Fascination

“By the way, I am Su Yun’s male... friend.” He Mian hastily changed his words, fearing Su Yun might break his foot.

Li Ruocheng’s expression was somewhat restrained. Friend is friend; why insist on “male”? Does he think she might have a female friend instead? He couldn’t fathom the peculiar logic of artists.

But Su Yun and He Mian already knew each other?

“Su Yun, if you’re free later, let’s go to the library together,” Li Ruocheng stated his intention; everything else was secondary.

“She has matters to attend to,” He Mian spoke for Su Yun, looking at her, “She still needs to settle her wages, right, Miss Su?”

Wages!?

Su Yun’s eyes sparkled instantly—she could charge extra for this!

“Oh, then I’ll wait for you,” Li Ruocheng agreed readily; settling wages would hardly take much time.

He Mian found Li Ruocheng increasingly irksome and felt a surge of displeasure.

“Ruocheng, you should go ahead,” Su Yun said.

“Alright, you get busy then.” With the main party having spoken, Li Ruocheng found it hard to say more and departed, a little forlorn.

He Mian was about to speak when a faculty advisor approached, shook He Mian’s hand, expressed thanks, and suggested if his schedule allowed, he might tour the campus with Su Yun accompanying him. The advisor then showered Su Yun with praise—her excellent grades, outstanding capabilities, and so on.

He Mian smiled amiably, “Then I’ll trouble you, Su Yun.”

Su Yun forced a polite smile, “...Not at all, it’s my honor.”

She must demand a raise!

-

While Su Yun slipped away to the restroom, He Mian turned to Xiaobao, “Aren’t you busy soon? Go take care of it.”

Xiaobao was baffled—he had nothing to do; he was hoping to explore the famous Huadu University.

“I’m not busy at all.”

“I think you are.”

“I suppose... I could be! Haha, I’ll head off then.” Under He Mian’s predatory gaze, Xiaobao reluctantly changed his tune. Better to be sensible—even if he had nothing, he could invent something.

He’d rather not play the role of a supercharged third wheel.

When Su Yun returned, she saw He Mian leaning against the wall, one hand in his pocket, the other scrolling through his phone. Passing students kept glancing at him.

As if sensing her, He Mian looked up, his eyes shimmering with starlight. With so many eyes on him, she was the only one he responded to—though Su Yun didn’t yet understand the meaning behind that gaze.

Su Yun hurried over and asked, “Where’s Xiaobao?”

“Oh, he had something to do and left first.”

-

“Right, you mentioned settling my wages?” The two walked through the campus, sunlight dappling their path, a gentle breeze drifting by—it was the perfect spring day for a stroll.

He Mian flicked Su Yun’s forehead, “Dream on.”

Su Yun rubbed her head, “Hey!”

“The wages I pay you—if I had you working around the clock, twenty-four hours a day, it wouldn’t be too much.” He Mian draped his jacket over his arm, the other hand in his pocket as he ambled along.

Su Yun conceded the point but refused to give in, “Isn’t that what’s happening now? You boss me around by day and keep at it by night.”

He Mian gave a devilish smile, suddenly leaning close to her, his hand slipping around her waist, “Daytime is your official working hours. As for nighttime, aren’t I the one making the effort? You seem to enjoy it—every single time…”

Su Yun couldn’t bear to listen any longer. She pushed him away and hurried ahead; this was a university, after all. He might not care for propriety, but she still did.

He Mian watched her storm off, unable to wipe the smile from his lips.

“Hey, as the translator, walking faster than your boss—are you looking to get your wages docked?”

-

“This building is a landmark of Huadu University, over three hundred years old. The lawns in front are lush, and many students lounge there in their free time, sunbathing, reading, sketching…”

Su Yun had become a tour guide, patiently and thoroughly describing the campus scenery.

He Mian listened quietly. Su Yun’s lips moved as she spoke, her skin fair with a rosy glow, wisps of golden hair at her ears, her neck slender.

“I’m tired,” He Mian suddenly said.

Su Yun stopped—how could he be tired after walking such a short distance?

Definitely lacking in stamina.

She found a lecture hall with steps; originally she meant to rest outside on a bench, but He Mian insisted on having a desk.

“There, this should meet your requirements.” Su Yun opened the door, glanced around—empty, plenty of desks.

Just as she turned, the world spun. He Mian pressed her against the door, his lips sealing hers.

He Mian indulged his cravings, breathing softly. He’d wanted to do this for a long time—ever since she looked at him so intently. Her mouth was pink and inviting, irresistible.

Su Yun’s hands rested on his neck, her head bowed, breathless. He was corrupting her; she hadn’t resisted at all, and found the sensation delightful, wanting to do it again.

“Shall we go again?”

“Yes.”