The quiet hum of the air conditioner filled the principal's office as Xian Lu stood near the polished desk, his expression calm but his mind elsewhere.
"I'd like to meet my younger brother's teacher," he said smoothly, one hand in his pocket. "I want to know about his progress and… his report."
The principal nodded, smiling. "Of course, Mr. Xian. His teacher, Mr. Ren, is free right now. You can meet him in Classroom 3-B."
"Ren…" Xian repeated the name softly, the corner of his lips curling in a faint, unreadable smile. "Perfect."
He walked down the hallway, his black shoes clicking against the tiled floor. The corridor was empty, only the sunlight spilling through the windows. When he opened the classroom door, the sound of chalk against the board stopped.
Ren Liwei turned.
For a moment, time froze.
He stood near the board, sleeves rolled up, his tie slightly loose, and a faint chalk stain on his wrist. He looked effortlessly composed, eyes calm, voice soft — but when his gaze landed on Xian Lu, something flickered there.
"You?" Xian's tone carried a hint of disbelief mixed with amusement.
Ren blinked, confused for a second, then his brows knit. "You're—?"
"Xian Lu," he interrupted, stepping inside, shutting the door behind him. "My brother's teacher, huh? Didn't expect that."
Ren straightened, trying to keep it professional. "You're here about your brother's report, I assume?"
Xian's smile deepened. "I was. But now… I'm not so sure."
He walked closer, slow and deliberate. The distance between them shrank until Xian was standing just in front of Ren, his cologne mixing with the faint scent of chalk and paper.
Ren tried to move back, but his hand brushed against the desk. "You're too close," he muttered, his heartbeat picking up.
"Am I?" Xian tilted his head, eyes glinting. "You remember what happened last time?"
Ren froze, the memory of that impulsive moment — the kiss — flashing through his mind. It had been reckless, out of anger, maybe curiosity… but now, seeing Xian Lu smirking like that, he felt the same heat rise again.
"You call that revenge?" Xian whispered, leaning closer. "Because if you do, it wasn't nearly enough."
Before Ren could react, Xian's fingers brushed his chin, tilting it slightly up — his touch light, teasing — and then their lips met again, just a fleeting, bold kiss. This time, Ren didn't push him away immediately; his pulse betrayed him.
When Xian finally pulled back, his voice dropped, husky and playful.
"Now… about my brother's report?"
Ren swallowed, face slightly flushed. "You— you're unbelievable."
"I've been called worse," Xian chuckled softly, finally straightening. "Anyway, I want you to tutor my brother — and my son. They could use someone like you."
Ren blinked, still trying to process everything. "Your son?"
"Five years old. Rui Rui." The way Xian said it — gentle, proud — made Ren glance at him differently for a second.
Xian smiled again, calm and confident. "So, Mr. Ren Liwei… will you take the job?"
Ren met his gaze, finally steadying his breath. "You really don't make things simple, do you?"
Xian smirked, turning toward the door. "Where's the fun in simple?"
And with that, he walked out, leaving Ren standing there — confused, breathless, and undeniably intrigued.
To-be Continued....