Just as the male student he had known for less than five minutes had imagined, Ren Suo was indeed suffering harsh treatment from Dong Chengling.

Heavenly Lotus Academy was originally constructed for 10,000 students and four grades. Although not yet fully completed, the academy currently only had freshmen, so there were plenty of empty classrooms. Classroom 201, next to 202, was unoccupied. Dong Chengling walked in, glanced around to confirm no one was inside, and then gestured for Ren Suo to come over.

As soon as Ren Suo entered, Dong Chengling immediately pushed him against the wall, covered his mouth, and quickly closed the classroom door.

Ren Suo was pressed against Dong Chengling's entire body, feeling warmth envelop him. He instantly raised his hands, daring not to move, daring not to stir.

Dong Chengling looked at the curtains not far away and used Telekinesis to pull both sides shut. It was a cloudy afternoon, so the room was instantly dimmed. Still not satisfied, she looked up at the corner camera and gently blew a breath. Ren Suo then saw a layer of frost forming on it.

Ren Suo didn't know if it was a Spell or Telekinesis, but anyway, it was cool—convenient and practical for setting up a murder scene or a locked-room murder!

Only after doing all this did Dong Chengling release the hand covering Ren Suo's mouth and ask softly, "Suo, do you have an urgent matter to see me about?"

She felt it was both unexpected and reasonable for Ren Suo to come to the academic building to find her because her phone was off during class. If Ren Suo needed her, of course, he would have to come directly to the building.

But she knew Ren Suo better than anyone. He was not the type to go out for trivial matters, nor would he waste time on trivialities.

Ren Suo must have had an issue to come to the academic building to find her. If the matter was significantly related to her, he probably wouldn't care about classroom rules and would have barged in and pulled her out. But if it only concerned Ren Suo himself, he would respect classroom rules and wait until after class to speak.

It was because Dong Chengling realized this that she had looked for an excuse to get Ren Suo out.

Of course, their conversation had indeed disrupted classroom discipline. Although Dong Chengling loved hearing him declare 'Dong Chengling is number one in the world,' disrupting class was not good.

Even though she didn't know how serious Ren Suo's issue was, or whether the Tactical Bureau would break through the windows to arrest him the next second, Dong Chengling still spoke with him with the highest level of Secrecy. She blocked all sources of observation to ensure their exchange remained known only to them, never to be leaked.

However, Dong Chengling felt a little puzzled at the moment—why did she subconsciously feel that Ren Suo had encountered a major issue and come to find her, and why had she so readily arranged such a secret environment, as though she had a plan in mind all along?

"Actually... it's nothing urgent."

Dong Chengling making such a fuss made Ren Suo feel rather embarrassed. He handed over the kraft paper bag and said with an awkward smile, "This is for you."

Dong Chengling took the bag and hesitated. "Can I open it here?"

"Of course," Ren Suo answered. "If you don't like it, you can tell me."

Dong Chengling took out a scarf from the bag. She was visibly stunned for a moment. By the faint light, she saw it was a pink scarf. Its light pink base was divided into large checks by egg-yolk-yellow crosses. It had no particular patterns, but the color coordination alone made the scarf look quite cute.

"I originally planned to give you this gift tonight, but you have remedial classes again. Then I wondered if I should give it to you on Christmas tomorrow. But after thinking about it, I figured it's best to give a gift while I still remember it—I reckon I'll probably forget about it by tomorrow night..."

Ren Suo discussed his memory with great seriousness. Noticing Dong Chengling still looking at the scarf, he said, "Do you like these two colors?"

"I do," Dong Chengling nodded. "How did you know I like pink and yellow? I've never..."

Most of her clothes were white and black, and the few that were different had been bought by Qiao Muyi in the past. Pink and yellow had never featured in her life; how did Ren Suo know?

"I guessed. Little Jiu's clothes are all bought by you, right? I've noticed her clothes are mostly yellow and pink," Ren Suo said, arms crossed. "What adults like is most easily reflected in their children. For example, my dad likes calligraphy, so he insisted I take calligraphy classes. My mom thinks men who hang clothes are handsome, so she insisted I hang clothes. I like playing games and already have a list of games I *must* play with my kids..."

As he spoke, Ren Suo suddenly felt something was amiss. Wait a minute, my mom...

Looking at Ren Suo, who was lost in thought, Dong Chengling giggled, then said, "But I've never actually bought or worn yellow or pink clothes."

"That's not strange. Zhao Huo doesn't even reveal that he's an Anime Fan," Ren Suo said, tilting his head at Dong Chengling. "Then why don't you buy pink or yellow clothes?"

Dong Chengling's face turned slightly red as her gaze wandered. She pondered and said, "I think... those colors probably aren't suitable for me... too childish..."

"I understand, I understand," Ren Suo nodded understandingly. "Before I played the Soul Series Game, I also thought those player-torturing games weren't for me, but then I couldn't stop... You didn't used to care much about your outfits either, did you? When picking clothes, weren't you like me—choosing colors that don't easily show dirt, just wearing whatever was convenient?"

"It's only when you pick clothes for Little Jiu that you try your best to choose the finest for her," Ren Suo chuckled. "You're like me; we both have a fondness for children."

"Mhm," Dong Chengling hummed softly in agreement, her gaze falling to the scarf.

Ren Suo said, "So, experience is the best teacher. Why not try it on?"

Dong Chengling put down the kraft paper bag and took the scarf, a flicker in her eyes. A thought crossed her mind before she looked up at Ren Suo and said, "I've never worn a scarf before. I don't know how."

"Just use the simplest method. You know, wrap it around your neck once like you're... well, just loop it."

"Why don't you help me put it on?" Dong Chengling handed the neatly folded scarf to Ren Suo.

Ren Suo blinked and, without hesitation, took the scarf and helped Dong Chengling put it on.

"I don't really know how to tie knots either. I can only wrap it around once, or twice, and then, depending on preference, place the ends in front or at the back..."

Helping someone else with a scarf naturally meant getting close. As Ren Suo wrapped it around her, he had to reach behind Dong Chengling's head. Dong Chengling happily enjoyed Ren Suo's service and asked in a soft voice, "What do you think?"

Holding the ends of the scarf, Ren Suo glanced around: the dim classroom, the obscured camera, two people whispering… If I suddenly tightened the scarf, it would be the perfect murder scene right now, he thought.

Shaking off the stupid, arrogant, death-wish thought from his mind, Ren Suo looked at Dong Chengling seriously and nodded. "It suits you very well."

"Really?" Dong Chengling sounded hesitant and asked, "Isn't it too childish and girlish?"

"That's why it suits you," Ren Suo said with a smile. "Didn't you hear my conversation with your student just now? You're beautiful, have a great figure, give wonderful lectures, and have a lovely voice. Plus, you're the strongest female teacher in all of Lianjiang. Isn't it perfect for you to dress a little more girlishly?"

Dong Chengling was still hesitant. "But... it doesn't quite fit my image..."

Ren Suo thought about it, vaguely understanding her hesitation. She herself might not care much about others' opinions, but that didn't mean she was immune to influence, Ren Suo mused. She wasn't as uncompromising and old-fashioned as people imagined. She also had a girlish heart full of pink, fantastical dreams—I'd seen it in how she decorated Little Jiu's room. But for various reasons, she subconsciously hid her fondness for pink and cute things, pretending to be a pragmatist.

Ren Suo blinked and asked, "Do you like the Truth Seeker?"

"Yes," Dong Chengling nodded, adding, "Just like how one would like an idol."

"Do you remember what the Truth Seeker was wearing the last time she appeared?"

Dong Chengling thought for a moment. "I don't remember well, but..."

"But she was wearing pretty clothes, wasn't she?" Ren Suo smiled. "Seeking the Path, Cultivation, and liking to wear pretty clothes are not in the slightest contradictory. Your students won't disrespect you for being a young, beautiful, and adorable teacher—in fact, the attendance rate might even hit 200%."

"And I'm not saying you need to change anything. It's completely fine to wear sportswear on normal days; after all, it's convenient and dirt-resistant. However, if you suddenly feel like it..."

Ren Suo helped Dong Chengling adjust her scarf and smiled. "A girlish Chengling is also very cute. If you don't wear this kind of clothing in the future, both I and your students would truly be missing out."

"Any unlockable achievements should be preserved. If I were to wear something girly, I'd probably just be called a pervert..." Ren Suo shrugged. "Of course, if I wore girly clothes and got praised for looking cute, that would be even more perverted..."

Dong Chengling smiled sweetly and reached out to straighten Ren Suo's collar. "Thank you, I really like it."

Ren Suo breathed a sigh of relief. "As long as you like it. I won't disturb your class any longer."

"Nothing else?" Dong Chengling asked. "Suo, did you come over just to give me this scarf?"

"Yes."

"If I hadn't called you out, would you have waited in the classroom?"

Ren Suo nodded. "Mhm. If that student hadn't started talking to me, I definitely would have played on my phone for a whole class period waiting for you to finish."

Dong Chengling asked curiously, "But don't you hate wasting time?"

"Hmm—" Ren Suo crossed his arms, pondering for a moment before saying, "That depends. I certainly wouldn't waste time meaninglessly, like at boring gatherings... But wasting a class period for you, Chengling, is within acceptable limits for me."

To deliver the gift, he had traveled back and forth to the city, a journey of over two hours. Compared to that, Dong Chengling only requiring him to waste one class period was quite considerate.

"And as long as I have a main objective, I'm not afraid of wasting time or taking detours. Even if it's called wasting time and I take some roundabout paths, I might trigger some side quests and get some precious props..."

"See? I just discovered you're so popular among your students. That's a significant find in itself," Ren Suo said with a smile.

Dong Chengling said, "I thought you didn't like waiting."

Ren Suo nodded then shook his head. "It depends. Of course, I don't like boring waits. But if it's waiting for you, or for class to end, then that waiting time becomes quite interesting—I haven't enjoyed the anticipation of 'only a few minutes left until school is out' in a long while."

As he spoke, Ren Suo noticed Dong Chengling watching him with a smile. A jolt went through him. Have I inadvertently painted myself as some kind of pervert who enjoys being made to wait?

Ren Suo quickly changed the subject. "Oh, should I pick up Little Jiu tonight? You have classes this evening, so time might be a bit tight, right?"

Dong Chengling nodded. "Then I'll have to trouble you."

"Don't mention it. I'm raising Little Jiu with you, although I'm only responsible for playing with her on Saturdays and Sundays," Ren Suo waved it off. "So tonight, Little Jiu and I will just eat out, okay?"

"Just don't let her eat fried foods, okay? Choose something healthier."

"I knooow~" he drew out his response playfully.

After Ren Suo left, Dong Chengling restored the curtains to their original position and dispelled the fog on the camera. She thought for a moment, then still took off the scarf, folded it neatly, and put it back in the kraft paper bag.

He hates wasting time, but he's willing to waste it for me. He dislikes waiting, but he enjoys waiting for me.

Dong Chengling returned to the classroom, and the rustling room suddenly fell silent. She placed the kraft paper bag under the lectern and continued her lecture.

Most of the students quickly focused on their studies, except for one male student in the seventh row, whose mind was in turmoil!

That guy didn't come back, but Teacher Dong returned with his kraft paper bag! Teacher Dong was outside with that guy for a good five or six minutes—such a long time! Her smile is so sweet, and her voice is super gentle and pleasant! Could it be… Could it be… Could it be that Teacher Dong beat him up, stole his things, and got some kind of sick thrill from it, all under the guise of 'teaching'? He only lasted five or six minutes!? Fourth-Stage Cultivators are terrifying! But Teacher Dong right now is so pretty, so sweet and gentle, it's like she's glowing. Even her eyelashes look like they're about to flutter. If only Teacher Dong were always like this in class… What on earth just happened? How incredibly pleased must Teacher Dong be feeling inside!

「…」

「…」

After class, Dong Chengling answered students' questions for another half hour, then softly declined their dinner invitations and left with the kraft paper bag. On the way, she took out her phone and checked WeChat for any messages.

She saw a little red dot appear on her Moments. Though she usually had no interest in scrolling through Moments, she suddenly felt an uncharacteristic urge to take a look.

Then, she saw a post from Ren Suo:

"A new fish hotpot restaurant just opened near the academy!"

"After 9 p.m., you get a 12% discount on the bill!"

"Little Jiu insisted on eating there!"

"The only problem is waiting an hour in line. How come there's nobody on the streets usually, but when it comes to eating, so many people suddenly show up..."

"But as long as I get 10 likes, Little Jiu and I can pass the time snacking on unlimited sour plum juice and peanuts!"

Dong Chengling casually liked Ren Suo's post, then calculated the time.

Ren Suo would be back around 9 p.m., and her class also ended at 9 p.m. Furthermore, since he was coming from outside, she even had time to go home and change.

Once Dong Chengling made up her mind, she went to the cafeteria to eat.

「…」

「…」

At 9 p.m. in the Heavenly Lotus Academy girls' dormitory, Gu Yueyan, who was changing her clothes, said to Lin Xianyu, "Are you really not going?"

Lin Xianyu, who was watching a variety show, tucked her feet under her on the chair, squatting as she watched TV. Hearing the class president's question, she curled her toes on the chair and shook her head. "Nope, not going. Even if I were charged with static, I wouldn't light up. I don't even qualify to be a third wheel."

Gu Yueyan fell silent for a moment, walked behind Lin Xianyu, tugged at her sleeve, and whispered, "But if you don't go... after I finish talking to him about the paper, I won't have anything else to talk about..."

Lin Xianyu sighed, turned off her laptop, and dutifully changed her clothes and put on her shoes. The class president is only this adorable when she's shy and awkward, Lin Xianyu thought. Right now, I really want to poke her butt and chest to test her reaction…

After dressing, Lin Xianyu turned her head and asked, "Are you going to wear a scarf?"

"Mhm," Gu Yueyan said. "Actually, I just want him to see it."

Lin Xianyu asked, "Can't you just wear it another day? Why tonight?"

Gu Yueyan shook her head. "Since I can't claim Christmas Night, I should at least make the most of Christmas Eve, right?"

Lin Xianyu thought for a moment, nodded, then took a scarf from her bag and put it on.

Gu Yueyan glanced at her but said nothing and turned to leave the dormitory—Lin Xianyu often wore scarves; she would almost never miss out on something that could keep her warm and improve her quality of life.

Yet at that moment, Lin Xianyu's face turned red. I'm not the class president, and I certainly don't want Big Brother Ren to see me wearing this! I'm only wearing a scarf because it's windy outside! Yes, that's it!

When Lin Xianyu reached the bottom of the dorm building, she saw the class president staring blankly up at the night sky.

Lin Xianyu looked up and saw that tonight's moon was a hazy, gibbous shape, like a slightly squashed pancake. She calculated the date; today was the 19th of the Lunar Calendar, and the moon phase should be the Third Quarter Moon.

"Class president?" Lin Xianyu went forward and tapped Gu Yueyan's shoulder. Gu Yueyan seemed to awaken with a start. Coming to her senses, she said, "Ready? Let's go then."

"Why were you staring at the moon and zoning out, class president?"

"It's nothing, just..." Gu Yueyan hesitated, then said, "I feel like the moon is calling out to me."

"What? Class president, are you finally going to become a Pretty Soldier and punish bad guys on behalf of the moon?"

As they chatted and laughed while walking, they happened to run into an acquaintance—Ren Xingmei, who was coming from another girls' dormitory building.

The moment they met, all three, like Assassins, locked their gaze onto each other's primary vulnerability—their necks.

Without exception, all three necks were protected by scarves of different styles.

"...Little Star, are you also going to Big Brother Ren's place?" Lin Xianyu was the first to break the silence.

"Yeah, I'm going to game all night with my brother. Let's go together."

The three of them continued on their way, but it was very quiet; even the usually talkative Lin Xianyu was as silent as a Salted Fish.

Amid the stillness, a strange premonition began to stir in their hearts.

When they arrived at the faculty residential building, they saw a car parked by Building No. 2. A beauty, whose graceful figure couldn't be concealed even in winter clothing, stepped out. The four of them met eyes, their gazes swiftly locking onto each other's necks.

All four of their necks were protected by scarves of different styles.

"Good evening. Are you all here to find Xiao Suo too?"

"Yes, Sister Qiao. We came to talk to him about our paper... How about you?"

"What a coincidence. I also wanted to discuss the Tactical Bureau paper with him."

"My brother might not be back yet. I'll take you upstairs to open the door and wait inside."

Ren Xingmei's proposal was accepted by everyone. As they were about to enter the building, the glass door of the neighboring residential building opened.

Wearing a form-fitting white sweater and black tights, Dong Chengling came out. The five women's eyes met, naturally landing on each other's necks.

Everyone's neck was protected by a scarf of a different style, shielding them from the cold wind.

Dong Chengling, who had been maintaining a sweet smile, showed a slight change in expression. She approached and asked, "You've all come to look for Suo so late?"

"Yes," Qiao Muyi said, her eyes narrowing with a smile. "It seems we all came to find him for various reasons..."

"...But now, we might all share a common purpose."

Lin Xianyu suddenly punched her own stomach to suppress the laughter that threatened to burst out.

Ren Xingmei's eyes darted around, her expression somewhat helpless.

Gu Yueyan looked up at the moon, her face slightly bewildered.

Dong Chengling's tranquil smile returned, her hands tightly clasped behind her back.

Qiao Muyi crossed her arms, her fox-like eyes narrowing as a dangerous smile played on her lips.

The Black Bells downstairs all distanced themselves from the group, scampering off to the bushes across the street.

"Sister Ling~~"

Just then, Little Jiu's soft, sweet voice called from afar. They saw her trotting over, reaching for Dong Chengling for a hug. Dong Chengling smiled, crouched down, and embraced her, asking, "What did you eat tonight?"

"I had hotpot tonight!" Little Jiu patted her tummy and declared in her sweet, child-like voice, "I'm so full!"

"Mm-hmm." Dong Chengling nodded. Just then, Qiao Muyi bent down, touched Little Jiu's scarf, and asked with a smile, "Oh my, Little Jiu, is that your new scarf?"

Little Jiu's scarf was pink with a small Nine-Tailed Fox on it, extremely cute.

"Yes, Big Brother Ren gave it to me!" Little Jiu held her head high and said proudly, "Big Brother Ren hand-knitted it! It's super~~~ pretty! Little Jiu loves it super~~~ much!"

"Hand-knitted by him again," Qiao Muyi chuckled and nodded. "Little Jiu, do you think our scarves look nice?"

Little Jiu regarded the several older sisters before her, her small, delicate nose twitching. Her proud smile instantly vanished. She turned, let out a WAAH!, and ran towards Ren Suo as he approached from behind.

Ren Suo scratched his head, squatting down to catch Little Jiu, and asked with a smile, "What's wrong? Did the sisters bully you?"

Little Jiu pouted and asked, "Why do the sisters have scarves too?"

"Because it's cold and the wind is strong."

"But why do they also have scarves hand-knitted by Big Brother Ren?" Little Jiu sniffled; she could clearly smell that all the scarves everyone was wearing had been hand-knitted by Ren Suo!

"Because I gave them to them," Ren Suo answered, blinking.

"Big Brother, didn't you only give one to Little Jiu?"

"No, I worked hard to knit many of them."

"But Big Brother, why didn't you tell Little Jiu that you also knitted many scarves for other girls?"

"But you didn't ask."

It wasn't just girls; I'd given them to two boys as well, Ren Suo thought.

While soothing Little Jiu, Ren Suo looked up at Dong Chengling, Qiao Muyi, Gu Yueyan, Ren Xingmei, and Lin Xianyu, sensing that things might not be so simple.

"You're all looking for me so late. Is there something you need?"

"Heh."