, and cautiously opened the door.

Standing there was none other than Lu Chengzhou.

He’d swapped his school uniform for casual wear; his freshly trimmed hair made him look sharper, more energetic than at school.

Relief washed over her. *Phew… not my sister.*

“Nice haircut! Where’d you get it done?”

The moment he stepped in, she complimented him.

Lu Chengzhou blinked. *I just hacked at it with scissors… “nice”?*

“And this outfit suits you—especially the dark blue denim jacket.”

*Alright,* he realized. *She’s just being sweet. No hidden meaning.*

Still… being praised by a pretty girl felt good.

Might as well blush a little for show.

They settled at the coffee table.

Same routine: thirty minutes of solo problem-solving, then he’d explain the tough ones.

Lu Chengzhou noticed her hair clips—fluffy, perched on each side like cat ears.

*Wait… are those actual cat ears?*

Then he saw it: tiny leather shoes, white stockings dotted with pale strawberry prints… and a fluffy tail swaying behind her.

*Is she cosplaying?*

Curiosity flared—but he kept his eyes down, focused on his paper.

Across from him, Meng Wanyu murmured, “So warm~” and slipped off her coat.

“Teacher Lu, could you pour me some water?”

Her voice was soft, teasing.

That coquettish tone paired with her cute-yet-sexy look? Impossible to refuse.

Lu Chengzhou stood, fetched the water, and returned.

“Thank you.”

She took the glass with an ambiguous smile.

He coughed lightly, gaze dropping.

*This atmosphere…*

He could feel his hidden preferences stirring.

No wonder—a girl blending cute and sexy was utterly irresistible.

He kept stealing glances.

*Long black hair, catgirl maid outfit… perfect.*

Meng Wanyu felt his gaze—but he stayed respectful, never overstepping.

That restraint only deepened her interest.

*Worth the chase. He’ll keep me entertained.*

Thirty minutes passed.

She slid her test paper toward him.

Before he could start grading, she pressed a hand on it.

“If I got everything right… I want a reward, okay?”

Lu Chengzhou sighed inwardly. *Typical little princess.*

But the problems *were* tough…

“Name it. As long as it’s… proper.”

“Kiss me.”

*Pfft!*

He choked, spraying water—luckily only on his own backpack.

Meng Wanyu smirked. “Such a reaction? Could it be… Teacher A-Zhou’s first kiss is still intact?”

Lu Chengzhou’s expression turned helpless.

*Of course it is. But does a guy’s first kiss even matter?*

Agreeing would feel like taking advantage.

“Then… Teacher A-Zhou…”

Her smile softened as she leaned closer.

He instinctively pulled back—but she closed the gap.

They hovered in breathless proximity.

“Can I have your first kiss?”

Her fingertip brushed his lip, wiping away a stray droplet.

Lu Chengzhou froze.

*Trap. This is a trap!*

*If an ordinary side character like me kisses her… her Jingzhou dad’ll have me stuffed in a sack and sunk in the river!*

In three seconds, his whole life flashed before his eyes.

Temptation vs. survival? Survival won.

“No. I refuse.”

He sat rigidly upright, forcing his breathing steady.

“Please… choose a *proper* reward.”