The lingering trace of nicotine had faded when Nathaniel Fu glanced at her with a crooked smile."You really care that much if I smoke?"
Celia suddenly realized it might have been inappropriate to snatch his cigarette so bluntly. Trying to cover her embarrassment, she lifted her chin."Senior Fu, I'm only doing it for your own good. Smoking less is better for your health."
Nathaniel's gaze shifted back to the problem set in front of them."Which one are you stuck on?"
She pointed at the page. "This type of advanced Sudoku—my method feels a bit slow."
His lips curved. "Want to compete?"
The idea electrified the room. Their classmates perked up immediately."Perfect! Two prodigies going head-to-head! This is going to be good."
Celia's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Alright. Let's compete."
Zhou Yi quickly pulled out a question. "Two geniuses, please answer."
"4.459.""4.459."
The answers came at the same time—but Nathaniel had beaten her by 0.1 second.
It was such a small difference, yet it decided the outcome. Celia's competitive spirit burned hotter. She looked up at him."Again."
"Alright."
Zhou Yi threw out another question.
"6.""6."
Again, Nathaniel was 0.1 seconds faster.
"Still want to keep going?" he asked.
Celia exhaled, conceding. "No. You're clearly better than me."
Nathaniel picked up a pen and, in his calm authoritative tone, explained his solution step by step. For half an hour, he guided the team through the logic until everyone nodded in understanding. Then the students dispersed to digest it on their own.
But Nathaniel remained, eyes steady on her. "I've already explained it. How about another round, just you and me?"
Celia's lips curved. "Fine."
Another problem was set.
"One-seventh.""One-seventh."
Once again, he was 0.1 seconds faster.
Her brows furrowed. She had followed his exact line of reasoning, yet she was still slower. How?
"No. One more round," she insisted, fire sparking in her chest.
Nathaniel chuckled low in his throat, amused by her persistence. "Alright."
Another problem was placed before them.
Celia focused, determination sharpening her expression. "Two," she answered swiftly.
This time, silence.
Her eyes lit up, victorious. She looked up. "I win."
But then she froze.
At some point, their heads had drifted closer and closer. His broad hand braced against the armrest of her chair, the other resting on the table, caging her delicate frame. When she tilted her chin up, her lips brushed against his—soft, warm, and startlingly cool all at once.
She had kissed him. Accidentally.
Her body stiffened, eyes wide with panic.
Nathaniel's gaze locked on her trembling lashes, her clear pupils reflecting him like glass. That long-buried rush of heartbeats hit him again, fierce and undeniable.
His Adam's apple shifted. His voice came out husky, edged with a dangerous gentleness."Well… I'll let you win this time."
Celia's face went crimson. She scrambled back into her seat, while Nathaniel straightened just as someone outside called for him. Without a glance back, he walked out.
Her palm-sized face burned hotter and hotter. He had deliberately let her win—just once. There was no way she could truly beat him.
She covered her face with both hands, heart pounding. Why did she keep ending up kissing him… again?
…
By nine o'clock, all the questions had been thoroughly discussed.
Nathaniel rose to his feet. "Everyone, go get some rest. Tomorrow we're on the battlefield. I expect everyone in top form for the competition."
"Yes, Professor Fu." Their voices rang with determination as they filed back to their rooms.
When Nathaniel turned around, he saw Celia slumped over the table, fast asleep amidst the open notebooks.
He raised a brow. "So quick to fall asleep? Lazy girl."
With a faint sigh, he bent down, scooped her gently into his arms, and laid her onto the soft bed.