"Well then, do enlighten me with your solution," Ye Fan said, smiling politely on the surface, though his heart burned with silent fury.
At that moment, Xia Yuehan's bright eyes also fixed themselves on Chu Yi.
"Alright, since you've begged me so sincerely, I suppose I'll indulge you," Chu Yi replied with a lazy smile, catching Xia Yuehan's attention and shelving any thoughts of mischief.
A surge of knowledge rushed through his mind, and he began explaining with grace and clarity, his pen dancing across the draft paper, sketching out diagrams and formulas.
"Wow, Chu Yi, you're amazing! You can even solve such tough problems?" Zhang Ting, who had been listening in from the side, couldn't help but exclaim in awe as Chu Yi laid out the solution.
Even Xia Yuehan's gaze flickered with a trace of admiration—there was now a sliver of respect for him in her heart.
Only Ye Fan sat there as though chewing wax, his fists clenched tightly under the desk. Watching his rival speak so confidently—especially in the field he once dominated—filled him with bitter frustration.
Once, he had reigned supreme at the top of Shanghai's academic elite. And now, he had to sit and listen to someone he despised explaining things to him—no, this was intolerable.
As Chu Yi's handsome, infuriating face continued to speak, Ye Fan could bear it no longer. He threw down his pen, grabbed his English book, and stood to leave.
"Hey, Ye Fan, where are you going?" Chu Yi looked up, eyes locked on the protagonist he'd been watching closely.
"I… I'm going to the restroom," Ye Fan replied coldly, resisting the urge to punch that smug face.
"Alright then," Chu Yi responded cheerfully. "But hurry back—I'm about to get into the really important part. I hear from Yuehan you've missed over a year and a half of classes. Even getting into a tier-three university is uncertain now. You've got to work hard, buddy."
Each word was like a blade twisting in Ye Fan's wounds, disguised as friendly concern.
"Got it," Ye Fan forced out through gritted teeth, then strode quickly out of the classroom, unwilling to stay a moment longer.
"Yuehan, can you believe Ye Fan?" Zhang Ting grumbled. "We're going over key points, and he just walks out."
Perhaps it was because Chu Yi and Ye Fan didn't get along, or because Li Linhai—Ye Fan's buddy—wasn't on her good side either, but Zhang Ting, who had once liked Ye Fan, now felt irritation bubbling up.
Chu Yi, however, gave a gentlemanly smile. "It's fine. Maybe he just really had to go. Don't be too harsh, Zhang Ting."
Then he turned to Xia Yuehan. "By the way, class monitor, I'll be stepping away for a moment. I'll finish explaining when I get back."
"Sure, Chu Yi. If something's come up, don't worry about it," Yuehan replied softly, snapping out of her daze. Yet, deep down, she felt a faint disappointment.
Since elementary school, boys had always wanted to spend more time with her, always eager for a chance to be near her. But Chu Yi was an exception. He didn't seem interested at all.
Was it possible… she wasn't as attractive as she thought?
"Ding! Congratulations, host. Xia Yuehan's favorability increased by 3 points. You've earned 5 Luck Points and 300 Villain Points."
At the back of the classroom, Chu Yi made his way toward Zhang Xing and his crew.
"Boss!"
"Master Chu!"
Seeing Chu Yi approach, Zhang Xing and Huang Mao perked up instantly, excitement written all over their faces.
Ever since they saw Chu Yi's Ferrari the day before, none of them had slept well, too thrilled at their decision to follow him. They'd wanted to greet him multiple times today, but Chu Yi hadn't made a move—so they didn't dare.
Now, with Chu Yi coming to them, they knew he had something important to say. One by one, they rubbed their palms together, filled with anticipation.
"I've got something I need you all to do," Chu Yi said, lowering his voice.
"Say the word, Master Chu," Zhang Xing replied, thumping his chest. "Whatever it is, we'll make it happen."
"Yeah!" Huang Mao added, bouncing with eagerness. "I'm first in line!"
"It's nothing big," Chu Yi said calmly. "After class, head to the office and consult Ms. Xu about some study problems. But the real job… is to interrupt any one-on-one time between her and Ye Fan. Rattle his nerves a little."
Though his tone was casual, the group felt a new level of respect surge in their hearts.
Now that's a real boss.
While the rest of them were still dreaming about the campus belle, Chu Yi had already set his sights on a teacher—Miss Xu Qian.
They thought he transferred schools for Xia Yuehan, but clearly, they'd underestimated him.
Boss Chu was playing on a whole other level.
Just as admiration lit up in their eyes, Chu Yi's expression cooled as he glanced at their silence.
"What's the matter? Can't even handle a small errand like this?"
His voice sharpened with warning. A thought surfaced in his mind—if these so-called followers couldn't even complete such a simple task, then what use were they?
"Don't worry, Master Chu," Zhang Xing responded quickly. "We'll get it done."
"Yeah! I guarantee Ye Fan won't even get within a finger's width of Miss Xu," Huang Mao added, sweating slightly.
They scrambled to reassure him, terrified of losing the powerful ally they'd just gained. Their bond with Chu Yi was still new—he could easily cast them aside.
"Good. Go now. Meet me at Shenghao Hotel for lunch when you're done."
…
Back in the classroom, Chu Yi returned to his seat, eyes following Zhang Xing and the others as they left.
"Chu Yi, why were you talking to Zhang Xing's group?" Xia Yuehan finally couldn't hold back her curiosity. Her gaze had never left him.
"Oh, class monitor, I think they're not bad guys," Chu Yi replied lightly. "Anyway, shall we go over the problem now?"
He had intended to vouch for them, but seeing the displeasure on her delicate face, he quickly changed the subject.
Outside the restroom, Ye Fan emerged with an English grammar book in hand—the real reason he'd left the classroom.
There was no way he'd go back.
Just seeing Chu Yi's arrogant face made his blood boil.
Instead, he planned to visit Xu Qian's office and ask her to explain some grammar points. And if things went well… maybe he could even score a free lunch at her dorm.
Smirking to himself, Ye Fan straightened his expression and headed toward the office—without even knocking, he pushed the door open.
"Sister Qian, are you grading papers?"