“Nonsense!”
Lin Chen’s face flushed crimson.
He stammered in flustered defense.
“I’ve always been upright and honest—how could I possibly do something so shameless!”
Meng Wanyu watched him with a gentle, knowing smile.
Under her gaze, Lin Chen felt utterly exposed, a prickling discomfort crawling over him.
Damn it.
How sharp this woman was.
“Fine. I won’t go. You two take her back.”
Lin Chen chose to back down—after all, he had to save Meng Wanyu’s face.
Tonight’s plan was clearly doomed. Cutting losses now was best for everyone.
He watched Meng Wanyu and Lu Chengzhou leave.
His eyes lingered a moment longer on Lu Chengzhou.
Seeing Meng Wanyu’s tender care for him, Lin Chen felt a strange, unwelcome pang of envy.
“I must be crazy!”
What did someone like him have to envy?
Meng Wanyu couldn’t possibly like him genuinely—she was just toying with him.
This thought eased his unease, just slightly.
...
Outside.
Meng Wanyu instructed the bodyguards to see others off, while she walked side by side with Lu Chengzhou along the moonlit path.
Not far ahead, Meng’s elder sister waited.
Lu Chengzhou breathed a quiet sigh of relief. *Almost home. Perfect.*
But Meng Wanyu’s mood dimmed.
Her sister was watching too closely—so troublesome.
No chance to share the moonlit walk with Teacher Lu.
Once the math competition ended in a few days, she’d have no reason to keep him around.
The thought made her chest tighten.
“I wonder… is Teacher Lu skilled in cooking?” Meng Wanyu asked suddenly.
Lu Chengzhou paused, then recalled his newly acquired skill. *Right. I can handle this.*
“I’m decent—know a few simple dishes,” he replied modestly.
“Perfect,” Meng Wanyu smiled, eyes bright. “I need to learn a few dishes to satisfy my family. You’ll teach me, right?”
Lu Chengzhou sensed a hint of scheme.
But meeting her sparkling gaze, he had no choice but to play along.
*Even if it’s a trap… I’ll step in.*
“What would you like to learn?”
“Something simple.” She let out a tiny yawn. “Not for a competition—just to get by with family. Imperfect is fine.”
“How about baking a cake?”
Meng Wanyu considered it. Baking together… cute. Maybe even playful. She nodded.
Payment terms first.
Though uneasy about using money as a tether, constraints were better than none.
Lu Chengzhou was like a kite on a thin string—one slip, and he’d vanish.
If she had to watch him go, she’d rather keep him tethered.
“Same hourly rate as math Olympiad tutoring: 200 yuan, paid daily.” She checked his schedule. “Tomorrow works?”
Lu Chengzhou nodded. Time was all he had.
Earning quietly with system-granted skills was enough for a peaceful life.
“Very good, Teacher Lu,” she murmured.
They reached Meng’s elder sister.
Seeing her sister’s reluctant, longing glance at Lu Chengzhou, the elder sister almost laughed.
Never before had she seen her sister gaze so desperately at something just out of reach.
*Good.*
If Lu Chengzhou stayed steadfast, she’d allow this little game.
If her sister learned life wasn’t coddling like home… even better.
Meng Wanyu got in the car.
As it started, she still looked back at Lu Chengzhou with clear reluctance.
Her sister stopped the car, waved. “Hop in—I’ll drop you off.”
Lu Chengzhou shook his head. “I’ve called a ride. It’s almost here.”
“Alright.”
The door closed. The car glided away, vanishing around the corner.
Lu Chengzhou exhaled slowly and walked on.
...
Past eleven when he reached home.
He shed his coat and shoes, sank onto the sofa, eyes closed.
Just weighing the evening’s gains and losses—his phone rang.
He pulled it from his pocket. Caller ID: Su Qiaoman.
*What does she want this late?*
He hesitated, then answered.
“Ah Zhou… my place has no water or power. Pitch black. I’m scared… nowhere to go. Can I stay one night?”
Her voice, soft and trembling, drifted through the speaker.
Lu Chengzhou refused instantly.
A man and woman alone? Unthinkable.
Even if her destined partner wasn’t the petty Lin Chen, no decent man would tolerate his girl sleeping at another man’s place.
“But… I’m already at your door.”
A knock followed.
Lu Chengzhou jolted.
Good grief!
How fast?!
He suspected she’d never gone home—headed straight for him.
“Please, Ah Zhou… just one night.”
“I can pay if you want.”
“Don’t… don’t abandon me…”
*Drunk.* Her words slurred, mind foggy.
Hearing her persistent knocking, fearing neighbor complaints, he opened the door.
Su Qiaoman stumbled into his arms, clinging to his waist.
He gently pushed her back. “Snap out of it. Don’t act rashly.”
“Mmm… I’m clear-headed,” she pouted, tears glistening in her eyes.
He glanced down—suitcase still in hand.
*This isn’t one night. She’s planning to stay.*
She slipped past him, flopped onto the sofa, hugging his pillow tight.
“Ah Zhou… I’ll sleep here. Don’t chase me away… mmm…”
Sighing, he dragged the suitcase inside.
Dazed, she kicked off shoes, peeled off stockings, rolled bare-legged across his sofa.
Lu Chengzhou remained utterly expressionless.
He knew his priorities cold:
Survival first. Life later.
Su Qiaoman was the biggest obstacle on his survival path.
He *had* to steer clear.
He grabbed a blanket, wrapped her snugly head to toe.
“Good night.”
He stepped into his bedroom, closed the door—and locked it firmly.
