Qian Ran gazed at the beautiful scene before him, swallowing nervously.
He feared he might lose control and act on his feelings, risking becoming a "rebellious disciple." If Xian Liner discovered his thoughts about her, the consequences would be serious.
He took a few more stunning photos of Xian Liner, surprising her with the results. Qian Ran hadn't expected this side of her—a playful, almost girlish side, likely due to her lack of experience in matters of the heart. In that sense, her demeanor was indeed like that of a young girl.
Qian Ran spent a long time selecting outfits from her wardrobe. Xian Liner's clothing was all very modest, leaving him little chance to capture a seductive angle. However, he did find a black skirt among her things.
Xian Liner in a short skirt and black stockings was breathtaking.
The curve of her shapely thighs, the way her streamlined calves tapered, and the gleaming black stockings added a mesmerizing allure. Through the sheen of her stockings, he could make out her delicate feet, the smooth fabric accentuating the shape of her toes, making him glance twice.
Wow.
At this moment, Qian Ran was at a loss for words.
Beautiful.
Maybe Xian Liner's excitement over her first photoshoot let her reveal this unexpectedly captivating side of herself. Did she also feel something for him?
Qian Ran wondered.
Looking at Xian Liner stretched out, her legs elegantly posed on the bed, his heart raced.
Neither Tang Ya nor Jiang Nannan could rival her allure. It wasn't a lack of beauty on their part but a mature charm unique to older women.
"Teacher, you're beautiful," Qian Ran said, mesmerized by the allure radiating from Xian Liner.
She was a true treasure.
Qian Ran couldn't understand why Yan Shaozhe would let go of someone so exceptional. At first, he'd assumed she was a fierce, no-nonsense woman, but he'd discovered her gentler side. Her approach to relationships was a bit naive, though—like pretending to marry Qian Duoduo to express her feelings for Yan Shaozhe.
It was unconventional, to say the least.
But with the right guidance, Xian Liner could become someone who'd fulfill his hopes.
After all, a woman like her was perfect as a wife: able to adapt, to be anything he needed.
"Qian Ran, are you done?" Xian Liner looked away shyly as he approached.
Seeing the affection in his eyes, she felt a twinge of awareness.
Being with Qian Ran brought her so much joy that she'd forgotten herself for a moment, forgetting even what she was doing.
Qian Ran stepped closer, captivated by her intoxicating fragrance.
Looking into Xian Liner's face, he couldn't resist anymore and leaned in for a kiss.
"No," Xian Liner whispered, panic in her eyes, as she instinctively tried to pull away. Yet, a voice within urged her to stay. After all these years, she didn't know what kissing felt like.
Did she still need to wait?
But… Qian Ran…
Conflicted feelings bubbled within her heart.
She knew she liked Qian Ran, but she wasn't sure if it was a mentor's affection or something deeper.
Before today, she'd seen him solely as a student, someone to nurture. But from the moment she'd impulsively invited him into her room, that bond had shifted.
In her distraction, Qian Ran steadied her face in his hands, his arm encircling her waist. He gently but deeply kissed her.
Seeing no signs of anger on her face, Qian Ran's tension eased.
…
"Where did Qian Ran go?"
"And where's Liner?"
Qian Duoduo, done with work in the lab, eagerly headed home.
Because Xian Liner had been tutoring Qian Ran, Qian Duoduo had the pleasure of seeing her each time he returned. That alone had reignited his enthusiasm for coming home. Normally, his research would keep him too busy.
Opportunities like this didn't come often.
Although Xian Liner didn't reciprocate his feelings, he hoped that spending more time together might eventually kindle something. Even he felt a little embarrassed by his reliance on Qian Ran to foster interactions with her.
The house was bought after his marriage to Xian Liner, but she'd hardly ever stayed there.
He knew Xian Liner didn't hold romantic feelings for him, but he couldn't help yearning to be with her.
"Liner?"
"Liner?"
"Qian Ran?"
Qian Duoduo noticed that a chisel left on the table was still warm, puzzled by Qian Ran's absence. Knowing Qian Ran's irregular schedule, he assumed he had already left.
"Maybe Liner's still here. If so, we might get some alone time." Qian Duoduo's eyes lit up, and he knocked on Xian Liner's door.
Knock, knock.
Inside the room, both Qian Ran and Xian Liner froze, holding their breath.
They opened their eyes, but Qian Ran was unwilling to break the kiss.
Xian Liner's cheeks flushed deeply, yet she hesitated to push him away forcefully, fearing the noise would alert Qian Duoduo.
Xian Liner had always felt guilty toward Qian Duoduo. Her love for Yan Shaozhe had led her to keep a distance from Qian Duoduo, refusing to move in with him.
Now, her mind wasn't on Yan Shaozhe at all… Instead, it was…
"Heh." Qian Ran, sensing her conflicted emotions, smirked.
He had her now.
After knocking for a while without a response, Qian Duoduo decided to leave. He'd thought he heard sounds inside, so why wasn't Liner answering?
Seizing the moment, Qian Ran gently pressed her shoulders, guiding Xian Liner down onto the bed.
Her blue hair spread out around her like a cascade, making her even more enchanting.
Was this really Shrek Academy's Valkyrie, Xian Liner? To think such a stunning woman had remained untouched.
Truly…
"Ah!" In her nervous state, caught off guard, Xian Liner let out a soft gasp.