Damn it, I'm surrounded by insane Alphas!

[Still sweet, still adorable, still cute! Enjoy this 6,000-word post, hehe]

After finishing their meal, the two went to a coffee shop.

Wen Yiheng chose this place, which is hidden in an inconspicuous alley. The storefront is small, but once you go inside, you'll find it's a hidden gem.

The window overlooks a small courtyard with a banana tree growing there; the rain patters on the leaves.

They talked for a full three hours, though of course, only about half of that time was actually spent discussing other things; the other half was spent talking about other things.

The rain kept falling, and by the time they came out, it was pouring down like a typhoon.

Shi Ran started to wonder in her mind: With such heavy rain, they won't have to send me back to school, will they?

Just then, Wen Yiheng asked him, "They're going to check the dorms tonight, let me take you home first."

Shi Ran glanced at him.

Why bother checking the dorms? They only check once a month, let alone in this heavy rain.

Wen Yiheng knew he knew, but he still spoke up, as if waiting for a rebuttal.

Ke Shiran didn't refute, but instead nodded, "Okay, thank you for your hard work, teacher."

Wen Yiheng was suddenly caught off guard and could only open her umbrella and walk sullenly toward the car with Shi Ran.

Honestly, why did I have to bring that up?

Shi Ran had barely stepped out the door when half of her trousers were already wet.

Wen Yiheng stood beside him, the umbrella tilted to cover Shi Ran completely, rainwater streaming down his shoulders, staining the shoulders of his white shirt with a dark patch.

The two walked through the puddles toward the parking lot.

Shi Ran huddled under the umbrella, her shoulder almost touching Wen Yiheng's arm, and could feel the slight undulation of his body as he walked.

The woody scent, mixed with the smell of rain, became damp and crisp, like pine wood soaked in water.

The only sound was the rain hitting the umbrella.

Once inside the car, both men harbored their own secrets and remained silent.

Wen Yiheng suddenly spoke up, "My car seems to be out of gas, I probably won't be able to drive back to school."

He paused, then glanced at Shi Ran. "How about... I find a place to refuel?"

That glance held a hint of probing, expectation, and a sense of "If you hurry up and tell me, I won't go back to school."

Sometimes he just won't say it.

"Okay, thank you for your help, teacher."

Shi Ran took out her phone, opened a map app, and said sincerely, "I'll help you find a nearby gas station."

Wen Yiheng's expression froze for a moment.

Shi Ran saw it, so he suppressed a laugh, typed "gas station" into the search bar, and pressed search.

"The nearest one is 1.3 kilometers from here." Shi Ran held up her phone to Wen Yiheng. "Teacher, turn right."

Wen Yiheng didn't say anything, but turned the steering wheel very hard.

The windshield wipers were still moving, and the car was driving very slowly, so slowly that it felt like it was floating on water.

Shi Ran was sitting in the passenger seat when her phone vibrated; it was a message from Song Yu.

Where did you go in such heavy rain? Are you alright?

Shi Ran thought for a moment, then took the small cake from the back seat, held it up, and took a picture.

Just as he was about to send it, he saw a person's hand in the background of the photo—Wen Yiheng's hand resting on the steering wheel.

Her joints were clearly defined, and her sleeves were rolled up to her wrists, revealing a section of her fair forearm.

Shi Ran stared at the severed arm for two seconds, but didn't cut it off; she sent it over.

In the dormitory, Song Yu jumped up.

"Shi Ran went hunting! He brought us all some small cakes!"

Having just returned soaked to the bone, Zhou Lin, in a bad mood, glared at him.

"Are you serious? It's just a few cakes."

"How many?" Song Yu shoved the phone in his face. "Look at these, they're not cheap at all, are they?"

Zhou Lin impatiently took the phone and glanced at it.

Then he zoomed in on the photo, and zoomed in again.

He stared at the arm resting on the steering wheel in the background, and at the watch on that hand with its distinct knuckles.

He looked up at Song Yu. "Who did he go out with today?"

"I don't know, he didn't say." Song Yu snatched the phone back. "He's probably on a date. He's got plenty of suitors."

Zhou Lin remained silent, while Song Yu had already lowered his head again to send a message to Shi Ran, his fingers typing rapidly.

[Tell me honestly, who did you go on a date with?]

Shi Ran's lips curved slightly, and she replied with two words: "Confidential."

The navigation system suddenly announced: "One hundred meters to the destination. Turn right ahead."

Wen Yiheng's expression darkened upon hearing that voice.

What if they actually added oil? Should we really send them back?

He didn't want the day to end like this.

He loosened his foot on the accelerator a little, and the car slowed down even further.

"Fifty meters to the destination, turn right ahead."

Wen Yiheng tightened her grip on the steering wheel slightly.

He was racking his brains for other solutions. The car broke down? No, that's too fake.

Something came up? No, then I really have to go.

Before he could figure it out, the navigation system beeped again, "Destination reached. Navigation ended."

We've arrived.

Wen Yiheng looked helplessly to the right of the road, and for a moment he was stunned.

Where is the nearest gas station?

Shi Ran was also stunned. He picked up his phone and looked at the screen again and again.

"Huh? The map shows there's a gas station here..."

Their gazes simultaneously settled on the pink-lit, incredibly suggestive signboard on the roadside.

The sign boldly proclaims: "Love Gas Station - 24-Hour Unmanned Self-Service Adult Products Store"

The pink light tubes emitted an eerie glow in the rainy night. I would occasionally pick up my phone to check, zooming in and zooming in again, sometimes with a sense of existential doubt.

The address is correct, and the store name is correct too: Love Gas Station?!

Damn it, what kind of gas station is this?

What a terrible name!

He cursed the map software a thousand times in his mind when a soft laugh came from beside him.

Wen Yiheng leaned back in the driver's seat, turning her head to look at Shi Ran, "This kind of gas station, huh?"

Shi Ran was speechless, unable to defend herself, "No... it wasn't me, that..."

Wen Yiheng didn't expose him, and he was practically ready to send the store a banner of appreciation.

"It's okay, my home isn't far from here. Why don't you go over and rest for a bit? I'll take you home when the rain gets a little lighter."

Shi Ran pretended to hesitate for a moment, lowered her eyes, and nodded her chin.

"Alright then, thank you for disturbing the teacher."

The system spoke softly in my mind: "[You two... truly delivered a thrilling performance.]"

Wen Yiheng lived in an upscale residential area not far from the school. The security guards recognized Wen Yiheng's car and raised the barrier from a distance.

The underground parking garage is as clean as an exhibition hall, with elevators going directly to the top floor, one elevator per household.

The interior was not quite what Shi Ran had imagined.

He thought Wen Yiheng's home would be the kind of cold and restrained place, but it wasn't.

It was light and bright, with light-colored wooden floors, white walls, and a misty blue sofa; everything was clean and tidy.

Shi Ran's gaze fell on the bottle of snow willow on the dining table, not the bouquet in her WeChat Moments.

It's been changed?

Just as he was thinking, Wen Yiheng came out of the bedroom.

"I've ordered flowers, and they deliver fresh ones every week."

He walked to the dining table and turned the bottle of snow willow slightly toward Shi Ran, as if to show it off or to explain it.

Shi Ran pursed her lips. Who asked you?

Wen Yiheng seemed to sense his sudden anger and laughed.

He held up two sets of pajamas, one in each hand. "These are the only two left. This one is mine, but it's just been washed. The other one is new, but it seems a bit cold to wear it now."

He looked at Shi Ran, waiting for her to make a choice.

Shi Ran stared at Wen Yiheng, using the same old tricks: seemingly giving you options, but actually blocking all paths.

Shi Ran smiled inwardly, but put on a blank expression.

"Why are you changing into your pajamas?" He tilted his head, his expression as innocent as Little S's. "Doesn't Teacher Wen have any other clothes?"

He heard a suppressed laugh in his head, and Shi Ran cursed at the system speechlessly: "Hey, did you buy a ticket to see this show?"

Sorry, you can continue playing dumb.

This is called strategy! Do you even understand strategy?

The system remained silent, but Shi Ran knew it was still laughing.

Wen Yiheng was also stunned for a moment, probably not expecting Shi Ran to do this, and her hand holding the pajamas paused for a moment.

Then he put away the two sets of pajamas, softening his tone a little, "Oh, I see. It's getting late, and the rain is so heavy..."

He paused for a moment, then said, "I'm sorry, I didn't think it through."

"But what Professor Wen said makes sense," Shi Ran said, going along with the conversation. She glanced at the time, the aroma of tea filling the air. "But doesn't Professor Wen have class tomorrow morning? Will it bother you?"

Wen Yiheng could now see that the other person was deliberately acting, and Shi Ran didn't seem to be trying to hide it at all; there were flaws everywhere.

But he still couldn't help finding it cute.

He lowered his eyes somewhat helplessly. "What if I said yes?"

Shi Ran continued acting, but immediately revealed a panicked expression.

"Oh... I'm so sorry, Ms. Wen, I'll do it right away..."

As he spoke, he looked down for his coat, frantically trying to get out.

He walked neither fast nor slow, just enough for one person to grab him.

The next second, his wrist was grabbed.

Shi Ran was pulled back, her whole body leaning backward, her back hitting Wen Yiheng's chest.

This is not something Wen Yiheng would do.

Or rather, it's not something that the masked, rational Wen Yiheng would do.

But at that moment, instinct overcame reason, and before he could react, Shi Ran had already been pulled into his arms.

Shi Ran blinked her round eyes and looked up at him, her eyelashes almost brushing against his chin.

Wen Yiheng felt uncomfortable under his gaze and chuckled as she looked away.

Then, he did something even more insolent.

He threw his dark gray pajamas into Shi Ran's arms.

It wasn't that he had much strength; it was more like he was venting his anger.

What are you angry about? Are you angry that he's helpless? Are you angry that his pride and self-control are worthless in front of this person?

Why is he angry that he knew Shi Ran was acting, but still couldn't resist taking the bait?

He turned and walked into the house, Shi Ran carrying her pajamas, and followed after him, taking advantage of the situation, with an innocent expression on her face.

"What does Teacher Wen mean by this?"

His voice drifted from behind Wen Yiheng, soft and persistent, "Won't I bother Teacher Wen? Really? Really?"

He chased her all the way to the bedroom door, where Wen Yiheng stopped, leaning against the door frame, and turned around.

He lowered his head and looked at this cunning and wicked man.

"Teacher Wen means you can stay tonight." He spoke slowly and deliberately, almost as if coaxing a child. "You won't bother Teacher Wen, really, really, is that alright, Shi Ran? Hmm?"

He answered every single one of his questions, like a conscientious and tireless teacher.

Shi Ran obediently hugged the dark gray pajamas and nodded vigorously.

"Understood."

"Very good," Wen Yiheng said. "Then go take a hot shower first, and then change your clothes."

Shi Ran didn't move; he was still staring at Wen Yiheng, his eyes bright and sly, filled with a cunning "you can't do anything about me" attitude.

Wen Yiheng leaned down slightly to look him in the eye.

"Is there anything else, Shi Ran?"

Shi Ran raised her chin and said with a smile, "I'm hungry."

Wen Yiheng stared at him for three seconds.

There wasn't a trace of guilt in those eyes; they were full of greed.

But he can give an inch, or a foot.

He took a deep breath and straightened up.

"Okay," he said. "I'll go make you something to eat."

Shi Ran immediately burst into laughter, her eyes curving into two crescent moons.

"Teacher Wen, you're so kind, hehe."

Wen Yiheng watched as Shi Ran turned around with satisfaction and walked briskly into the guest room.

Only after the bathroom door closed and the sound of water began to run did he seem to snap out of his daze and head towards the kitchen.

As I passed through the living room, something on the coffee table lit up.

It turned out to be Shi Ran's phone, which she had left there, and a new message had just arrived.

As Wen Yiheng walked over, the words suddenly appeared on the screen.

Fei Shen: [I'd like to extend another invitation! The game has been moved to Saturday because of the rain. Want to come?]

The smile that lingered on Wen Yiheng's face vanished instantly.

He clicked on the message, and the phone's password unlock screen popped up.

Without the slightest hesitation, he entered the six-digit number. Shi Ran was completely unguarded towards him; with just a little attention, one could easily remember his password—it wasn't difficult at all.

He promptly deleted the message.

Something that gets in the way.

As he exited the dialog box, he caught a glimpse of the top of the screen, where only one person was visible.

Wen Yiheng's hand stiffened for a moment.

It's his own profile picture.

It sits quietly at the very top of the list, separated from the others by a light gray dividing line.

One of a kind.

He quickly turned off his phone, locked the screen, and placed it back on the coffee table, screen down, neatly folded.

Then he turned and walked toward the kitchen.

He stood in front of the stove, skillfully filled a pot with water, and placed it on the gas stove.

Two minutes later, he realized that the fire wasn't on.

He looked down at the pot of quiet, cold water and smiled silently.

It's crazy.

Unbeknownst to him, the sound of rushing water filled the bathroom as Shi Ran, soaking in the bathtub, nervously asked Tongzi in his mind.

How is it? Did he see it?

[Bagged.]

Shi Ran swallowed hard. "So, what's his reaction now?"

[No reaction.] The system paused for a moment, then continued, [It's just cooking without turning on the stove.]

Shi Ran: ?

What do you mean? Which one are you referring to as the cook?

Tongzi paused for a moment before realizing what she meant, "[Who are you talking about cooking?! I can't stand you humans anymore, what's going on in your heads?!]"

The system was so angry that it logged off immediately.

Shi Ran wanted to laugh wildly, but immediately covered her mouth.

Wen Yiheng cooked him a bowl of noodles. Shi Ran knew he could cook, but he didn't expect his skills to be so good.

Even a simple bowl of clear soup noodles tastes so good.

Shi Ran took a big bite and mumbled, "If you don't become a teacher anymore, you should open a restaurant."

Wen Yiheng sat opposite him, looking at him with a smile.

Why did I decide to quit being a teacher?

Shi Ran lowered her head to eat her noodles, rolling her eyes inwardly.

You keep asking, asking, asking.

Your students are in your house late at night wearing your pajamas, and you even make noodles for them. Do you know how disappointed your teachers are watching you from heaven?

But the moment he looked up, his face switched back to that obedient expression, a soft, gentle smile.

"I'm just hypothesizing, haha. Teacher Wen, it would be great if you opened a small after-school care center, then I could eat your cooking every day."

Wen Yiheng looked at him and asked, "Do you want to eat this every day?"

"Of course! It tastes much better than the cafeteria food and takeout!"

"If you like, I can make you a bento box too. I also bring my own lunch."

Shi Ran was taken aback for a moment. "Oh? Teacher, did you bring lunch before? I don't remember."

Wen Yiheng, without batting an eye, started making things up, "I was just planning to bring my own lunchbox recently."

The system spoke softly in my mind, "Oh~ your Teacher Wen is just perfect."

"That's great!" Shi Ran ignored him, suppressing a laugh, and wiped her mouth with a tissue. "But I can't just eat for free, teacher..."

"It's okay, I'll research some new recipes. I was just worried about not finding someone to taste them for me."

"Then I shall respectfully accept your offer, hehe."

He stood up, stacked the bowls and chopsticks together, and said, "I'm full, Teacher Wen. I'll wash the dishes."

"No need, just put it in the dishwasher."

Shi Ran didn't insist at all, turned around and walked towards the living room, deliberately raising her voice: "Hey, so that's where my phone was. I've been looking for it for ages."

System: [It's a real shame you're not in the entertainment industry.]

[It's not like we haven't been there before; our acting skills are obvious to everyone, okay?]

There were several unread messages on my phone, but they were all from Song Yu.

Shi Ran frowned slightly, then quickly realized that Fei Shen's post had probably been deleted by Wen Yiheng.

This man! Oh, this man!

Before Shi Ran could even feel happy, her smile froze on her face the moment she opened Song Yu's message.

Song Yu: [Ran, are you coming back tonight?]

Song Yu: [Damn it, come back immediately! They've suddenly started checking the dorms!]

Song Yu: [The call was not connected; the call has been disconnected.]

Song Yu: [I've made a note of this for you...]

Song Yu: [Are you crazy? They haven't checked dorms in ages, why did they have to do it on this rainy day?]

Shi Ran's face turned green. Their dormitory was not strictly managed, and they usually got along well. There were no checks on cleanliness or late returns.

However, the rules are strict; anyone found to have failed to return home will have their overall score deducted.

His attendance record was already precarious, and now he's got another demerit...

"What's wrong?"

Wen Yiheng's voice came from behind.

Shi Ran held her phone and wailed, turning her head, "Teacher Wen... the dorm supervisor suddenly did a room check today for some reason, I'm doomed..."

Wen Yiheng's expression changed slightly. "Don't rush, will it have any impact?"

Shi Ran thought for a moment, "It might affect my future applications for scholarships and postgraduate studies..."

Although he probably wouldn't need either of them.

Wen Yiheng chuckled softly, "I understand. You rest here for a bit, I'll take care of it."

He turned and went into the bedroom, leaving the door ajar.

Five minutes later, Shi Ran's phone vibrated.

Song Yu's messages came out like a barrage of bullets.

[Damn! Your name isn't on the list of people who violated the rules in the group!]

However! We've escaped unscathed!

Shi Ran finally breathed a sigh of relief, but little did he know that at the same time, Zhou Lin in the dormitory suddenly stood up and headed straight for the dormitory management center on the first floor.

"Teacher!" Zhou Lin leaned against the doorframe, panting, "Is there anything missing from this list?"

The teacher looked up at him and said, "Hey, you're from 327, right?"

"Yes, one of my roommates is having trouble tonight—"

"Oh, you don't need to plead for him anymore." The teacher waved her hand. "His reason is valid; it doesn't count as him being absent."

Zhou Lin: ... Who's pleading for me?

"Justifiable reason?"

The teacher stood up and said slowly, "Yes, a teacher asked him to help with a project. He's at the teacher's house, but the rain was too heavy for him to come back. That doesn't count as not returning home."

Zhou Lin was completely stunned. "At...the teacher's house? Which teacher?"

"That famous one of yours..." The teacher frowned, tapping her fingers twice on the table. "That one, oh dear, I can't remember his last name, the young one, the one with glasses—"

Zhou Lin closed his eyes in despair, "Teacher Wen."

"Oh, right, right, that's him!" The teacher slammed her hand on the table. "Teacher Wen Yiheng, I've been thinking about this for ages..."

Zhou Lin didn't listen to the rest and turned away immediately.

Shi Ran. At Teacher Wen's house.

Is Shi Ran at Teacher Wen's house?!

Why should I?!

He didn't understand.

Shi Ran was unaware of what was happening behind the scenes.

He simply held his phone, staring at the message Song Yu had sent him, looking it over and over again, to confirm that his name was indeed not on the list of those who had violated regulations.

It wasn't until Wen Yiheng came out of the bedroom and smiled that she said, "It's all resolved, there won't be any demerits."

"I saw it!" Shi Ran jumped up immediately. His pajamas were too big, and with that jump, half of his shoulder was exposed. "You're amazing, Teacher Wen! My great benefactor, who did you call?"

Wen Yiheng's eyes flickered, and she raised her hand to pull up Shi Ran's clothes that had slipped down.

"I worked on a project with Ms. Sun from the Academic Affairs Office before."

Wen Yiheng sat down next to Shi Ran, with a cushion separating them, neither too close nor too far.

"Oh~" Shi Ran nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

He didn't need to know the details; he only needed to know that this person had used a favor for him.

He owed Wen Yiheng a debt, and Wen Yiheng also wanted him to owe her a favor.

Win-win.

Shi Ran sat back down on the sofa, turned to look at the person next to her, and asked the question that had taken Wen Yiheng by surprise.

"Teacher Wen! Do you know what's the best thing to do on a rainy day like this?"

Wen Yiheng paused, staring intently at the answer to the question in his mind, and was stunned for a moment.