"It’s just the silly chatter of young girls. Don’t take it to heart," Ding Muchen said, slightly embarrassed.
"Oh?" Sun Dasheng turned around, staring straight at her. "Why has Teacher Ding never had a boyfriend?"
"Eh?" Ding Muchen tilted her head, a look of puzzlement on her face.
Did I just bring up this topic? Your line of questioning jumped subjects way too fast.
Seeing that he seemed intent on not letting the matter drop, she thought for a moment and said, "Maybe finding love requires a bit of luck?"
"How so?" Sun Dasheng asked.
"If you don’t meet the right person at the right age, you naturally miss your chance," Ding Muchen said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Is that so?" Sun Dasheng replied noncommittally.
They walked on for a while until they reached a small grove on the school grounds.
How interesting. He realized that every school seemed to have a grove —the number one favorite hideout for students. It was broad daylight, so there weren’t many people around. They found a stone table and sat down.
"You asked earlier if I had my eye on any students. I can only say that isn’t my job. My staff will provide me with an answer eventually, and I’ll let you know then."
"Understood," Ding Muchen nodded.
After they chatted for a while longer, Sun Dasheng prepared to take his leave.
Ding Muchen stopped him. "There’s a thank-you dinner tonight," she said, her demeanor softening instantly as she clasped her hands together in a cute, pleading gesture. "The school leadership insisted I make sure you attend. I’m begging you."
"Alright. What time?"
"Seven o’clock this evening, at the Scholar’s Feast right next to the school."
Sun Dasheng checked his watch. "We still have a few hours then. Where should we go wander around?"
Ding Muchen thought for a moment. "How about I take you to our school’s library?"
"To read books in the library?" Sun Dasheng shook his head, not feeling particularly inclined.
Ding Muchen quickly waved her hands. "No, our library has a movie room on the top floor. The atmosphere for watching movies there is great. Plus," she added, "they have lots of films that haven’t been released domestically yet."
"Hmm, let’s go have a look then. But just to be clear, I’m not going to watch any restricted-rated movies," Sun Dasheng emphasized.
"Got it!" Ding Muchen chuckled, covering her mouth.
It’s only at moments that he seems a little cute.
But her laughter soon faded.
Whether the projectionist hadn’t gotten the message or had understood it all too well, they ended up showing a Scandinavian romance film with very explicit content. The female characters were frequently naked, and the scenes were quite provocative, especially since they were in a private viewing room for just two people.
Ding Muchen blushed, but it wasn’t because she had a strong reaction to such films. As a former acting student, she’d seen countless movies like it. This was, however, the first time she had watched one with a man in such an intimate setting.
Just as her mind began to wander, a quiet voice whispered in her ear, "Is there any surveillance in here?"
"Surveillance?" She didn’t know why he was asking, but she answered honestly, "No."
"Why?" Ding Muchen looked confused.
However, the moment she asked the question, she already knew the answer. A large hand had just settled on her waist.
"Um..." she stammered.
"What’s wrong?" Sun Dasheng turned his head, his clear eyes fixed on her.
Ding Muchen was getting angry. You’re asking me what’s wrong? Your hand is on my waist, and you have the nerve to ask me?
After all, he was an honored guest of the school, plus she was already a little fond of him. The words of accusation on the tip of her tongue morphed into, "Um... it’s bad form to watch a movie with your waist exposed."
"Oh? Is that right?" Sun Dasheng amiably complied and withdrew his hand.
As if he were actually an obedient child who followed the rules.
Ding Muchen let out a huge sigh of relief. She cupped her burning cheeks and squeezed her legs tightly together, for some reason feeling a sudden urge to pee.
But just a second later, something even more outrageous happened.
She was pulled into the man’s arms. His hand wasn’t on her waist, true, but his arm alone was enough to hold her against him.
"This isn’t against the rules, is it?" he murmured in her ear. For original chapters go to novel·fiɾe·net
What a rogue. But his embrace feels so comfortable... No, what are you thinking, Ding Muchen? He’s a scoundrel.
Just as she was about to struggle free, another couple walked into the movie room. They were students from her class. Terrified, she froze, lying perfectly still in Sun Dasheng’s arms.
The couple happened to sit a few rows in front of them. Because the lights were off for the movie and the distance was great enough, they couldn’t clearly see the faces of the man and woman behind them. Assuming they were just another young couple who had snuck in for some romance, just like themselves, they paid them no mind and got busy flirting playfully with each other.
Before long, another steamy scene began to play on screen. The couple in front was completely engrossed and began to imitate it with just as much enthusiasm, kissing passionately as if no one else was around.
Sun Dasheng felt the body in his arms growing hotter. He leaned down and whispered in her ear, "Teacher Ding, your students are quite open-minded, aren’t they? And here you are, their teacher, even more conservative than them."
Ding Muchen felt a tickle in her ear and turned her head. The next second, she froze.
By a twist of fate, her lips pressed against his.
He wasn’t about to let such an opportunity slip by and gently parted her lips. Before she could even react, he had taken full command. The kiss that followed lasted for several breathtaking minutes.
When it was over, she was left panting, gasping for breath. She stared at him, dumbfounded. She was furious, yet there was a peculiar sensation lingering.
This was her first kiss.
So this is what kissing feels like? It’s surprisingly intoxicating. No wonder everyone loves it.
When he moved in to kiss her again, she pushed him away and tried to flee, but he just tightened his arm around her waist, holding her fast.
He whispered in her ear, "Teacher Ding, you wouldn’t want your students to find out you were kissing someone in here, would you?"