Is there anything more terrifying than the moment the person you’re secretly watching suddenly wakes up?

Meng Wanyu froze on the spot.

Lu Chengzhou was frozen too.

He realized his hand was in a very compromising position.

A cold sweat broke out instantly.

When had Meng Wanyu ended up sleeping beside him?

In his dream, he’d been kneading something soft like cotton—please don’t tell him he’d done the same in real life…

He didn’t dare think further and quickly pulled his hand back.

Like a startled cat, he shot upright.

“Uh… uh… Miss Meng, I—I…”

Seeing how flustered he was, Meng Wanyu grew calm.

She raised an eyebrow, regarding him with amusement. “Teacher Lu, so nervous… is it because…”

Her gaze trailed slowly down his neck.

Lu Chengzhou instinctively covered himself.

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

He forced himself to steady his breathing.

Turned. Headed straight for the bathroom.

Meng Wanyu followed right behind and pushed the door open.

She casually wrapped her arms around his waist.

While Lu Chengzhou stood tense and flustered, she just as naturally released him, brushed past, and picked up his towel.

Facing the mirror, she gently wiped the water droplets from his face.

Lu Chengzhou: “…”

He could clearly feel it—he was even more nervous now than when he’d first woken up.

Maybe it was her subtle fragrance muddling his thoughts.

“Cough, cough.”

Pretending to reach for something, he sidestepped out of her embrace.

Though neither spoke, silent moves had already been exchanged.

“Morning, Azhou.”

Su Qiaoman rubbed her eyes and padded into the bathroom with soft, sleepy cuteness.

She was about to put on a cute act for Lu Chengzhou—only to meet Meng Wanyu’s mocking gaze.

She jolted fully awake.

Meng Wanyu smiled. “Student Su Qiaoman, has no one taught you to knock before entering?”

Su Qiaoman gritted her teeth. “And you?”

*We’re both guilty. Neither of us knocked!*

Meng Wanyu shrugged. “This isn’t the Su household. I owe you no courtesy. No need to knock.”

Su Qiaoman blurted, “This isn’t the Meng household either!”

Meng Wanyu let out a cold laugh.

How had she never realized how satisfying it was to tease this poor, so-called “pure” girl?

If she lacked self-awareness, it wouldn’t be half as fun.

But she’d already been humbled by reality—and knew her place.

Meng Wanyu knew bullying was wrong… but damn, it felt good.

“True, it’s not the Meng household now,” she said with a smirk, “but I can make it one anytime. The joys of wealth? Beyond your imagination.”

“You!”

“Oh, and Student Su Qiaoman—your family’s house could bear the Meng name just as easily.”

“Meng Wanyu!”

What arrogance.

Su Qiaoman’s chest heaved; her face flushed crimson.

But despairingly, she knew Meng Wanyu was right.

She *could* buy this building on a whim.

She had that power.

And Su Qiaoman?

Nothing. Had nothing.

She lowered her head, biting her lip hard, silent.

Furious. Humiliated. Tears welled—but she held them back.

*Not in front of her. Never give her that joy.*

“Aren’t you leaving?” Meng Wanyu pressed, gaze sharp.

“I need to change.”

Su Qiaoman lifted her head, smile forced.

Only then did Meng Wanyu notice: beneath the thin blouse, only a black camisole.

Slowly, she unbuttoned it.

“Miss Meng… do you enjoy watching people change?”

The blouse slipped off.

Su Qiaoman’s curvaceous figure stood revealed.

Meng Wanyu chuckled coldly. “Not at all. Please, continue.”

She glanced at Lu Chengzhou—good. He wasn’t watching.

Su Qiaoman stole a glance too.

Disappointment flickered when she saw he wasn’t looking.

But meeting Meng Wanyu’s challenge, it hardened into resolve.

*I won’t lose.*

“If Miss Meng enjoys it, wonderful,” Su Qiaoman said sweetly, hooking a finger under her strap. “Could you zip my back? These are a bit heavy to reach…”

Rage burned in Meng Wanyu’s chest—but she’d endure.

For Lu Chengzhou, she’d stay queenly.

She stepped forward and tugged the zipper.

“Thank you ever so much, Miss Meng.”

“My pleasure.”

Watching himself step yet again into a tense romantic standoff, Lu Chengzhou sighed inwardly.

He kept his head down, brushing silently.

As long as they didn’t throw punches, he’d let them be.

After this, breakfast. Then school.

…

Meng Wanyu didn’t go to school.

Her sister’s car had arrived ten minutes early to take her to the airport.

Su Qiaoman walked downstairs with her.

She froze at the sleek, obviously expensive sports car.

Then at Meng Wanyu’s stunningly elegant sister.

*If only I had this…*

How powerless she’d felt before Meng Wanyu.

Meng’s sister offered a faint smile, then turned to her sister. “Knew you’d be here again.”

Meng Wanyu huffed, pouting.

Her sister ruffled her hair. “Come on. We’ll miss the flight.”

Su Qiaoman’s sharp ears caught it: Meng Wanyu was leaving Yi City.

She barely suppressed a smile.

Watching them drive off, hope flared.

*This is my chance. To win Azhou back—now or never.*

Her steps grew light.

At school, she stepped into class—but Lu Chengzhou wasn’t there.

Her pace faltered.

She lingered by the door, glancing around.

The moment she spotted him, Lin Chen noticed her too.

*Has Su Qiaoman been avoiding me lately?*

A flicker of irritation.

A commoner girl—did she expect *him* to approach?

But seeing her leaning against the door, looking pitifully cute… his chest tightened.

Just as he was about to call her, he saw her fists clench.

He followed her gaze.

*Lu Chengzhou?*

Jealousy and anger surged.

*Has she been staring at Lu Chengzhou this whole time?!*