Qiao Xuan quickly discovered Chu Yun’s identity: a university professor and a true intellectual—looks and brains indeed!

Reflecting on their first meeting, Qiao Xuan figured Chu Yun didn’t walk away only because of his cultured disposition, not out of any interest in him. Chu Yun himself seemed indifferent to fame and fortune—a type Qiao Xuan never thought he’d pursue.

Should he continue this pursuit? Qiao Xuan hesitated…

But after waking up from the same dream for the third time, still unable to forget Chu Yun’s face, he decided to try his luck. Love at first sight was new to him.

He wasn’t very experienced with it.

But he had to try, right? If he failed, at least he wouldn’t have regrets.

Since graduating, Qiao Xuan rarely returned to his alma mater, where Chu Yun happened to teach. Returning to the campus after so long, he relived his simpler student days, which wasn’t a bad feeling at all.

How had he never noticed such a handsome professor before? With looks like that, Chu Yun should have been a campus star…

Qiao Xuan began seeking opportunities to get closer, like attending Chu Yun’s lectures and “coincidentally” bumping into him at school.

After familiarizing himself somewhat, Qiao Xuan took the next step. One day, he knocked on Chu Yun’s office door with textbooks in hand.

The man behind the desk, eyes downcast reading a book, looked up at Qiao Xuan, his long eyelashes catching the light streaming in through the curtains, giving his face a dusky glow. He looked at Qiao Xuan with a hint of resignation and slowly said, “What exactly do you want, Mr. Qiao?”

Qiao Xuan quickly corrected with humility, “Back at school, I’m just a student, and you’re my teacher. Calling me Mr. Qiao feels too formal.”

Chu Yun wasn’t buying it, his lips barely moving as he spoke coolly, “I’ve never taught you, so I’m not your teacher. Please, just say what you need to say, Mr. Qiao.”

Qiao Xuan persisted, slightly embarrassed, “Just call me Qiao Xuan.”

Chu Yun didn’t respond.

After a brief silence and a cough, Qiao Xuan tried, “What if I said I wanted to apply for your graduate studies? Would you believe that?”

Chu Yun gave a light laugh, not mocking but enough to make Qiao Xuan’s face warm up.

Closing his book and looking directly at Qiao Xuan with his pale eyes, Chu Yun slowly said, “What if I said you’re not my type?”

That was blunt!

Qiao Xuan was momentarily speechless.

Although Chu Yun rejected him straightforwardly, Qiao Xuan wasn’t one to give up easily. He retorted with a thick-skinned smile, “How can you know I’m not your type without getting to know me?”

“You’re too impetuous, not one to settle down. I’m very busy and don’t have time to play around. Do you understand?” Chu Yun countered logically.

Qiao Xuan couldn’t argue with that; Chu Yun had him pegged. Indeed, he just wanted to have some fun.

But Chu Yun wasn’t looking for fun. Realizing he might have reached a dead-end, Qiao Xuan should have backed off…

But somehow, he found himself saying earnestly, “I’m serious, not just playing around.”

He surprised even himself with that admission. Why did he say that? Instantly regretting it, he realized it was too late to take back.

Chu Yun studied Qiao Xuan intently.

As Qiao Xuan’s gaze met the man’s, sinking into his seemingly bottomless eyes, his heart pounded heavily, his face grew hotter, and he felt an inexplicable restlessness. Despite not wanting to leave just yet, Chu Yun’s attitude was clear; he wasn’t the one for Qiao Xuan…

Suddenly, Qiao Xuan thought… if Chu Yun rejected him one more time, he would leave and never bother him again.

That would surely end his foolish heart’s stirrings.

The air tensed for a moment.

As Qiao Xuan stood awkwardly, Chu Yun finally spoke, his voice soft and even as if commenting on the weather, “Alright, if you can pass the graduate studies exam, I’ll consider you serious.”

Qiao Xuan was stunned.

…………

Was that a rejection? It must be, right?

Dazed, Qiao Xuan stood frozen.

Since leaving Chu Yun’s office that day, he’d been wrestling with self-doubt.

He told himself it was just Chu Yun’s way of rejecting him. Who the hell applies for graduate school for romance? He was a Qiao—he wasn’t meant for books. Had it not been to woo someone, he wouldn’t step foot on campus again!

Yet, Chu Yun could have dismissed him more directly. Just saying he didn’t believe Qiao Xuan would’ve been enough to send him walking, never to return.

But instead, Chu Yun set a challenge.

Though difficult, it wasn’t unattainable.

Typically, setting conditions meant giving a chance. Did Chu Yun not actually dislike him?

This opportunity…

Should he take it?

Qiao Xuan scoffed at himself. What was he thinking? When a beauty slightly relents, why hesitate?

Wasn’t it just about applying for graduate school? Besides, the exam was months away. First, he could find more ways to be near Chu Yun, who knew what could happen day by day? By the time of the exam, who cared if he still took it? Why worry about something so far off?

Yes, that’s the plan!

Ten seconds ago, Qiao Xuan would have sworn off studying for love. Now, his face metaphorically stung with the impact of his quick about-face.

But he felt oddly happy.

The next day, Qiao Xuan bought all the textbooks he needed for the graduate exam, flipped through them, yawned, grabbed the books, and went to find Chu Yun.

The outcome didn’t matter; the process was key.

Today was Chu Yun’s lecture day. His classes were popular, especially among female students.

Qiao Xuan understood—listening to such a handsome man teach was a visual treat, a natural inclination for those who appreciated beauty. If not for such love-driven reasons, why would he come back to school for re-education? That’s the power of love.

Soon, the class ended.

Qiao Xuan steadied himself and approached.

Though his real intent was elsewhere, Qiao Xuan still played the eager student, politely saying, “Professor Chu, there are some parts of the book I don’t understand. Could you explain them to me?”

Chu Yun casually packed up his teaching materials. His fingers were long and attractive.

Qiao Xuan felt a bit anxious, worried he might be too obvious and that Chu Yun might dismiss him. He hurriedly added cautiously, “It’s been several years since I graduated. I’ve forgotten a lot, so I’m starting from scratch…”

Chu Yun looked up and smiled lightly, “Alright, follow me.”

Qiao Xuan was briefly taken aback by how readily Chu Yun agreed, almost showing his delight. He quickly followed Chu Yun to his office.

Professor Chu had a private office—a good place for privacy, saving Qiao Xuan the trouble of finding another spot. And an office could be an exciting place too…

He coughed lightly, quickly dismissing inappropriate thoughts. He was here to play the role of a good student!

Chu Yun, unaware of Qiao Xuan’s thoughts, looked over the book and patiently asked about the parts Qiao Xuan didn’t understand, explaining them earnestly.

Qiao Xuan focused on Chu Yun’s profile.

His mind was a mess.

How could someone be so attractive? His voice was nice too—seemingly cold, but actually patient and gentle, taking relationships seriously. Chu Yun seemed too perfect to be real, a person like him, who wouldn’t be enamored?

But was he Chu Yun’s type? He was just pretending to be docile and obedient, trying to win Chu Yun’s favor.

Qiao Xuan pressed his lips together, passing his textbook to Chu Yun.

Chu Yun flipped through it, asked Qiao Xuan some questions, and nodded in approval, “Not bad, you’ve made progress.”

Well, he’d never studied this hard even for exams!

Maybe he lacked motivation back then…

Qiao Xuan took a deep breath and cautiously ventured, “It’s all thanks to your teaching. You’ve been very patient with me, and I’d like to thank you by inviting you to dinner.”

Chu Yun paused, then looked down and said, “Alright.”

Qiao Xuan was thrilled at the acceptance, a big step forward. He eagerly began making arrangements, determined to ensure his first dinner invitation to Professor Chu would be perfect.

Qiao Xuan was adept at dining and entertaining, but dining with a teacher demanded a more subdued and tasteful venue to avoid giving Chu Yun any frivolous impressions.

Half an hour later, they arrived at a private dining restaurant renowned for its chef, usually fully booked. Qiao Xuan, a regular, had managed to secure a reservation.

The location was quiet amidst the buzz.

As they ordered, Qiao Xuan asked Chu Yun, “Do you have any dietary restrictions, Professor?”

Chu Yun shook his head.

Unsure of Chu Yun’s preferences, Qiao Xuan ordered a variety of dishes, planning to see which Chu Yun preferred so he could order those next time. Winning people over was second nature to him when he put his mind to it.

After ordering, Qiao Xuan surreptitiously observed Chu Yun.

Though Chu Yun always seemed aloof and detached, once you got to know him, you realized he wasn’t as cold as he appeared. Even with a student like Qiao Xuan, Chu Yun never showed impatience despite his ignorance, always serious in everything he did.

But… did Chu Yun like him?

Qiao Xuan couldn’t figure him out. Sometimes Chu Yun seemed close, but other times, he felt elusive.

Before long, the dishes arrived. Qiao Xuan, serving Chu Yun and keeping the conversation light, silently wondered how to shift the dynamic. He didn’t want to remain stuck in a student-teacher relationship…

Just then, his phone buzzed.

Qiao Xuan glanced at it, seeing a message from Mo Yuanning: Qiao Shao, I miss you.

The words made him scoff. They hadn’t spoken in weeks, and now this? Mo Yuanning had never said something so ambiguous before.

Qiao Xuan ignored it.

But another message quickly followed: Look to your right.

Looking up, Qiao Xuan saw Mo Yuanning in a booth across the way, lifting his glass in a distant toast.

Qiao Xuan’s smile faded as his eyes grew cold.

Was this a coincidence or intentional?

Without a word, he excused himself from Chu Yun, saying, “Professor Chu, I’ll be right back.”

He stood up and headed toward the restrooms.

As expected, Mo Yuanning followed him out.

But Qiao Xuan didn’t go into the restroom. Once out of Chu Yun’s sight, he turned sharply, heading for the empty rooftop, where he turned to face Mo Yuanning, frowning, “What do you want?”

He had thought they were done.

Seeing Qiao Xuan’s cold demeanor, Mo Yuanning smiled bitterly, “It’s been a while, but it seems like you don’t care about me anymore, Qiao Shao.”

Qiao Xuan’s frown deepened, his expression turning frosty, “If you have something to say, say it straight. Don’t beat around the bush.”

Qiao Xuan had introduced Mo Yuanning to a role, which the latter accepted. In Qiao Xuan’s eyes, that was the end of their arrangement. Since he hadn’t contacted Mo Yuanning, it should have been clear enough that he’d lost interest. Why pretend otherwise? Qiao Xuan had no patience for people who couldn’t take a hint.

Mo Yuanning, knowing Qiao Xuan’s reputation, sighed, “What if I said I really liked you?”

Qiao Xuan couldn’t help but laugh.

“Don’t joke.” His eyes curved as he stepped forward, his tone mocking, “We were just playing around, weren’t we? Or do you think saying something like that will get you more?”

He might be a wastrel, but he wasn’t a fool.

Mo Yuanning’s face paled. He pursed his lips, his voice low, “That’s not what I meant… it’s just that you haven’t contacted me in so long…”

“And?” Qiao Xuan’s expression grew impatient, “I thought you understood what that meant.”

Mo Yuanning had been introduced by Xu Zhen and wasn’t some naive flower. He knew the rules of the game. Qiao Xuan had picked Mo Yuanning because he seemed sensible, just a fun companion.

Qiao Xuan’s voice grew colder, “But since we’ve run into each other today, let me be clear. Don’t look for me again.”

With that, he moved to leave.

But Mo Yuanning grabbed his wrist, his gaze dark and unreadable as he slowly said, “So, you never once considered that I might genuinely like you?”

Qiao Xuan raised an eyebrow.

Like him?

Who could truly like him?

No, more precisely, who could truly like anyone?

Feelings were either sparked by attraction, greed, or simply loneliness and boredom.

Love was just a dressed-up emotion, a beautified illusion. Why burden oneself with unrealistic expectations? Only a fool would hope for something so fleeting.

Casting aside emotions and impulses, committing to just one person was impossible in his world.

Qiao Xuan shook off Mo Yuanning’s hand and left without looking back.

………………

Qiao Xuan quickly returned to the table, his expression already adjusted. He smiled at Chu Yun, “Sorry, I’m back.”

Just as he was thinking about what to talk about, Chu Yun spoke.

The man’s pale eyes gazed at him, and he slowly said, “I once had a student who was somewhat like you—didn’t really like studying, always lazy behind my back, but outwardly obedient. Sometimes, it was… a bit exasperating.”

Chu Yun paused there, his eyes briefly reflecting a faint sorrow, a hint of complexity.

Qiao Xuan was slightly startled. Chu Yun rarely initiated conversation, but this topic seemed delicate. He hesitated to respond but found himself asking, “And what happened to him?”

Chu Yun replied, “He had an accident.”

Oh, great. A depressing topic.

Qiao Xuan shifted uncomfortably.

Although Chu Yun spoke lightly, Qiao Xuan could sense this wasn’t a happy memory. That student must have been important to Chu Yun. The more painful the memory, the more calmly people often talked about it.

What made Qiao Xuan feel even worse was the realization that maybe he had misunderstood!

Chu Yun had allowed him to get close, patiently teaching him, giving him a chance… perhaps not out of interest but because Qiao Xuan reminded him of that former student.

So, Chu Yun’s kindness was purely out of a teacher’s duty!

But Qiao Xuan was never a good student.

Nor did he want to be.

This situation was terribly awkward and embarrassing!

Even Qiao Xuan, usually quick-witted, was at a loss for words, forcing a dry laugh, “Well, accidents… can’t be helped.”

Chu Yun tugged the corner of his mouth into a faint smile, saying, “Yes… but then I realized, you two aren’t the same.”

The conversation took an unexpected turn.

But was Chu Yun about to say, “You’re not the same, so stop being my student”? Was he about to cut ties because Qiao Xuan was hopeless and unteachable?

Chu Yun’s gaze grew sharper, as if he was seeing right through him, “Do you really like me?”

Qiao Xuan: “…”

What was going on today? Why were all the questions loaded?!

Couldn’t a man catch a break?

This was just their first meal together!

Qiao Xuan opened his mouth but couldn’t form words.

Everything he’d been doing expressed his attraction, his pursuit… but Qiao Xuan knew that the “like” Chu Yun was referring to wasn’t the same as his own version. It was like when Mo Yuanning had asked him earlier…

Genuine like.

Qiao Xuan didn’t believe Mo Yuanning truly liked him. But did he truly like Chu Yun?

Maybe not…

At best, it was lust.

Why take it all so seriously?

What he had thought was a perfect chance to deepen their bond turned into Chu Yun seemingly seeing through him and urging him to reconsider.

At first, Qiao Xuan had been carefree, but after spending time with Chu Yun, he found it harder to act casually. Anything more would feel like lying.

When Chu Yun asked him this question… if Qiao Xuan couldn’t even muster an honest response, how could he keep pursuing him?

In the end, Qiao Xuan wasn’t suited for serious relationships. He couldn’t offer what a decent person like Chu Yun needed. Emotionally, he was just as unreliable as his father—Old Qiao. The difference was that he only liked men, his relationships were consensual, and he never left a trail of illegitimate children…

Though it seemed better, it wasn’t. A rotten tree couldn’t bear good fruit.

Maybe Old Qiao would even think less of him for it.

Chu Yun looked at him knowingly and chuckled softly, “If it’s hard to answer, don’t worry about it.”

Qiao Xuan forced a laugh, “I…”

Chu Yun calmly said, “It’s alright.”

Qiao Xuan understood what he meant.

He had been delusional lately, but Chu Yun was different. Chu Yun was a good person. If he ever loved someone, he’d be faithful and reliable—completely unlike Qiao Xuan.

Yes, Chu Yun was an amazing person.

But without trying, how would he know if he’d find someone worthy or just a scumbag? People weren’t elementary school kids—commitment for life? Even couples could divorce, and lovers could become enemies… nothing stayed the same forever.

Human hearts were the most unreliable of all.

Qiao Xuan respected Chu Yun’s choices but couldn’t live the same way.

He decided to give up, feeling a slight pang of regret, mixed with curiosity and envy, wondering who Chu Yun would eventually fall for.

Perhaps he did long for something beautiful but was too afraid to believe in it.

Qiao Xuan took a deep breath, smiling lightly, “Well, either way, I’m glad we met.”

Chu Yun smiled back.

Yet, deep in his eyes, there was something Qiao Xuan couldn’t quite understand—something like sorrow, something like helplessness.

They finished the meal in good spirits. Everything seemed peaceful, but Qiao Xuan knew this was their last meal together.

Chu Yun had given him a chance, but he wasn’t what Chu Yun wanted. Qiao Xuan had always known not to force what couldn’t be.

That’s the way to stay happy—never cage yourself, or you’ll only end up miserable.

Without ulterior motives clouding his mind, Qiao Xuan relaxed, no longer pretending. They ended the meal as friends.

After dinner, they walked into the hallway.

Chu Yun glanced back and smiled lightly, “No need to see me off.”

Qiao Xuan instinctively wanted to follow but stopped in his tracks, nodding. Just as he was about to say goodbye, he spotted Mo Yuanning striding toward them, looking serious.

Qiao Xuan immediately frowned. He had made things clear with Mo Yuanning earlier. Why was he still here?

Especially with Chu Yun around, Qiao Xuan didn’t want to deal with Mo Yuanning. He didn’t want Chu Yun to see this side of him.

Mo Yuanning stormed up to them, looking between Qiao Xuan and Chu Yun before sneering, “Qiao Shao, is this your new flame? Did you ditch me for him?”

Mo Yuanning’s voice wasn’t quiet, and though the hallway wasn’t crowded, there were still people nearby. Soon enough, someone recognized the two of them—one a popular actor, the other a wealthy heir.

What kind of scandalous love triangle was this?

A crowd began to gather, whispering excitedly. After all, a drama involving a gay relationship, a rich heir, and a rising star was too juicy to ignore.

Qiao Xuan’s gaze turned icy.

He could already imagine the headlines if this blew up. His father would surely be furious.

Mo Yuanning had come with bad intentions.

A moment ago, Qiao Xuan had felt a twinge of guilt for rejecting him, but now, he saw through it. Mo Yuanning never truly liked him. All that talk about love was just manipulation. Maybe Mo Yuanning had been playing him from the start—likely part of a scheme from one of his siblings.

Too bad Qiao Xuan had no shame. Those plotting against him might want to be careful—they could easily shoot themselves in the foot.

This was his mess to deal with. Chu Yun had nothing to do with it and wasn’t part of this world. He was just an ordinary man, not someone to be dragged into a public scandal.

Mo Yuanning was after Qiao Xuan, after all.

Realizing this, Qiao Xuan stepped forward and sneered, “Watch your mouth. Professor Chu is here for work. He doesn’t even like men, and we have nothing improper going on. He’s not like you, selling yourself for favors. You’re just mad because I dumped you. Don’t drag innocent people into this.”

Mo Yuanning blinked, taken aback by Qiao Xuan’s response. He hadn’t expected Qiao Xuan to be so unconcerned about public opinion and, even more surprisingly, to defend Chu Yun.

But Mo Yuanning quickly recovered, feigning disbelief as he replied, “If it’s not because of him, why have you been ignoring me?”

With that, he turned toward Chu Yun, ready to confront him!

Qiao Xuan was furious.

He didn’t mind playing games with Mo Yuanning, but dragging others down was crossing the line. Chu Yun wouldn’t have been involved in this mess if not for him…

Mo Yuanning, full of anger, shoved Chu Yun hard against the glass railing. The old railing shattered into pieces—

At that moment, Qiao Xuan’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. Without hesitation, he rushed forward and grabbed Chu Yun’s hand, yanking him back forcefully! But in doing so, Qiao Xuan lost his balance, stumbling over the edge and falling.

In that split second, he looked up and saw Chu Yun’s face, for the first time, showing shock and sorrow, as if he, Qiao Xuan, truly mattered…

………………

The pain lasted only for an instant before Qiao Xuan could no longer feel anything.

He stared down at his own body in disbelief. If he had any thoughts at all…

He just couldn’t believe his death had been so sudden, so absurd.

This wasn’t a love triangle anymore—this was a crime drama.

Standing amidst the growing crowd, Qiao Xuan watched people gather around his body, blocking it from view. Probably for the best; the scene wasn’t exactly pleasant.

So, death was real, and souls did exist after all.

Would he now fade away into nothingness, or would he reincarnate?

As Qiao Xuan idly pondered his fate, a silver-haired man walked against the flow of the crowd, steadily approaching him.

Qiao Xuan’s eyes widened.

Though the man said nothing, Qiao Xuan instinctively knew he had come for him.

This man was clearly no ordinary person!

Qiao Xuan had thought Chu Yun was the pinnacle of beauty, but this man was even more stunning! With silver hair cascading like a waterfall and a face as cold and ethereal as mist, he walked through the mortal world untouched by its dust and chaos.

Finally, the man reached him.

Feeling a rare sense of unease, Qiao Xuan asked cautiously, “Are you here to take me away?”

The man’s pale eyes seemed to shimmer like liquid silver, distant and cool. He spoke, “You died saving someone. Do you regret it?”

What, was this some kind of survey before reincarnation?

Did this affect where he’d end up?

Thinking quickly, Qiao Xuan thumped his chest and declared, “How could I regret doing the right thing? Even if I had to do it all over again, I’d still do the same thing!”

Though he was putting on a show, the words weren’t a lie. If he had to do it over, he couldn’t let Chu Yun die in his place.

The man studied him for a long moment, seemingly trying to discern his sincerity.

After a while, the man lowered his gaze, speaking softly, “You’re not afraid of death?”

Qiao Xuan hesitated, wondering if his calm demeanor was unusual. But… what good would fear do?

Everyone dies eventually. Though his death today was unexpected, what was the use of dwelling on it? As for Mo Yuanning… well, his days were numbered.

Qiao Xuan knew that Mo Yuanning hadn’t intended to kill him. He had just wanted to tarnish his reputation. His brothers and sisters had such short-sighted plans, thinking a scandal would bring him down.

But now, Qiao Xuan’s death was an unforeseen accident. His formidable mother wouldn’t let Mo Yuanning or those behind him off the hook, and even Old Qiao, despite disliking him, would demand justice.

Revenge was already in capable hands; there was no need for him to hold onto bitterness.

Although his life hadn’t gone perfectly, he had lived wealthily, with power and freedom. He didn’t want to die, but it wasn’t the end of the world.

He had always floated through life, contributing nothing of value to society as a rich heir. So, if he died, then he died.

In a way, Qiao Xuan was emotionally detached.

Even from himself.

The man gazed at him for a long time before finally speaking, “I’ve come to take you away.”

So he was here for reincarnation, huh? With his silver hair, could this man be the legendary Bai Wuchang? The underworld sure had some good-looking staff!

Qiao Xuan eagerly replied, “Got it, got it.”

Better to stay on good terms to avoid unnecessary trouble. After all, when you’re under someone’s control, it’s best to keep your head down.

But the man didn’t move. After a moment of silence, he spoke slowly and seriously, “Even if you return, living won’t be easy. You might suffer a lot… Are you still willing?”

Qiao Xuan thought it was a strange question. Of course, life was hard—even someone as wealthy as he was couldn’t have everything he wanted. But hardship wasn’t a reason to give up on life.

Why wouldn’t he want another chance?

Although the man’s words seemed to suggest a difficult next life, was he about to be reincarnated as an animal…?

Before he could think too much, Qiao Xuan decisively answered, “I’m willing!”

What else was there to do? Fade into nothingness?

The man studied him for a moment, as if understanding, and finally nodded, “Alright.”

Qiao Xuan immediately followed after him.

As they walked, Qiao Xuan couldn’t help but stare at the man’s back, wondering if he could get some useful information. He asked, “May I ask, what’s your name?”

The silver-haired man glanced back, a faint smile on his lips, “Tai Chu.”