As soon as those words fell, the entire hall froze.
A moment later, a tall, upright figure entered through the main doors. He walked slowly up to the stage, taking the headset and microphone from a staff member.
The man was dressed in camouflage and a training cap. At first glance, just another instructor. But with a second look, the difference was obvious. His very presence carried a deep, restrained intensity, an aura that inspired respect without a word.
It showed in every movement, every step.
His cool, pale skin under the light held an aloof, untouchable air.
Even though the brim of his cap shadowed his eyes, revealing only his chin, lips, and the bridge of his nose, it did nothing to dull his striking features.
He wasn’t delicate like porcelain, nor meticulously carved like jade. If one had to compare him to a work of art, he could only be called a sculpture shaped from earth and blade, each line purposeful, every detail precise and full of masculine beauty.
“My god! It’s Professor Xie! This is unreal!”
“Am I dreaming? Pinch me!”
Slap — “You told me to! I’m not taking responsibility!”
“He’s even more handsome in person than in the photos or news clips!”
“Oh my god, the real Professor Xie, finally seeing him with my own eyes!”
“My aunt caught the Nova virus years ago, it was Professor Xie’s vaccine that saved her…”
“Thank heaven! Something finally exciting happened during this dull training!”
“Wait, didn’t the news say Professor Xie was still in F-continent fighting the Schankwo outbreak? Why is he here?”
“Who cares? The point is, he’s here, in person!”
The moment Xie Dingyuan appeared, the atmosphere erupted like lime dropped into boiling water, hissing, explosive, uncontrollable.
The hall almost went out of control.
Several instructors rushed in to restore order, but their shouts were drowned in the excited chatter. No one was listening.
Instructor Hao Dazhi nearly collapsed: This bunch has gone completely rogue!
Finally, it took Xie Dingyuan’s calm voice to quiet the hall.
Only then did silence return.
Jiang Fuyue was still frozen in shock.
From the moment he stepped through the door to the moment the noise died down, she had been dazed.
He’s back?
When?
Cen Qiaoqiao sneaked a glance at her uncle on stage, then another at Jiang Fuyue’s expression and immediately she shipped it hard.
Super sweet.
Before starting class, Xie Dingyuan took off his training cap. His sharply defined face appeared, high nose bridge, deep-set eyes, thin lips shaped like blades. Stunning beyond words.
The girls collectively suffered a “beauty attack.”
“Professor Xie is the most handsome researcher I’ve ever seen, hands down!”
“Agreed! I thought scientists were either bald or overweight, never imagined someone like him existed!”
“He single-handedly raised the beauty standard of the entire academic field!”
“I wonder what kind of girl could ever match him?”
“Definitely not you.”
“Of course not! Do I look like I could?”
“…” — At least she’s self-aware.
While the audience buzzed, the man on stage calmly opened his PPT.
“Regarding special operations, let’s begin with…”
What should’ve been a dull theoretical lecture instantly became fascinating. Every student below listened in rapt attention, each more serious than the last.
So this was the charm of Professor Xie.
The concept of “special operations” was vast, but Xie Dingyuan didn’t speak in vague generalities. He focused on chemical and biological warfare, its history, the use of poison gas and bacteria.
With real historical footage and data, he vividly demonstrated the devastating power of biochemical weapons.
Even those without any scientific background were captivated.
But anger followed close behind—
“It’s too cruel! They didn’t even spare women and children!”
“Seeing our people dragged into experiments makes me want to storm in and kill those invaders!”
“My fists are clenched!”
“Without that blood and suffering, there would be no awakening of our nation today! Never forget our history!”
Many girls turned away, unable to watch.
Even the boys, though stronger-willed, had reddened eyes.
When the lecture ended, thunderous applause filled the hall.
Students dispersed toward the cafeteria in small groups.
Cen Qiaoqiao and Huo Fanjin discussed war dramas they suddenly wanted to binge.
Liu Sisi walked beside Jiang Fuyue. As they turned a corner, a hand shot out, firmly catching Jiang Fuyue’s wrist and pulling her inward.
Liu Sisi noticed at once, ready to intervene, until she saw Jiang Fuyue give a subtle shake of her head.
Then, realizing who the man was, she froze, her eyes wide then softened with understanding.
She lowered her gaze and walked on.
By the time Cen Qiaoqiao and Huo Fanjin reached the cafeteria—
“Eh? Where’s Sister Yue?”
“Yeah, where did she go?”
“She’s got something to do,” Liu Sisi said calmly. “Not eating.”
Meanwhile—
Xie Dingyuan had pulled Jiang Fuyue into his arms and led her straight into a quiet room.
She didn’t resist. Letting him move her as he wished, completely calm.
Once the door shut, a low chuckle rumbled above her, deep and resonant through his chest, instantly shifting the air into something warm and charged.
His palm still rested firmly around her waist, hot and steady.
His breath brushed her ear, humid and burning.
“What are you laughing at?” Jiang Fuyue lifted her gaze, straight into his teasing eyes.
“When did the little fox who used to scratch and bite become so obedient?”
“Would you rather I scream and call everyone over to watch the esteemed, highly respected Professor Xie harassing a female student?”
He coughed, embarrassed. “…No need for that.”
“But that’s exactly what you’re doing.”
“I haven’t even done anything yet,” he said innocently.
She patted the hand still around her waist—smack. “And this?”
“We’re just discussing a question,” he replied, eyes glinting. “A beautiful, intelligent student stops her professor after class to ask a few biochemical questions. The professor, patient and kind, demonstrates personally, how’s that for a plot?”
Jiang Fuyue’s mouth twitched. “With imagination like that, you should be writing screenplays, not research papers.”
“Can’t. A screenwriter wouldn’t meet you. Being a professor is better.”
“Abusing power for personal gain.”
“Then so be it,” he admitted, smiling.
The next moment, he cupped her face and lowered his head—
His lips were warm and soft. The touch startled her, her mind going blank.
“Focus,” he murmured.
He coaxed her deeper, until her resistance melted and she closed her eyes, sinking into it fully. Only then did he sigh contentedly and pull her closer, deepening the kiss.
When they finally parted, her cheeks were flushed, eyes luminous, lips tinted red like honeyed petals.
He smiled, but not fully satisfied.
“Did you miss me?” he asked softly, calloused thumb brushing her cheek.
“As if.”
“Heartless. I thought about you every day.”
Her heart trembled. “How?”
He guided her hand to his temple. “Here.”
Then to his chest. “And here.”
Through his shirt, she felt his strong, steady heartbeat, alive and fierce.
She yanked her hand back, flustered. “So that’s what you learned in F-continent, how to flirt?”
“Just telling the truth.”
“When did you come back?”
“Yesterday afternoon.”
“And things there are settled?”
“No. Worse than expected, it’ll be a long fight.”
She pressed her lips together, silent.
“What, can’t bear to see me go?” He laced his fingers with hers.
This time, she didn’t pull away, just squeezed tighter.
“So, you came back only temporarily. You’re going back?”
He paused.
“I’m sorry,” he said quietly. “For leaving you alone that day at Laurel Manor, and never even calling afterward.”
“Am I that petty?” she scoffed.
The tension eased instantly.
“Not necessarily. Women can be unpredictable, moods change every second.”
“Oh? Sounds like you know a lot. Experienced?”
“I don’t know others,” he smiled. “But I’m trying to understand you.”
“Hmph. You really have improved. Who taught you?”
“…Khaza.” He sold out his comrade without hesitation. Self-preservation first.
“So, you got back yesterday and came straight here today?” she asked. “You sure you didn’t come for me?”
He didn’t answer. Instead, he pulled her close.
“Don’t overthink it. No pressure. I’m on a three-day leave, it’s mine to use as I want.”
Three days. Including travel time.
She looked at him, bloodshot eyes, faint weariness hidden behind composure.
“You really didn’t have to—”
“Then what does have to mean? I already missed your school entrance. I didn’t want to miss your training too.”
“Idiot. Do you think I’m a child who needs her growth documented?”
“You’re not a child,” he said softly. “You’re the one I don’t want to miss.”
She had no reply to that.
“Anyway,” he smiled gently, “I’m already here. You wouldn’t throw me out now, would you?”
“You’re so shameless…”
“How was my lecture today?”
“It was fine.”
“Just fine?”
“Okay, it was good.”
“That sounds perfunctory.”
“What do you want then?” she teased.
“Kiss me.”
“Didn’t we already?”
“What couple only kisses once when they meet?”
“Some don’t kiss at all. Why not compare to them?”
“Too outdated,” he said. “Not worth comparing.”
And so came the “second.”
Then naturally, a “third.”
“My lips are numb. Are you done?”
“Never,” he whispered, his voice low and tender. “Yueyue, I missed you so much…”
Even if only for three days, he would cross mountains and seas.
He used to scoff at the saying “When love spans mountains and seas, they can be overcome.”
Now he understood it completely.
Where she was, that was where his heart belonged, where his gaze lingered, and where his road led.
From the moment they got together, every dream of his future had her in it.
“Yueyue… I love you.”
In her dazed state, Jiang Fuyue thought she heard the word love.
But when she tried to listen again—
There was only silence.
