“Tch. How boring.”

Meng Wanyu was clearly disappointed.

She knew Lu Chengzhou was cautious and had anticipated his refusal.

But hearing him actually say no still left her a little down.

He obviously wanted it—so why refuse?

Just because she was from the Meng family of Jingzhou?

“Fine. Let’s switch to a proper reward.”

Meng Wanyu sat back down, dropping her coquettish tone for one that was serious yet casually aloof.

“If I get every answer right, you have to accompany me on a full-day date.”

Lu Chengzhou: “…”

*Miss, do you seriously think this counts as a proper reward?!*

*Who even uses a date as a reward?!*

Meng Wanyu shot him a faint glance. “Surely you can manage even this?”

Lu Chengzhou sighed.

Fine. He could do it.

Going on a date with the young miss? Prestige guaranteed.

Even if Meng Wanyu weren’t breathtakingly beautiful—and she absolutely was—the Meng family’s reputation alone carried weight.

No exaggeration: walking beside her felt like luck itself would smile on you.

Only one catch—you had to stay alert.

*After all, a male supporting character shouldn’t draw too much attention.*

“I accept.”

At his agreement, Meng Wanyu’s smile deepened.

She’d been so confident because she’d already solved all the problems herself and had a teacher verify the answers.

Lu Chengzhou checked her work with one last shred of hope—only to watch it vanish.

She’d actually gotten every single one right.

Such difficult questions shattered his expectations of her abilities.

Was she… acting too?

Lu Chengzhou rubbed his temples.

Headache incoming.

Maybe it was time to resign as her tutor.

The pressure was just too much…

“Let’s set the date for right after school tomorrow.”

Meng Wanyu blew lightly on her nails.

Regal, commanding—this version of her was even more captivating.

Lu Chengzhou stole another glance.

A domineering catgirl maid…

Sexy, cute, commanding—three traits that somehow blended perfectly on one person.

It genuinely broadened his perspective.

He even briefly wished she’d wear this outfit on their date.

But the thought vanished instantly.

Privately, he didn’t want other men seeing this side of her.

Today’s tutoring session was over.

Lu Chengzhou stood to leave—

—and Meng Wanyu called him back.

She rose smoothly, strolled over, and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Teacher Lu, in such a hurry to go home?”

His eyebrows twitched. Bad sign.

Her fingers slid from his shoulder to his cheek.

Just as he braced for a slap, she hooked a finger under his chin.

“I’ve paid generous overtime, Teacher Lu. Shouldn’t you be… a little more responsible?”

Lu Chengzhou swallowed hard, gaze faltering.

He’d faced her tests before. Should’ve been used to it.

But today—maybe because of her outfit—his heart wouldn’t slow down.

If she leaned closer or touched his chest, she’d feel it.

Before that happened, he had to act.

“Miss Meng, you’ve always asked me questions. Today… may I ask you one?”

As he spoke, he subtly stepped back.

The door was inches away.

Just a little more—

Meng Wanyu raised an eyebrow. “Ask.”

Lu Chengzhou exhaled. “Why… do you always do these things to me?”

Meng Wanyu smiled, silent.

Could she say it started with that bouquet—the one that accidentally won her bet with her sister?

She’d only meant to test him.

But the more she tested, the more intriguing he became.

Naturally, she wouldn’t tell him.

Prey this entertaining was rare.

“Well… seems my question was ignored.”

He felt a flicker of regret—but understood.

Their statuses weren’t equal. She owed him no answer.

“Not ignored.” Meng Wanyu released his shoulder, gave it a light pat. “Just not time to reveal the answer yet.”

Lu Chengzhou’s fingers found the doorknob.

He twisted.

It turned—but didn’t open.

He tried again.

Locked.

*She’d locked it.*

“Teacher Lu should stay tonight. The driver will take us to school tomorrow.”

Meng Wanyu yawned, turned, and walked to her bedroom.

Door open. Door closed. Smooth. Final.

“Goodnight, Teacher Lu.”

Staring at the “Do Not Disturb” sign on her door, Lu Chengzhou clenched his fists.

Damn it. Caught again.

Last time she used tactics. This time? Straightforward trap.

But he wouldn’t wait passively.

He dashed to the balcony, peered down.

Second floor. Jumpable.

If he dared escape now and sprinted to the bus stop—he could make it.

Decision made. He gripped the curtain, flipped out the window.

Then froze.

*Backpack. Phone. Still on the coffee table.*

Teeth gritted, he flipped back in, snatched them, and vaulted out again.

“No one stops me. Better to run first!”

…

Three minutes later.

Lu Chengzhou landed softly on the Meng family lawn.

He glanced up—her window still glowed.

A sigh escaped him.

Truthfully, he felt a little guilty.

Her pay was generous.

And today’s outfit… really hit his preferences.

But…

Safety first. He turned to flee.

Then froze.

Less than a hundred meters from the gate—Meng Jingting’s familiar red Porsche rolled toward him from the opposite intersection.

No escape.

Meng Jingting pulled over, took in his messy hair and grass-streaked clothes, and laughed.

“Lu Chengzhou—what happened? You look utterly wrecked!”