The morning sun spilled over the Ji Clan's district, casting long, golden rays across the cobblestone streets. Lin Hao walked beside Ji Yunqing, his steps unusually light, as if the warmth of the day matched his own playful mood. Ji Chuyan, preoccupied with the endless affairs of the clan, had entrusted Yunqing with the task of accompanying him to the academy today.
"You know," Lin Hao said, letting his tone slip into a teasing lilt, "walking next to you is far more enlightening than any academy lecture I could hope for. I might actually learn something today."
Yunqing adjusted the folds of her robe, her movements deliberate, composed, and faintly mocking. A faint blush tinged her cheeks, though she tried to mask it. "Enlightening, huh? I suppose your lessons in charm are enlightening too," she replied, her voice smooth yet carrying a subtle sting.
Lin Hao grinned, leaning just slightly toward her, knowing she could feel the heat of his attention. "Rude? Oh, no, never. I'm perfectly charming, thank you very much."
Yunqing rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a tiny smirk. "Charming, you say? Last I checked, a truly charming man doesn't stammer like a novice every time a woman so much as glances at him."
"Oh, I see," Lin Hao said, feigning shock. "So my charm is lost on you? What a cruel world." He tilted his head, his gaze lingering, as if he were observing her blush more than the street itself.
Yunqing stopped abruptly, forcing him to halt beside her. Her eyes flashed with mock indignation, though the blush in her cheeks betrayed her amusement. "Lin Hao! Keep your ridiculous fantasies to yourself. I won't—"
But she trailed off, her voice softening. Lin Hao, of course, leaned a fraction closer, grinning impishly. "Just a little closer, Yunqing. Surely one day I can be the most enlightening part of your morning."
"You're insufferable," she said, though the warmth in her voice—and the flush still lingering on her cheeks—gave him far more satisfaction than words could convey. "Focus on getting to the academy before you embarrass yourself further."
Lin Hao chuckled, pretending to comply, though inwardly, he relished every flicker of warmth she could not entirely hide. The streets around them bustled with merchants, young disciples, and nobles making their way to the academy. Yet Lin Hao barely noticed; all that existed was the slight, tantalizing blush on Yunqing's face.
By the time they reached the academy gates, Yunqing had regained her composure, though the faintest glow remained. Lin Hao gave a low, theatrical bow. "Thank you for escorting me, Lady Yunqing. I shall endeavor to behave… somewhat."
"Somewhat?" she echoed, rolling her eyes, though a smile threatened to escape her controlled expression. "You'd better, or I'll make sure the entire academy hears exactly how ridiculous you are."
He only grinned wider, knowing full well she wouldn't. With a final nod, they parted ways—Yunqing to her own studies, Lin Hao to the scholar department, where he would learn just how small a man he was in the eyes of the academy… at least for now.
The halls of the scholar department were alive with the murmurs of countless students. Ink-stained fingers brushed against scrolls, pages rustled, and conversations flowed in whispers and laughter. Lin Hao, for all his attempts at nonchalance, immediately felt the weight of curious gazes.
"Isn't that… Ji Chuyan's husband?" a soft voice whispered nearby.
Lin Hao's brow arched, though he made an effort to look unbothered. "Hm? Oh, that's me," he muttered with a smirk under his breath, enjoying the subtle power that came from being recognized.
"He's married to her? That's… terrifying," another voice said, laden with awe. "Imagine having Ji Chuyan as your wife… You must be a genius—or insanely lucky—or both."
"Lucky? Genius?" Lin Hao thought wryly, strolling forward as though the attention didn't matter. "You'll get used to it," he said lightly, allowing a teasing grin to linger. The students quickly averted their eyes, some of them muttering speculations under their breath.
Before he could settle in, Lin Hao noticed a large, ornate plaque near the central hall: it described the academy's student alliance—a coalition of the five most renowned students, said to hold influence far beyond their years. Only five individuals held this "famous disciple" status, and one of them was none other than Ji Chuyan herself.
His lips twitched. Naturally. Chuyan had her hands in everything—even here, in the scholar department. The alliance was rumored to control access to prized study rooms, dictate library privileges, and even influence which students earned recognition from teachers. Being tied, in name and fate, to Chuyan made him a walking target of gossip and attention.
Walking deeper into the halls, he overheard snippets of conversation:
"Did you hear? The husband of the scholar department's brightest is… supposedly ordinary?"
"Ordinary?" another echoed incredulously. "There's no way Chuyan would marry someone without talent."
Lin Hao suppressed a laugh. Ordinary, indeed. If only they knew the reality—how far his modern-world logic and hidden capabilities exceeded any "ordinary" expectation. But now was not the time to reveal it. He would play the role of the low-profile husband, letting the academy underestimate him.
A sudden ripple of activity drew his attention toward a corner of the hall, where a group of students gathered around a bulletin board. Curious, Lin Hao edged closer. The board listed all alliance members, their achievements, and the limits of their privileges. The portraits of the five famous disciples gleamed with an almost intimidating aura, each exuding talent, authority, and the sort of charisma that could silence entire classrooms.
Chuyan's portrait dominated the center, her eyes sharp, her poise unyielding. Lin Hao's chest tightened slightly—though he had lived with her presence at home, seeing her authority in a public setting added a different weight entirely. The other four alliance leaders were equally formidable, and it was easy to understand why the academy respected—or feared—them in equal measure.
"Married to her, huh?" a voice muttered from behind, and Lin Hao turned to see a young man whispering to his companion, eyes wide with awe. "That's… almost unfair."
"Unfair?" Lin Hao asked with mock innocence, walking past them. "Why unfair? Surely a bit of privilege won't hurt."
The young men glanced at each other, uncertain whether he was serious or just… eccentric. Lin Hao smiled to himself. Perfect—they were already intimidated, and he hadn't even begun to assert himself.
Moving further, Lin Hao entered the main study hall of the scholar department. Students were seated at long tables, some scribbling notes, others murmuring quietly to themselves. As he passed, he noticed a few glances linger on him, subtle whispers following in his wake. Every time a group of students spotted him, their expressions shifted slightly—half awe, half curiosity, and, often, a touch of envy.
He took a seat at an empty table near the back, pulling out a notebook. Though he had no intention of showing off, his mind was already racing: alliances, social influence, and the subtle games the academy demanded. Being Chuyan's husband was a double-edged sword—power and protection came with attention and scrutiny. He would need a careful balance.
As he wrote, a soft voice interrupted his thoughts. "Husband of Ji Chuyan, huh?" Lin Hao looked up to see a young woman seated nearby, her expression curious yet cautious. "Do you… understand what that means here? You're suddenly in the center of everything."
"I do," he said lightly, leaning back. "I can imagine. But I also know how to walk quietly, even in a storm."
The woman tilted her head, clearly amused by his calm. "You seem… confident. Or foolish."
"Perhaps both," he replied with a faint grin, watching her blush lightly. Confidence and humor often disarmed suspicion.
Later, during a short break, Lin Hao wandered near the library. The student alliance's influence was evident here too; special scrolls and rare texts were reserved for alliance members, but Lin Hao had Chuyan's implicit protection—enough to access restricted materials. He marveled briefly at the organization: maps of alliances, rules for conduct, and the subtle hierarchies among students.
One of the alliance leaders, a tall, serious-looking young man, passed him and gave a curt nod. Lin Hao inclined his head politely. The man did not return the gesture, but the acknowledgment was enough. Each interaction was a small test, a probe into who he was—or, more accurately, who he pretended to be.
Then he noticed her—Chuyan herself—moving with effortless grace, surrounded by a small cluster of students who hung on her every word. Lin Hao's pulse quickened slightly. Here she was, in her element, commanding respect effortlessly. And he… was the husband expected to match her in some way, even if only socially.
He smiled faintly to himself. Let them underestimate him. Let them gossip. He would play the "ordinary" husband, quietly observing, subtly learning, and preparing for the day when the academy would discover just how extraordinary he really was.
By the time the morning ended, Lin Hao had walked the scholar department, met whispers and stares, glimpsed the alliances, and felt the weight of Chuyan's influence. Yet he also felt exhilaration—this was a new world, a game of politics, intellect, and hidden strength. And he was ready to play.