If the situation wasn’t too urgent, the utterly broke Ruan Yao could only hold himself back.
Reflexively, he pressed his lips together but accidentally touched the small wound there and couldn’t help but whimper “Ouch…”
His lips had gotten injured from a bite. Ruan Yao grumbled irritably behind someone “Stupid little dog”
Only a little dog would go around biting people randomly!
However, Chu Lingyi’s hearing suddenly became incredibly sharp. He slightly shifted his foot, causing Ruan Yao to nearly lose his balance and fall.
In one swift motion, Chu Lingyi immediately caught Ruan Yao’s slender waist. With a dull thud, the unprepared Ruan Yao was pressed against the wall by Chu Lingyi.
The backstage area was indeed crowded. Even though they were hiding in a corner, the risk of being discovered was still high.
Startled, Ruan Yao scolded “Are you crazy?”
Chu Lingyi raised a golden-embossed award certificate to cover both their faces. With a relaxed tone, he lifted one eyebrow and asked with a sly gaze “Weren’t you the one who started it? Weren’t you the one… seducing me?”
Ruan Yao trembled, feeling guilty, and turned his gaze away. “I… i…”
In his nervousness, his brain seemed to freeze. After thinking for a long time and finding no suitable excuse, he finally braced himself, shut his eyes, and spoke.
“If I want to kiss you, then I’ll kiss you. You’re mine, so why should I think about when to kiss you!”
Secretly, Ruan Yao peeked at Chu Lingyi to see his reaction. Seeing Chu Lingyi’s expression, he decided to push further, adding fuel to the fire.
“Didn’t you once say you’re my little dog? If that’s the case, whatever the master wants to do, the little dog just needs to wag its tail”
The system let out a low whistle “How bold”
A suppressed chuckle rumbled in Chu Lingyi’s throat.
Ruan Yao noticed Chu Lingyi’s Adam’s apple move up and down along his long, slender neck, making him feel mocked. “Why are you laughing?”
Chu Lingyi’s eyes curved with a smile. With his face as cold as ice and snow, that smile felt like ice melting in spring, leaving behind a stunning beauty.
Ruan Yao’s face began to burn.
"Alright, Young master" the young man replied with a soft, teasing, and seductive tone.
Chu Lingyi's tall figure completely overshadowed Ruan Yao, trapping him in an embrace. "Whatever you say, that’s what will happen"
He seemed to be in a good mood.
Ruan Yao was stunned, his eyes widening.
Not even angry?
Chu Lingyi stared seriously into Ruan Yao's eyes. "From now on, whatever you want to do, you can do it. As long as you call my name, I will definitely come"
With all his strength, Ruan Yao pushed him away, his pale cheeks now flushed with red.
Awkwardly, he turned his gaze to the air on the other side. "Who needs you to come?"
He really didn’t want to be near Chu Lingyi any longer. Coincidentally, it was their turn to perform.
"Ruan Yao, your face is so red!" A classmate standing in front of them greeted them cheerfully, teasing Ruan Yao’s flushed face.
Ruan Yao was extremely annoyed. In his heart, he grumbled, You're the one who's red, your whole family is red!
"Ruan Yao" suddenly a soft and caring voice called out. When he turned around, it was Wen Siyian, their homeroom teacher.
With his characteristic warm smile, Wen Siyian encouraged him "I’m really looking forward to your performance"
Ruan Yao had a good impression of Wen Siyian, viewing him as a polite and responsible homeroom teacher, just as his name suggested.
He returned Wen Siyian’s smile. "I’ll do my best"
On the other hand, the classmate from earlier had an odd expression.
After Wen Siyian left to handle other matters, the classmate cautiously approached Ruan Yao. "You seem pretty close with Mr. Wen, huh?"
Ruan Yao, confused, simply replied "Huh? Not really"
That classmate, part of Ruan Yao’s circle often labeled as troublemakers, glanced at Ruan Yao, then back at Wen Siyian’s retreating figure before leaning in closer.
"Listen, you shouldn’t get too close to Mr. Wen"
He covered his mouth with his hand and whispered cautiously "Rumor has it, Mr. Wen used to have mental health issues. So, it’s better for you to be careful"
Ruan Yao was shocked.
With Wen Siyian’s gentle and polite demeanor, it was hard to associate him with such rumors. In fact, his presence alone seemed to naturally draw sympathy from anyone.
"He only started teaching here this year as a chemistry teacher. Two years ago, he was the homeroom teacher for Class XI Science 4"
"Two years ago, a student from Class XI Science 4 died. They say that student was bullied until they eventually jumped off the school building"
"Mr. Wen witnessed that student fall right in front of him. He suffered severe trauma. It took two full years of therapy for him to return to teaching"
That’s why Mr. Wen deeply despises students who bully others.
Ruan Yao was so shocked that his eyes unconsciously widened, making him look like a frightened little rabbit.
"Then, doesn't that show that Mr. Wen is a good person who truly cares about his students?"
His friend shrugged indifferently. "Who knows? I just feel like he's not a good person. I suggest you stay away from him"
Ruan Yao responded half-heartedly, but when he lifted his eyes, he immediately met Mr. Wen Si Yan's gaze.
Today, the man was wearing a silver-gray pinstriped shirt, enhancing his scholarly impression. Although the lighting under the stage was dim, the gleam of his glasses was still clearly visible.
Ruan Yao suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.
Mr. Wen, noticing Ruan Yao's gaze, smiled warmly and nodded.
Ruan Yao felt a strange tension, like someone caught red-handed gossiping about someone else. Awkwardly, he forced a smile at Mr. Wen.
"If you don’t want to smile, don’t force it." Chu Lingyi’s voice rang out as his hand caught Ruan Yao’s wrist, which had been hanging behind his back.
"You look ugly when you smile"
Having been insulted by Chu Lingyi countless times, Ruan Yao felt his pride crushed once again, making him want to pounce on the man and bite him.
"None of your business!" Ruan Yao snapped angrily, then stomped hard on Chu Lingyi’s shoe with his leather shoe, leaving a dirty mark.
"Don’t get too cocky. One day, you’ll regret this!" Ruan Yao said, delivering a classic villain’s line before storming off. He felt he was getting closer to truly becoming an evil villain.
On the other side, Mr. Wen Si Yan, who was busy with something, suddenly felt a tap on his shoulder.
"There’s something you need to check" the person said, handing him a small, elegant silver card.
Mr. Wen lowered his head, briefly glancing at the card. With his slender fingers, he casually twirled the card before slipping it into his palm.
"Just a small gift" he said with a smile, explaining to the surprised teacher beside him.
Before leaving, he glanced back at his students. His eyes landed on Ruan Yao, who was energetically talking to someone next to him.
Ruan Yao’s bright face, glowing like the sun, seemed to momentarily light up the dark corners of Mr. Wen’s heart.
A child as beautiful as this, why would he be a bully? If he could be just a little better, wouldn’t that be nice?
A troublesome kid like him really needs to be taught properly, doesn’t he?
o0o
The annual school opening ceremony at Li Zhi High School, one of the most important moments of the year.
The entire hall was filled with students and invited guests, including various prominent figures from society. Bright and colorful spotlights illuminated the stage, which was covered in plush red velvet carpet.
"Achoo!" Ruan Yao suddenly sneezed just before stepping onto the stage.
"Nervous?" Chu Lingyi asked.
Ruan Yao rubbed his nose with his hand, pouting. "You're the one who's nervous"
That day, Ruan Yao wore a custom-made black suit. His crisp white shirt was adorned with a sea-blue gemstone pin on the collar.
His face was lightly polished with makeup, and his eyeliner was drawn delicately, highlighting his star-like eyes. The subtle makeup gave his gaze a slightly more alluring and mysterious charm.
As Ruan Yao stood on stage, a collective sharp intake of breath could be heard from the audience below, proving that Chu Lingyi was right.
"We will welcome this new chapter of life with our brightest spirits and wholeheartedly dedicate ourselves to our studies"
"To strive for the world's conscience, for human life, to carry on the teachings of our ancestors, and to create peace for future generations"
"Oath-taker, Chu Lingyi"
Ruan Yao stood beside Chu Lingyi. His body leaned slightly, making his arm nearly touch Chu Lingyi’s. That warmth seeped through their clothes, reaching deep into Chu Lingyi's heart.
"Oath-taker, Ruan Yao"
Ruan Yao's voice was clear, soft, yet filled with conviction.
Hearing those words come from Ruan Yao's lips, Chu Lingyi suddenly felt like they were reciting wedding vows in front of thousands of people.
If one day I could take control of the Ruan family, would Ruan Yao stay by my side?
He looked at Ruan Yao's bright, radiant smile, even as he endured the dazzling stage lights.
He definitely would, right?
After all, without his family’s protection, he would have nowhere to call home.
This poor little bird would live in misery without the shelter of his family. Only I can protect him.
o0o
Author's Note:
Ruan Yao: There are so many weird people QAQ
Chapter 13
Chapter 15