After ninety-nine online romances, I finally met my ex in person when school started.

"hiss--"

A piercing pain shot from his inner thigh straight to his head. Zhu Xun Chuan gasped, his previously composed smile instantly freezing on his face.

He gripped the armrests of the seat tightly with both hands, the veins on the back of his hands bulging.

Gu Qinghan's actions—no, her methods—were truly ruthless.

These are stiletto heels so sharp they could pierce a wooden board, yet they relentlessly grind against the most vulnerable skin.

"Teacher Gu." Zhu Xun Chuan's forehead was covered in a layer of sweat. He turned to look at that stunningly beautiful profile, which was as cold as ice, and lowered his voice, "I have been reviewing the Book of Songs all night. I didn't have time to study other subjects. Your assessment method is a bit too harsh."

Despite his verbal concessions, Zhu Xun Chuan's actions were extremely forceful.

Su Mucheng on the left was still discussing eyeshadow palette shades with Shen Tianxi, her defenses solid. Zhu Xunchuan didn't hesitate to free his right hand, using the hem of his navy blue suit as cover, and directly reached under the dimly lit table.

Extremely accurate.

He grabbed the slender ankle that was tightly wrapped in extremely thin black stockings.

It feels smooth and firm to the touch, with a surprising warmth.

Gu Qinghan, who had been sitting upright in her chair, suddenly trembled, her back instantly straightening. She clearly hadn't expected Zhu Xunchuan to dare to make such a daring move in the front row of the auditorium, in full view of everyone.

Zhu Xun Chuan didn't give her a chance to react. His rough thumb pressed directly onto the bone of her ankle, gently rubbing it twice with a punishing tone, and then, following the sheer black silk, slid down an inch up her calf.

An indescribable tingling sensation shot from my legs straight to my heart.

Gu Qinghan's ears turned bright red instantly, and her right leg, which was pressing on Zhu Xunchuan's thigh, lost all strength and was easily pushed away by Zhu Xunchuan.

With the crisis over, Zhu Xunchuan was just about to catch his breath.

Fu Xinghe, who was sitting in seat number 08, suddenly moved.

This specially appointed professor, with her aloof demeanor, opened the thread-bound book resting on her lap with her delicate hand. Without raising her head, her clear, cold voice stood out sharply amidst the noise of the auditorium, yet every word was like a knife.

"The Book of Songs, Zhaonan, 'The Plum Tree Falls.' The plum tree falls, its fruit seven in number. My esteemed gentlemen seek me out, while the time is auspicious."

Fu Xinghe slowly closed the book and turned his head. His eyes, as clear as autumn water, passed over Zhu Xunchuan and landed directly on Gu Qinghan. His tone was indifferent and devoid of any warmth: "The plums have fallen to the ground, and only thirty percent remain. Even if the fruit on the tree is still unripe, it should know that the flowering season is over. Teacher Gu is still inexperienced and should know when to advance and retreat. Fruit that is forcibly picked is never sweet."

When cultured people curse, they don't use a single dirty word.

She practically pointed her finger at Gu Qinghan and yelled: "You're just a lowly counselor, with such a lowly status. What are you doing acting like an elder? Quit the competition! You can't handle this man!"

Zhu Xun Chuan's eyelids twitched violently.

Gu Qinghan was not one to suffer a loss. She tried to pull her foot back from under the table, which Zhu Xunchuan was holding, but she couldn't. Taking advantage of the heat, she stretched out her fair fingers and pushed up her silver-rimmed glasses.

"Professor Fu has a profound knowledge of classical Chinese studies, but I actually prefer the 'Songs of Chu'." Gu Qinghan parted her red lips slightly and let out a cold laugh, "Only the withering of grass and trees, I fear the fading beauty of a fair maiden."

She deliberately swept her gaze back and forth over Fu Xinghe's elegant cheongsam, her tone full of mockery: "No matter how high one's academic standing or how profound one's understanding, a specially appointed professor can't escape the ravages of time. Some things can't be acquired by just studying hard. Youth is the best asset."

It strikes directly at the vital point.

She stabbed Fu Xinghe, who was two years older than her and was now twenty-seven, in a sore spot.

Fu Xinghe's fingers tightened suddenly as she held the mineral water bottle. The coldness on her face finally crumbled, replaced by a hint of anger.

"Learning has no order of precedence; those who are accomplished are teachers. Teacher Gu's vulgar educational philosophy is hardly worthy of serious consideration." Fu Xinghe put down his water bottle, his voice turning completely cold. "Zhu Xunchuan..."

Not to be outdone, Gu Qinghan turned her head and said, "Classmate Zhu..."

The two women spoke in unison, their gazes like sharp swords, fixed on Zhu Xun Chuan's face: "Which teacher do you think is right?"

Extreme suffocation.

The girls on the left were still discussing which lipstick shade was the most flattering, while the girls on the right had already drawn their swords and were drawing blood. This wasn't just a life-or-death question; one wrong word, and this very auditorium would become Zhu Xun Chuan's burial ground.

Zhu Xunchuan loosened Gu Qinghan's ankle, withdrew his right hand, and interlaced his fingers on the table.

My brain was racing, and the [Mastery of Chinese Classical Studies] I had redeemed through the system was now fully unleashed.

He cleared his throat, leaned back slightly, displaying a composure and depth beyond his years, and met the gazes of the two women with a frank expression.

"I dare not presume to judge the teachings of my two teachers." Zhu Xun Chuan's voice was gentle and mellow, and his pace was neither hurried nor slow. "However, the Doctrine of the Mean says: 'All things grow together without harming one another, and different paths run parallel without contradicting each other.'"

He looked directly at Fu Xinghe, a sincere smile playing on his lips: "Whether it's the Book of Songs or the Chu Ci, they are all the wisdom of the ancient sages. Professor Fu is like a goddess by the water, with an elegant and refined spirit. Your teachings are like a high mountain and flowing water, inspiring students to look up to you."

Then, he turned to look at Gu Qinghan, his eyes gleaming: "Teacher Gu is like a plum blossom braving the snow, outstanding and unique. Your teachings and example are like a guiding light in the night, practical and sincere. Both of you are invaluable treasures on my academic journey. If we were to try to rank you among these spring orchids and autumn chrysanthemums, wouldn't that be cliché and a disservice to this room full of scholarly atmosphere?"

An extremely smooth and diplomatic speech.

They praised Fu Xinghe's "purity and elegance" and affirmed Gu Qinghan's "understanding and practicality," while also giving each of them a top-notch sugar-coated bullet wrapped in the guise of traditional Chinese culture.

Fu Xinghe was stunned.

The anger in her eyes quickly faded, replaced by surprise and deep admiration. She hadn't expected Zhu Xun Chuan to not only handle such a tricky question but also answer it flawlessly with such profound knowledge.

The boy who only knew how to write love letters at sixteen has truly grown up.

Although Gu Qinghan maintained a composed expression, the rise and fall of her chest beneath her pure white silk shirt had noticeably subsided. The phrase "proud plum blossoms in the snow" had struck her weak spot with pinpoint accuracy.

Just as Gu Qinghan was about to put on her counselor's airs again and give him a few more words of advice.

Zhu Xun Chuan's right hand had already crossed the wide armrest of the seat and, under the dim light, domineeringly covered Gu Qing Han's left hand, which was resting on her thigh.

His fingers forcefully squeezed between her delicate fingers, their hands intertwined. His rough fingertips gently pinched the back of her hand twice, as if to soothe her.

Gu Qinghan shuddered as if struck by lightning.

Her peach blossom eyes behind the silver-rimmed glasses instantly welled up with tears. She glanced around in a flustered manner and glared fiercely at Zhu Xun Chuan. But in the end, her hand only struggled symbolically before letting the man hold it tightly, unwilling to pull it back.

The right flank defense line successfully maintained stability through force.

Zhu Xun Chuan let out a long breath. The back of his shirt was soaked with cold sweat.

This first row is really not fit for human beings.

Just as Zhu Xunchuan was about to lean back in his chair and rest for a moment.

"Bang!"

With a muffled thud, the lights in the auditorium suddenly went out.

Two extremely dazzling spotlights shone from behind, precisely focusing on the center of the wide stage. The previously noisy hall of five thousand people fell into complete silence, as if someone had grabbed its throat.

The elderly principal, with his gray hair, walked briskly to the standing microphone, dressed in a smart Zhongshan suit.

"Welcome to Kyoto University, faculty and students!"

Thunderous applause resounded throughout the venue.

The old principal raised his hands and pressed them down. His powerful voice resonated throughout the hall via the top-of-the-line speakers.

"Before the official start of today's opening ceremony, I would like to introduce a new colleague to everyone. From today onwards, she will serve as the Executive Vice Principal, in charge of all future academic affairs and reform work of our school."

The former principal stepped back half a step, making room for her in the center of the stage, and announced loudly, "Now, let us welcome Ms. Meng Wanqing to the stage to deliver her speech with the warmest applause!"