Xiao Yiran’s words had barely left his lips before the surrounding crowd broke out into fervent discussions.
Among the group, Mu Qianshui was struggling to maintain the smile on her face.
She had thought that Mo Chuxi might have been somewhat mindful of the situation, given his student-teacher relationship with Yan Xinxin.
But, of course, Mo Chuxi was Mo Chuxi—how could he possibly care about others’ opinions?
Yan Xinxin would never have imagined that these wealthy young heirs of high society could immediately recognize someone as inconspicuous and impoverished as her!
"Isn’t Ancheng University the institution where Young Master Mo just became an assistant professor?"
"No way, professor and student?"
"Nowadays, female college students really are something—they even dare to seduce professors."
The nearby murmurs reached her ears. Though the speakers seemed to lower their voices, Yan Xinxin could hear every word clearly.
She truly shouldn’t have come!
How could she forget about the awkward layer of relationship between her and Mo Chuxi...
Upon hearing the questioning voices nearby, Xiao Yiran curved his lips into a smug grin.
"Young Master Mo, it seems like everyone is quite curious. Why don’t you provide us with the correct answer?"
Hosting this banquet had only one purpose: to stir up trouble, specifically targeting Mo Chuxi’s reputation.
He couldn’t bear the fact that Mo Chuxi had taken the assistant professor position he had his eyes on!
"An answer? What kind of answer are you looking for? Or should I say, what kind of answer do all of you want?"
Mo Chuxi asked, his voice calm and composed, his long, almond-shaped eyes lifting slightly.
Faced with Mo Chuxi’s deep and penetrating gaze, the group of media reporters didn’t dare to probe further.
But Xiao Yiran raised his hand, the corners of his lips twisting into a mischievous smirk.
"Do we really need to ask? Of course, it’s about Professor Mo and this campus belle Yan Xinxin’s relationship."
"Naturally, it’s just a teacher-student relationship!"
Summoning her courage despite the nervousness inside, Yan Xinxin feigned a calm smile and spoke up.
Mo Chuxi lowered his eyes to look at her. Despite her seemingly steady appearance, her tense breathing betrayed her inner panic.
Xiao Yiran arched an eyebrow, his gaze openly curious as he studied Yan Xinxin’s fair and rosy face.
"Oh? Just a teacher-student relationship?"
Yan Xinxin responded with a forced answer, pursing her lips.
"Professor Mo occasionally helps me with tutoring. This time, he said he needed a companion for an important banquet and couldn’t find one on short notice, so he asked me to fill in. I happened to be free, so I thought I’d tag along for some food and drinks—it’s really just that simple!"
Never had she felt so much pressure to say just one sentence—Yan Xinxin truly understood it now.
She could feel all eyes on her, as though she were an animal on display, making her feel distinctly uncomfortable.
Xiao Yiran wore an expression of skeptical amusement as he casually stepped closer to Yan Xinxin.
"...Of course it’s true!"
Yan Xinxin widened her bright eyes, stretching her slender neck to emphasize her point.
Xiao Yiran stared at her with a teasing, dangerous glint in his eyes. Yan Xinxin felt utterly unnerved under his gaze.
"Had enough of staring?"
Mo Chuxi’s cold voice interrupted, a hint of displeasure already apparent on his elegant, aloof features.
"Does Young Master Xiao have a problem with me inviting my own student as a companion?"
"Young Master Mo surely jokes. How could I dare have a problem with you?"
Xiao Yiran chuckled and waved dismissively, yet his wicked eyes lingered on Yan Xinxin’s delicate, jade-like face.
"But, since she’s not your girlfriend, I won’t hold back."
"..." Yan Xinxin was dumbfounded.
Mo Chuxi’s brows furrowed, a clear sign of irritation.
"What do you mean by that?"
Xiao Yiran smirked, leaning his rakish face closer to Yan Xinxin.
"Such a stunning young woman—it’s hard not to feel drawn to her. I suddenly feel an urge to make her mine."