The blush on Yara Lu's cheeks quickly faded, as though a bucket of cold water had been poured over her. Her fingertips turned pale.Was he… disgusted with her?
Last time, Nathaniel Fu had told her he disliked her perfume. Tonight, he said her lipstick was smudged.
He had been back for some time now, yet they hadn't shared any intimacy—not even a kiss.
Others claimed he was aloof with women, a man above temptation. She knew that was a lie. He was capable, passionate, and intense—just not with her.
Nathaniel was thirty, strong, and healthy. Surely he had normal desires. Otherwise, why would he keep that mistress?
Was he so particular even with her—with that woman?
The question burned on Yara's tongue, but her pride kept her silent. She refused to compare herself to a mere mistress. She was supposed to be his princess.
The car ride ended in cold silence. Nathaniel pulled up at the Lu residence. Without a word, Yara opened the door, slammed it shut, and stormed off, leaving only the sharp echo of her temper behind.
Inside the car, Nathaniel leaned lazily against the seat, his tall frame exuding quiet indifference. He neither followed her nor coaxed her back.
When Yara had leaned close just moments ago, all he had been able to think of was Celia—her delicate, palm-sized face, the memory of kissing her once at a traffic light in Yecheng.
The realization hit him like a curse. He had been with Yara, yet another woman filled his mind.
Because he missed Celia, everything about Yara felt hollow.
He knew exactly what Yara wanted, but he couldn't summon the desire to give it to her.
Nathaniel tilted his head back, pressing his fingers against his brow with weary irritation. A low, ironic chuckle escaped his lips.
······
At the Night Club, Celia allowed Julian Fu to hug her briefly before gently pushing him away."Julian, long time no see."
His eyes lit up, warm and focused entirely on her."Cici, what brings you to the capital? I'm so happy to see you again."
Celia gave a soft smile. "I've even been playing the game you developed. Like everyone else, I couldn't make it past the second level."
Julian's gaze brightened with pride. "Then let me teach you."
"Another time, maybe. It's late—I should head home now."
Just then, the Shen family's private car pulled up. Celia moved to step inside.
"Cici."
She turned, her clear eyes shining under the city lights.
"I heard you're in a relationship, Julian."
His steps faltered, lips pressing into a thin line before he admitted, "Yeah."
"Then you should take your girlfriend out when you have time."
"…Yeah."
"I'm heading home. Bye, Julian."
The car door closed, and the luxury sedan sped away.
Julian stood rooted in place, staring after her until her car disappeared from sight.
She was always like that—gentle yet distant. The world was murky and full of shadows, yet she alone remained pure, intelligent, and untouchably delicate.
Her words had been clear: Julian, if you want to stay friends, don't cross the line.
······
The next morning.
Celia arrived at National Tsing Hua University. On the way, she felt a prickling sensation, as though someone's eyes were boring into her. She turned her head slightly and caught sight of Ning Xiner.
Ning Xiner was glaring at her with undisguised hostility.
Celia ignored her and walked straight into Class 28.
Ning Xiner, however, sauntered up to Peng Li, her voice sweet and coy."Second Aunt, why don't you just give up on Class 28? They're not studying anyway, and now they're all hanging around Celia, creating trouble. The whole class atmosphere is getting worse because of her."
Peng Li was indeed her second aunt.
And she had already heard whispers about recent incidents. Prejudice had long colored her view of Class 28, and now her dislike only deepened.
"I understand," Peng Li said coldly. "I'll go deal with Class 28 myself."
"I understand," Peng Li said coldly. "I'll go deal with Class 28 myself."
Her voice carried a sharp edge, like the crack of a whip. She was a teacher known for her strictness and merciless discipline—students dreaded her presence.
As she walked away, Ning Xiner's lips curled into a satisfied smirk.
Class 28 was about to face a storm.
And at the center of it all would be Celia.