I was criticized on a dating reality show, but I retaliated and became an internet sensation.

He Yuzhuo had ended the call at some point, finished taking a shower, and casually put on a dark silk robe with the belt loosely tied, revealing his well-defined collarbone and a firm chest.

His hair was still dripping wet, sliding down his neck and into the collar of his bathrobe. He was leaning against the bar, swirling a glass of amber liquor in his hand, watching her with a leisurely air, his eyes full of mockery.

"What are you laughing at!" Fang Ran glanced at him sideways.

"It's nothing."

He Yuzhuo took a sip of wine, sat down beside her, and casually draped his long arm over the back of the sofa behind her, forming a semi-embracing posture, his tone languid:

"I'm just a little curious. What kind of expression would Ayan have if he knew that you were digging a hole for him and teaching him 'countermeasures' right after he had just taken his first difficult step?"

Upon hearing this, Fang Ran not only showed no remorse, but instead sat up straight with a righteous air: "Was I digging a pit? I was doing it for their own good!"

Fang Ran glared at him, but because she had just won a "victory" and was in a good mood, she didn't notice how close he was.

She slightly raised her chin, a hint of smugness in her expression:

"Gu Yan is indeed outstanding, and he's impeccable when it comes to Zi Zi, I admit that. But precisely because of that, we can't let him think he can get her so easily!"

"People often don't cherish things that are too easily obtained in relationships, especially those like them. They've known each other for a long time and have deep bonds, so they're more likely to mistake habit for love or take love for granted."

"I have to stand up for Zizi, to make her realize the truth, and to let Gu Yan know that our Zizi isn't so easy to win over."

The more she talked, the more she felt like she was the best friend in the world, and she almost stood up and applauded herself!

He Yuzhuo looked at her excited profile. The light made her skin appear even whiter, and her eyes shone brightly with excitement and a hint of mischief.

His eyes darkened slightly. He tilted his head back, took a sip of water, his Adam's apple bobbing, and then put down his wine glass. The bottom of the glass touched the coffee table with a crisp, soft sound.

"Oh?"

He turned to face her more closely, the collar of his robe opening slightly with the movement, releasing a refreshing yet dangerous aura emanating from him after his shower.

"It sounds like Teacher Fang is very experienced? She seems to have a lot of expertise in how to 'get rid of' women?"

His voice was low and slightly hoarse from his shower, making it exceptionally clear and... noticeable in the quiet living room.

Fang Ran's heart skipped a beat for no reason, and she subconsciously leaned back, but her back pressed against his arm that was lying across the sofa.

She then realized that they were too close, close enough to see the moisture still clinging to his eyelashes.

"I... I just had a clearer perspective from an outsider's point of view!"

Fang Ran steadied herself and tried her best to project her usual confident and eloquent demeanor:

"Besides, Gu Yan is handsome, capable, and devoted. He's had a crush on our Zizi for so many years. He sounds perfect, but he's too perfect, which is why Zizi can't take him for granted!"

"We need to set up some obstacles and increase the game experience to strengthen our bond, understand?"

As she spoke, she pointed vaguely with her finger, trying to make her words more convincing, completely unaware that He Yuzhuo's gaze followed her opening and closing lips, growing ever deeper.

"Handsome? Capable? And loyal?"

He Yuzhuo slowly repeated her words, each word spoken slowly and heavily, but the faint, almost dangerous smile at the corner of his mouth looked rather dangerous:

"Ranran, your opinion of my brother... is quite high?"

Fang Ran was engrossed in her conversation and didn't notice the subtle change in his tone at all, so she casually replied:

"Of course, it's an objective fact. Otherwise, why do you think Zizi was so sad about him leaving? It's because he himself was... um!"

She didn't finish her sentence.

He Yuzhuo suddenly reached out and pinched her chin.

The force wasn't strong, even a little light, but the heat from the fingertips and the unyielding manner silenced Fang Ran instantly, and she opened her eyes wide.

"Because he is what?"

He Yuzhuo moved closer, his nose almost touching hers, his warm breath brushing against her cheek, his voice so low it was barely a whisper, tinged with jealousy and a hint of displeasure:

"Because he's really good, and you admire him so much? That's why you're going to such lengths to 'enhance his gaming experience,' huh?"

Fang Ran finally realized belatedly that something was wrong. She seemed to have just praised another man in front of her fiancé, even though that "other man" was the love interest of his brother and her best friend.

However, as long as she writes more, she's right!

"Yes, I'm just stating the facts! Gu Yanchang is handsome, capable, and devoted—isn't that a well-known fact in the industry?"

"I'm just stating the facts! I'm helping Zizi assess the 'enemy's' strengths and weaknesses and formulate tactics! What are you getting so jealous about? Don't you understand the importance of strategically respecting the opponent?"

"Let's stick to the facts?"

He Yuzhuo interrupted her, his thumb lightly tracing the delicate skin of her chin, his gaze fixed on her, not missing a single subtle expression on her face:

"Then tell me, in your opinion, is it someone like Ayan, who is 'handsome, capable, and loyal,' who is more difficult to deal with, or...?"

He paused, then leaned closer, his lips almost touching her earlobe. His hot breath made her ears turn bright red instantly before he slowly uttered the second half of his sentence:

"...Or is it that someone like me is harder to pursue? Hmm?"

The final "hmm" sound, with its rising tone and hooked quality, sent a tingling, numbing sensation through the bones.

"He Yuzhuo, you... don't change the subject!"

"I'm not changing the subject," He Yuzhuo chuckled softly. "I was just asking for your advice, Professor Fang, after all..."

He released his grip on her chin, and just when Fang Ran thought he was going to pull away, he suddenly lowered his head and, instead of using his fingers, lightly but with a clear sense of possession, bit her lower lip.

Fang Ran shuddered and gasped.

"After all," He Yuzhuo looked up, staring at her instantly flushed face and slightly swollen lips, his eyes dark and unsettling, but his tone regained a touch of lazy mockery:

"I'm also on my way to winning over a wife, so I need to find out the examiners' preferences and... the difficulty level beforehand, so I don't end up like Ayan, with you sisters teaming up to set up a bunch of 'unforgettable' challenges, right?"

As he spoke, his fingertips lingered on the corner of her lips.

"He Yuzhuo!"

Fang Ran hurriedly covered her mouth, glaring at him with annoyance and embarrassment.

That bastard! How come I never noticed he was so jealous before!

"Alright, it's getting late."

He stood up, looked at Fang Ran who was still slumped in the sofa, and extended his hand to her. "Teacher Fang, it's time to rest and recharge so you can teach your good student tomorrow, right?"

Fang Ran looked at the hand with its distinct knuckles in front of her, then looked up at He Yuzhuo's handsome face, which had regained its usual lazy smile, and felt so angry that her teeth itched.

After hesitating for a few seconds, she finally placed her hand on it.

He Yuzhuo tightened his grip, pulled her up from the sofa, and drew her into his arms, then lowered his head to place a very light kiss on the top of her head.

Goodnight, Professor Fang.

Fang Ran buried her face in his chest and let out a muffled "humph," but her fingertips unconsciously tightened their grip on the fabric of his robe.

The kiss that had just been tinged with punishment was showing signs of reigniting in the warmth of their bodies pressed together.

He Yuzhuo seemed to chuckle softly, a slight vibration emanating from his chest.

He didn't let go of her. Instead, he bent down slightly in the embrace, put his arms under her knees, and with a little effort, lifted her up in his arms.

"Ah!" Fang Ran gasped, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck and staring at him with wide eyes. "What are you doing?"

"Go to sleep," He Yuzhuo replied matter-of-factly, carrying her steadily toward the master bedroom.

In the dim light, his jawline was clearly defined, and a few undried water droplets clung to his Adam's apple, rolling slightly with each movement before disappearing into the depths of his robe.

"Not tonight!"

He Yuzhuo raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"

"There's a banquet tomorrow!" Fang Ran emphasized, kicking her feet a few times in the air as a form of protest.

"Yes, it won't be a problem at night."

"He Yuzhuo!"

"Don't move." He Yuzhuo tightened his grip on her arm, glancing down at her with an undisguised aggressive look in his dazed eyes.

"If you move again, I can't guarantee your sleep quality tonight."

Fang Ran: "..."

Sister, I've ultimately sacrificed too much for you ┗(T﹏T)┛

……