Chapter 53

Why are all the F4 sticking to me?!

Yu Fuli naturally understood.

Even the moment Xiao Chi seemingly casually posed that question, he had already keenly sensed a hidden danger, like an experienced prey sensing the oppressive feeling in the air when the hunter silently approaches.

"I see." After a long while, Xiao Chi slowly withdrew his scrutinizing gaze.

His lips seemed to twitch very slightly, or perhaps nothing at all.

He didn't press for details, but simply ended the conversation in a calm tone, using polite yet subtly meaningful words: "Excuse me, teacher."

He nodded slightly, as if it were just a routine farewell, but the following addition was like a pebble precisely thrown into a still lake: "Give my regards to His Majesty the Duke."

Yu Fuli understood immediately.

This is a call to action against him.

His relationship with the Duke of Cornwall had always been a secret, known to very few. Xiao Chi's casual remark was tantamount to a subtle yet clear declaration—he had done his investigation, and he might know more than he had shown.

But Yu Fuli was not actually afraid.

If you're so capable, let Xiao Chi investigate. Even if he turns his apartment upside down, he won't find a single fox hair.

After all, the fox is himself.

As long as he doesn't reveal his true identity to Xiao Chi, even if the other party digs three feet into the ground, what can they find out?

After Xiao Chi finished speaking, he did not linger, turned around and left. His tall figure quickly disappeared around the corner of the corridor.

Yu Fuli stood there, watching him leave. The gentle facade on her face slowly faded, and a faint hint of contemplation flashed deep in her eyes.

It seems that this young master Xiao really doesn't intend to let that fox who dared to bite him off easily.

He turned around and continued walking toward his office, his steps still steady and composed.

The fingers holding the lesson plan tightened slightly.

The sunlight outside the window remained bright, yet it seemed to cast an imperceptible shadow on his path.

In the days to come, I'll probably have to put in a lot more effort.

On the other side, Xiao Chi had just walked down the stairs when he saw Jiang Yu leaning against the wall at the corner.

The man's posture was relaxed, as if he had stopped casually, yet he was a sight to behold, attracting the attention of several girls around him who stopped to steal glances, their eyes shining.

When Jiang Yu saw Xiao Chi come down, he dropped his melancholy, pretty-boy demeanor and opened his arms, smiling as he went to greet him.

Xiao Chi calmly stepped aside, perfectly avoiding the overly enthusiastic embrace.

He frowned slightly, his cold expression clearly conveying his refusal. Didn't he see that there were so many people watching?

If they see this, tomorrow the campus forum will probably be filled with another frenzy of CP fans.

When he and Jiang Yu first enrolled, their interactions were nothing more than normal brotherly banter, but those girls with overactive imaginations interpreted them as having profound meanings. The forum was flooded with fanfiction that was utterly absurd, with content so explicit and graphic that it was simply unbearable to read.

But Jiang Yu, who loves to stir up trouble, always likes to read those passages slowly and deliberately in front of him, using his supposedly angel-kissed voice.

Xiao Chi remembered one time when he felt his stomach churning from listening to it, and he actually rushed to the bathroom and vomited.

Thinking of this, his gaze toward Jiang Yu grew even colder, and he lowered his voice, saying, "Stay away from me."

Jiang Yu seemed not to hear him, instead moving closer, his playful smile undiminished: "What, did you find out? Is our Teacher Yu related to that little fox?"

His voice was very soft, and only the two of them could hear it.

Xiao Chi didn't stop walking, continuing straight ahead, leaving behind only three curt words: "I don't know."

Jiang Yu followed at a leisurely pace, walking alongside him, but her gaze seemed to drift thoughtfully towards the direction of the teachers' office building.

"Yeah?"

He chuckled softly, "But I always feel that Teacher Yu has a special kind of scent about her."

Xiao Chi abruptly stopped, turned to look at him, his eyes sharp: "What's that smell?"

"I can't quite put my finger on it." Jiang Yu shrugged, looking nonchalant. "It's very clean, yet it smells wonderful. I want to take off your clothes and smell it properly." He turned his head and met Xiao Chi's scrutinizing gaze. His smile deepened. "Unlike you, you exude a menacing aura that keeps strangers at bay. You can smell it even from ten meters away."

Xiao Chi was too lazy to respond to his joking remarks and started walking again. However, he couldn't help but recall Yu Fuli's gentle and calm eyes in the corridor just now, and the flawless expression when he answered "I have never kept a fox".

The doubts in his heart did not dissipate; instead, they rippled even more deeply, like a stone thrown into a lake.

He must find that fox.

Jiang Yu lagged half a step behind him, looking at Xiao Chi's cold and hard back, a hint of something unfathomable flashing in her eyes.

He took a deep breath; a faint, crisp scent seemed to linger in the air.

That was the scent of Yu Fuli.

Yu Fuli returned to her office and had just put down her lesson plan when a gentle greeting came from behind her.

"Ms. Yu, is get out of class over?"

He turned around and saw Wen Qiaoan standing at the office door, holding several folders in her hands.

The young man had a graceful figure, and his light-colored hair looked exceptionally soft in the light. He wore a perfectly pleasing smile.

"Wen, classmate?" Yu Fuli was somewhat surprised, but her expression remained gentle. "Is there something you need?"

Wen Qiaoan walked in and gently placed the folder on the empty table beside her. "I heard that Teacher Yu took over Class F this semester and is also the homeroom teacher. Her task must be quite demanding."

His voice was clear and gentle, and his tone was sincere. "So I was wondering if I could apply to be your teaching assistant? I could help you with some chores, like organizing data, compiling assignments, or contacting students. I can do all of that."

Yu Fuli looked at him but did not answer immediately.

Wen Qiaoan is a well-known gentleman in the college. He is always considerate and proper in his dealings with others, has excellent grades, and is highly regarded by the teachers.

He was even highly respected among the students because of his gentle, polite, and helpful personality.

There is no reason to refuse a student who offers help.

But it just so happens to be this time.

It just so happened that Xiao Chi was clearly transferring classes with ulterior motives, and Jiang Yu's attitude was ambiguous.

"Why did you suddenly think of this?" Yu Fuli picked up her teacup, walked to the water dispenser to get some water, and said casually, "You must be very busy usually, right?"

His impression of Wen Qiaoan was actually not bad.

When he broke his leg, it was this gentle and meticulous young man who treated his injury.

He was a skilled doctor and his interactions with others were pleasant and welcoming.

"Actually, I've been doing some auxiliary work in the student council, so I have some experience." Wen Qiaoan smiled, her eyes clear. "Before graduation, I wanted to accumulate more different experiences. I was originally Professor Wens's teaching assistant, but unfortunately, the professor got old and recently retired, so I had to find another mentor to continue my studies."

Professor Wins.

Yu Fuli knew this old gentleman as a leading figure in the field of biology, who had won almost every award in the related field.

I did retire from the academy recently due to my advanced age.

From this perspective, Wen Qiaoan's reasons seem more convincing.

Yu Fuli took a sip of water, the steam from the hot water slightly blurring his glasses. He looked at Wen Qiaoan through the haze; the young man stood there quietly, composed, his eyes clear and unobstructed.

"I'm sorry, I'm not a biology professor, so I'm afraid I can't teach you."

Wen Qiaoan sighed softly, but there was no disappointment in her sigh. "Teacher, actually, apart from scholars of Professor Wens's caliber, there aren't many people in the entire academy who can truly mentor me. Since I can't find anyone who can guide me academically, why not simply choose a teacher I admire and am willing to follow?"

He paused, his gaze clear as he looked at Yu Fuli, and then spoke frankly and directly:

"Besides, I heard from Xiao Chi that your father is the Duke of Cornwall. Choosing you as my mentor will make my reputation sound better when I mention this experience later, won't it?"

A perfect reason.

[Host, data analysis shows that Wen Qiaoan's behavior pattern is consistent with past records and fits the basic character profile.] The system's voice sounded at the opportune moment. [However, it is still recommended to continue observing her motives.]

Yu Fuli understood, of course.

At this critical juncture, any initiative by any F4 member to approach the other is questionable.

"I'm very pleased that you have this intention." He put down his cup, giving an approving smile. "However, although the work of a teaching assistant is tedious, it also requires a lot of time. Are you sure it won't affect your studies?"

"No, I won't." Wen Qiaoan shook her head, her tone serious. "I'll find a balance."

Yu Fuli pondered for a moment, then finally nodded: "Alright. Let's give it a try first. If you find it difficult, feel free to let me know."

"Thank you, Teacher Yu." Wen Qiaoan smiled, a clean and bright smile. "I will try my best."

He then gave a brief report on the progress of several class affairs, displaying a professional and meticulous attitude, before politely taking his leave.

The office door closed gently.

Yu Fuli sat back down in her chair, her gaze falling on the neatly arranged stack of folders left behind by Wen Qiaoan.

He stretched out his finger and gently tapped the smooth tabletop.

Xiao Chi openly probed him, Jiang Yu's attitude was ambiguous. Now, Wen Qiaoan has arrived, naturally and unintentionally getting close to him in the most harmless and appropriate way.

F4, as expected, none of them are easy to deal with.