Second Year, Class Two.
Today was the academy's foundational theory examination. Mu Jin entered the classroom, carrying a stack of test papers, her steps poised and confident. She knew her students well enough to predict their performance, so after announcing the start of the test, she returned to the podium and began reading a book.
Mu Jin wore a black dress, its hem stopping ten centimeters above her knees. Her long, fair legs were wrapped in sheer black stockings, and her feet were adorned with nine-centimeter open-toe heels. Her wavy hair cascaded down her shoulders, her delicate brows framed star-like eyes, and her full lips curved slightly as she glanced toward the window. The fabric of her dress struggled to contain the ample curves of her chest, accentuating her mature allure.
It was a beauty distinct from Zhou Yi's stern elegance. Mu Jin was the quintessential mature woman—a vision of sophistication and allure.
Despite her stunning appearance, the students in her class didn't dare linger their gazes on her, not even Dai Huabin. Recently, Mu Jin's temper had been explosive, and even he found himself constantly scolded for trivial reasons.
Whenever Mu Jin was in a bad mood, Dai Huabin was her favorite target for a reprimand.
"Damn, she's gorgeous. I've heard she's still single. Wonder who'll get lucky?"
"As the heir to the White Tiger Duke's estate, I wonder if I'd have a chance."
"If I could win over a teacher like Mu Jin, she'd make me forget all about Zhu Lu. Hell, I wouldn't even care if Zhu Lu left me."
Dai Huabin quickly averted his gaze after glancing at Mu Jin, afraid of attracting her ire. Her expression alone made it clear she wasn't in a good mood today.
His attention soon shifted to Nanmen Yun'er, whose beauty was entirely different from Mu Jin or Zhu Lu. She exuded a delicate, youthful charm, as pure and unblemished as a budding flower.
Looking at her, Dai Huabin felt an inexplicable peace settle over his turbulent thoughts. The classroom seemed quieter, as though Nanmen Yun'er's presence alone softened the edges of reality.
Nanmen Yun'er, a nimble attack-type soul master, had made a name for herself during the new student assessments, where she teamed up with Wu Feng and Ning Tian to shine in the trials. Afterward, she was assigned to Mu Jin's class.
In a year where nearly all of the outstanding female students had been claimed by Qian Ran's orbit, Nanmen Yun'er stood out as an exception. Nobody dared approach the women associated with Qian Ran, not even Dai Huabin, despite his resentment toward him.
Dai Huabin was acutely aware of Qian Ran's strength. The only way to approach one of his women was if Qian Ran willingly let them go, which seemed impossible. Thus, the remaining pool of potential romantic interests for someone like Dai Huabin consisted of women Qian Ran had no interest in. Among them, Nanmen Yun'er was by far the most captivating, rivaling even Qian Ran's partners in beauty.
Mu Jin kept glancing out the window, her irritation growing as the person she hoped to see failed to appear. A trace of bitterness lingered in her heart.
Had he forgotten her?
Finally, a spark of joy lit her eyes.
Qian Ran appeared at the classroom door, greeting her with a wave.
Mu Jin's sudden change in mood puzzled Dai Huabin. She seemed almost giddy, but from his seat, he couldn't see what had caused it.
Casting a sharp glance over the classroom, Mu Jin scanned her students, ensuring they were focused on their exams. Then she quickly exited the room, shutting the door behind her.
"You're back," she said softly, her voice tinged with relief and reproach.
"I've been at the Sea God Pavilion training since returning to the academy. I just left yesterday," Qian Ran explained with a hint of apology.
"Oh. I missed you," Mu Jin confessed, her cheeks flushing.
"How much?" Qian Ran teased.
"Very, very much," Mu Jin admitted, her face turning an even deeper shade of red.
"Is that so?" Qian Ran pulled a small device from his pocket and pressed a button.
"Ah!" Mu Jin gasped as a jolt of electricity coursed through her body, forcing her to clutch her stomach and bend over slightly.
"So, you've been using the soul tool I made for you all this time?" Qian Ran asked playfully, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
"I… I haven't! Qian Ran, turn it off! This is the academy!" Mu Jin's legs wobbled as she leaned against Qian Ran for support, barely able to stay upright.
Seeing her reaction, Qian Ran smirked and pressed the pause button.
"From now on, you're to wear it during class unless I say otherwise," he whispered into her ear.
"Understood," Mu Jin replied meekly, lacking the will to resist.
"Do you use it every day?"
"No… only when I miss you…" Mu Jin's voice trailed off in embarrassment. Before meeting Qian Ran, she had never considered indulging in such things. But now, his absence left her yearning, and she couldn't help herself.
"Mu Jin, you're so naughty," Qian Ran said, grabbing her wrists and pinning them above her head against the wall.
The refined teacher was now as docile as a lamb, her commanding aura replaced by submission.
Pressed against the wall, Mu Jin felt Qian Ran's lips trailing along her cheeks and neck.
Separated only by the classroom wall, the faint sound of students flipping through their exam papers reached her ears.
The mixture of passion and fear of discovery was exhilarating. But the thought of being caught also made her incredibly nervous.
If anyone in the opposite building looked out their window, they could easily see her and Qian Ran.
"Qian Ran, let me take care of you instead. Someone might see us," she pleaded, her voice trembling with both excitement and worry.
"No," Qian Ran replied firmly.
"Please… I'll do whatever you want next time," she begged. The thought of being seen by her students terrified her. As one of the academy's most admired teachers, her reputation would be in shambles if anyone found out.
"Fine," Qian Ran relented, releasing her. But not before giving her a firm squeeze as punishment.
His heightened senses had detected someone glancing toward their direction. While Qian Ran enjoyed the thrill of risky encounters, he didn't want Mu Jin's life disrupted by rumors or scandal.
Mu Jin wasn't the only one with a reputation to maintain. Zhou Yi, Cai Meier, and Xian Lin'er also occupied prominent positions. If their relationships with Qian Ran became public knowledge, it would invite criticism and unwanted scrutiny.
For now, Qian Ran decided discretion was the better part of valor.
(Chapter End)