Chapter 25: Defeat magic with magic
Understanding Lin Lu’s Position
Everyone could understand Lin Lu’s position if they put themselves in his shoes.
He was now an internet sensation—the designated partner of the big celebrity Su Keke.
Though Yi Diandian was also very cute, having a celebrity wife at home meant he wouldn’t easily be swayed by beauty.
He had to be cautious of public perception and avoid suspicion, not getting too cozy with other pretty girls.
Otherwise, Su Keke would lose face.
Avoiding Suspicion
The onlookers’ interpretations weren’t entirely wrong.
Besides worrying about owing favors, avoiding suspicion was indeed a factor.
Last night, Su Keke had laid down three strict rules for him: stay away from Yi Diandian and Zhuang Yanyue.
Any involvement with other women would embarrass her.
Lin Lu didn’t consider himself some paragon of loyalty.
He just didn’t want to upset Su Keke and preferred keeping a safe distance from his ex-girlfriends.
There was nothing wrong with avoiding suspicion.
Yi Diandian’s Offer
“Really, you don’t want a drink? It’s really good. I made this sour plum juice early this morning,” Yi Diandian said, tilting her head up at him.
“No thanks, I’ve already had water.”
“Oh… okay…”
Yi Diandian awkwardly held the cup and returned to the shade of the big tree, her mood visibly low.
This gloom had persisted since last night when she learned Lin Lu and Su Keke had reconciled.
Her low spirits weren’t entirely because her best friend was, once again, entangled with a jerk.
Yi Diandian’s Turmoil
Last night, she barely slept, lying awake until three in the morning, her mind consumed with thoughts of her ex-boyfriend now being a married man.
Would they have to completely avoid each other from now on?
Sure, they were just classmates now, but… but…
Her head was so full of Lin Lu that when she saw him about to drink water earlier, she instinctively offered him a drink.
Maybe she was worried he’d get heatstroke and ruin the program they were organizing tonight.
But he kept his distance, avoiding her like she was trouble, as if he feared people would assume they had some ambiguous relationship.
Since their reunion yesterday, he’d been distant, acting like they were strangers.
Yi Diandian bit her lip, staring blankly at the sour plum juice in her hand, her emotions too complex to name.
Back when he had so many girlfriends, he still came after her.
Why wasn’t he avoiding suspicion then?
The Counselor’s Arrival
While Yi Diandian was lost in her thoughts, someone shouted, “The counselor’s here!”
Hearing that the “bad woman” had arrived, Lin Lu darted into the middle of the group like a mouse fleeing a cat.
He said to the glasses-wearing guy craning his neck to see Zhuang Yanyue, “Buddy, let’s switch spots.”
“No way, it’s cooler here. Your spot’s in the sun, too hot.”
“My spot’s on the edge—perfect for checking out the hot counselor.”
“Convenience isn’t the point. I want to make this last military training intense, leave a deep memory.”
The glasses guy agreed happily, though he privately thought Lin Lu was getting cocky after being paired with Miss Keke, ignoring a beauty like the counselor.
Zhuang Yanyue’s Approach
Hiding in the crowd, Lin Lu breathed a sigh of relief.
Last night, Su Keke had stirred trouble with Zhuang Yanyue—who knew if she’d take it out on him?
“The counselor’s holding a milk tea. Who’s it for?”
“Obviously for me! I helped her with new student registration that day. Thought she forgot, but she’s thanking me now. So polite~”
As everyone laughed and teased the glasses guy who’d swapped to the edge, they were stunned by what happened next.
Zhuang Yanyue, holding a parasol, was walking toward their class, her gaze sweeping over all the boys before locking onto a tall figure.
At 185 cm, he stood out too much to hide.
Zhuang Yanyue’s Presence
As Zhuang Yanyue approached, her striking figure became clearer before her face.
Her white T-shirt was knotted at the waist, accentuating a curve at her chest that seemed ready to burst free, making people worry it might tear the fabric.
Her denim shorts revealed long, shapely legs that swayed as she walked, stirring the hearts of every student in the military training, making the already scorching air even hotter.
Zhuang Yanyue drew closer, now just a few steps from the glasses guy.
Her stunning aura and authority as a counselor made the once-talkative boy avert his gaze nervously, slightly lowering his head.
The sight was overwhelming: under the blue sky and white clouds, a tall, provocatively dressed beauty approached a naive college boy, seemingly just for him.
Even the most socially confident would freeze, left with only nerves and awkwardness.
The Milk Tea Offer
But Zhuang Yanyue paused briefly in front of him, then turned and walked into the group.
She stopped in front of Lin Lu, holding out the milk tea with a charming smile breaking her usually stern expression.
“You were the most serious and active during training just now, so this milk tea is your reward. Anyone who performs well in the future will get one too.”
And so, Zhuang Yanyue, with full justification as a teacher, publicly gave a student a milk tea.
Crowd’s Envy
Even so, the crowd was indignant.
Why did Lin Lu get all the luck with women?
Because of his ridiculously handsome face?
His ideal height and build?
His pleasant voice?
Aside from those facts, he had no other merits!
Lin Lu’s Deflection
On the other side, Lin Lu pursed his lips.
Zhuang Yanyue was clearly using her position for personal gain.
He’d been out of step during the march and couldn’t keep up with the goose step.
It was the same trick as Yi Diandian, wasn’t it?
So he didn’t take the milk tea, instead giving a slight smile.
“Actually, in this heat, greasy cheese milk tea just makes you thirstier. You should drink it yourself, Teacher.”
Zhuang Yanyue’s Playful Response
Zhuang Yanyue narrowed her eyes, looking more like a sly fox plotting something.
Suddenly, she stepped closer, her impressive chest accidentally brushing against Lin Lu’s.
Tilting her head, she asked in a serious, innocent tone, “Then can you tell Teacher what kind of milk you’d like to drink, Lin Lu?”
Everyone saw it—she made the first move!
Lin Lu, playing the innocent student, replied, “The kind of milk I want, I’m afraid Teacher doesn’t have right now.”
Zhuang Yanyue maintained her teacherly tone, guiding her student.
“People aren’t born with everything. You have to work hard to get what you want.
So, if you want that kind of milk, Teacher can help you work toward it.”
The Crowd’s Reaction
“Well said, Teacher!”
Some student led the applause, and everyone clapped, quietly noting the counselor’s heartfelt advice.
After all, university wasn’t just about textbook knowledge.
Zhuang Yanyue’s smile faded, her face turning expressionless.
“So, are you drinking it or not? I went all the way to the school gate to buy this.”
Lin Lu’s Counter
Lin Lu didn’t dare drink or provoke her further.
Thinking fast, he walked over to Yi Diandian, took the sour plum juice from her hand, and deflected, “No thanks, Teacher. Diandian’s sour plum juice is much better than your milk tea, so I won’t trouble you.”
Fight magic with magic, woman with woman.