章節 6: Call Me by My Name

"If you're worried about our situation, let's talk about it now," he said, Shu Xian shyly looking at him as she nodded once, but what he said next made her curious, wondering what it was.

"And after that, I have to propose another deal to make your stay in my house worthwhile."

What he said made Shu Xian blink her eyes a few times, shock evident in her facial expression. She cocked her head to the side, curious as to what deal he was talking about right now.

Since it involves her stay in Pan An's house, then she would have to oblige.

"Alright," she nodded, narrowing her eyes at him at the same time. "But this is something that I could do, right?" she validated, Pan An, chuckling as he gave her his answer.

"Yes. It is something that you could do. But before that, let us discuss these 'dilemmas' that you listed in your notebook, yeah?"

The moment Pan An insisted on this, Shu Xian suddenly felt embarrassed.

A soft flush of pink appeared on her cheeks as she silenced. Seeing this, Pan An smiled at her, finding her cute at the same time.

"You see, you don't have to worry about it much," he commented, Shu Xian, furrowing her brows, confused.

"What do you mean? I mean, both of us live in the same house. You're a teacher, and I'm a student! Even though it is college, it is still somewhat a stigma between a teacher and student."

Hearing this from her, Pan An could not help but laugh out loud. Because of this, Shu Xian felt furthermore embarrassed as she slumped on her chair, crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"You're assuming as if we are in a relationship."

Shu Xian's eyes widened, "I didn't mean to think that way! B-but you know other people! It is human nature to jump to conclusions!"

Pan An continued laughing, Shu Xian already narrowing her eyes at him as she found him irritating.

How could he tease her this way when she thought how serious this could be?

She wouldn't want both of their images tarnished!

"Okay, now putting this teasing aside," Pan An added, sounding quite serious now. "You don't have to worry about it. Why? I would have to leave the house early for work, and I would arrive later at home."

Shu Xian shook her head, unconvinced.

"But the house is near the university. What would other people say if they saw me coming in and out of the house?"

Pan An shrugged, "We could tell them that you are a paying guest. Like a daughter of a close friend my parents have and that I would have to help during your stay here in City S."

"Oh..."

Shu Xian didn't realize that it was that simple. Pan An smiled at her as he leaned in closer towards the table, patting her head as if she was a child.

"You're an overthinker, aren't you?"

Shu Xian pouted as she nodded.

She knew all too well that she is an overthinker. She worries about what other people might think, and she would not want other people's image jeopardized because of her.

With the thought of Pan An already saving her, and with him making her stay at his home because she could not find a place to stay, she already started worrying.

She started worrying about ruining his image, risking his work.

Since he is her savior, that is the last thing that she would want.

She would want to help him--give back to him with the kindness that he showed her.

"Alright," Shu Xian said, heaving a small smile. "But still, even though we have established a reason, we have to be cautious. I would only have to explain if someone saw and asked."

Pan An nodded, agreeing to what she said.

"Yes. Now, with that settled, let's have a deal, shall we?"

Now that the issue Shu Xian worried about was dealt with, Pan An then went back to talking about the deal he meant to tell Shu Xian.

"What is it then, Mr. Pan An?"

Pan An was hesitant for a while. Even Shu Xian could sense the uneasiness in his eyes.

However, even though there was uneasiness in his eyes, Shu Xian could see desperation--as if wanting to escape from something.

What could he be escaping from?

"Before I tell you, could you address to me as Pan An when we're alone?"

Shu Xian raised a brow at him, wondering why he would propose such a thing.

"Erm... why? You're my professor, and I would have to formally address you. If I suddenly have a slip of the tongue, won't others find me audacious?"

Pan An sighed, finding Shu Xian's cautiousness quite troublesome. He then tapped his index finger on the table, feeling quite impatient as he shifted back to his other personality, asserting his dominance.

"Shu Xian, you're living under my roof, are you not?"

Sensing the coldness in his voice, Shu Xian's body stiffened. When her eyes locked with Pan An's, she felt shivers down her spine as she slowly nodded, scared of what he would say next.

"Remember that I am doing you a favor. With that, I would also have to ask a favor from you as well," he reiterated, propping a hand under his chin. "Now, call me by my name whenever we're alone... and I'll tell you what the deal is."

Shu Xian's hands on her lap balled into fists. She was hesitant at first but with her desperate about her current situation, she would have to follow what he wants.

"Fine... Pan An."

"Good!"

The professor shifted back to his other personality, surprising Shu Xian with his sudden change of mood. Pan An then gave a nervous smile at Shu Xian, stating his deal.

"Since you are staying under my care, I would like us to pretend that we're going out."

Shu Xian furrowed her brows, her eyes widening with what he said.

"What?"

Pan An sighed, playfully rolling his eyes at the student in front of him. He then leaned forward, getting closer to her as he simplified the words he just told her.

"I'm telling you to go out with me."

"WHAT!?"

With that, Shu Xian felt that her soul was leaving out of her body!

From yesterday until today, she had been experiencing a roller coaster of events... one over the other.