Teng Hao. Hao. White. White and bright. Therefore, she guessed the bottom of the cup was pure white, with nothing engraved on it. Teng Yi silently watched her for a long moment, then gave her a thumbs up.

“Indeed, you’re the top scholar.”

“Was I right?”

“Yes.”

Ruan Yu smiled slightly, just about to ask about the reward in detail when Teng Yi’s phone rang. His phone lay on the tea table, half the screen blocked by the water cup, yet the caller’s name was still visible.

Fang Wan.

The warmth filling the living room shattered at the sight of these two characters.

Ruan Yu suddenly pulled herself away from the surrounding sweetness and the wild feelings growing in her heart.

That’s right, Teng Yi had a girlfriend.

How could she have forgotten?

Getting close to him, craving his gentleness, and liking him – none of it was allowed.

While Teng Yi was taking the call, Ruan Yu fled upstairs.

Teng Hao had just solved a particularly difficult math problem and was in a good mood. Seeing Ruan Yu come up empty-handed, he didn’t hold it against her, only coolly asked, “You just went downstairs to get water, how did you manage to lose your soul?”

Ruan Yu didn’t answer, her entire being shrouded in clouds of disappointment, dejected from head to toe.

She remained dispirited all evening, barely managing to show some energy only when explaining problems to Teng Hao. The tutoring ended at nine, and as she left Teng Hao’s room, she saw Teng Yi leaning against the corridor outside, seemingly waiting for her.

“Finished?”

“Mm.”

“Let me drive you,” he dangled his car keys, “I need to head back to school anyway.”

He turned and walked toward the stairway.

Ruan Yu stood still, watching his retreating figure.

After walking some distance, Teng Yi noticed she hadn’t followed and turned back to look at her.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m not going back to school. I have somewhere else to go.”

“At this hour?” He raised his wrist, his slender fingers tapping twice on the watch face.

Ruan Yu saw his watch – it was a uniquely crafted timepiece with a simple but elegant gear-shaped crown and a brown alligator leather strap with brown stitching, its pattern neat and beautiful. According to her geographical knowledge, the dial displayed a map of Asia and the Pacific.

Though she didn’t recognize the logo, she could tell it was an expensive watch.

This must be the watch Fang Wan had given him.

“It’s only nine o’clock, not late at all,” she said.

“Where are you going? I’ll take you.”

“No need.” Ruan Yu rushed ahead of him, quickly descending the stairs. “I’ll just take the bus.”

She ran out the main gate, leaving Teng Yi and the bright lights of the villa behind. Only then did her tense nerves relax. It’s better to keep her distance.

Staying far away was the only way to save herself.

Just as Ruan Yu reached the bus stop, Teng Yi’s royal blue sports car zoomed past. The Maserati had its top down, and he sat in the driver’s seat dressed all in black, one hand on the steering wheel, his short dreadlocks dancing in the wind.

“So cool!” The girls at the bus stop rushed to record videos to share with their friends.

Ruan Yu’s gaze followed the sports car as it disappeared into the distance.

Yes, he was cool.

If only it were just superficial coolness – but no, he had to cultivate such a gentle soul beneath that dazzling exterior.

How easy it was to fall for someone like that.