Lin Ting steeled herself and followed Lu Hesheng onto the stage.
Facing the sea of students and countless scrutinizing eyes, her legs felt like they might buckle.
Suddenly, a warm hand grasped her slightly trembling one from behind.
A comforting current surged through her, dissipating the panic and chill in her chest.
She took a deep breath and gradually calmed down.
The professor hadn’t missed this small interaction between them.
With a teasing smile, he said, “I saw you two whispering together several times down there. Now that you’re on stage, why the sudden shyness?”
The class erupted in laughter and cheers.
Lin Ting’s cheeks flushed red, and she buried her gaze in her shoes.
The professor raised a “shh” gesture: “Alright, everyone, settle down.”
He gestured toward the screen.
This was a course on love psychology, and the lecture was now on communication skills. Naturally, some mischievous students had suggested a couple volunteer to demonstrate.
Most of the students were single, eager to pick up tips on dating.
Scanning the room, the professor’s eyes immediately found Lu Hesheng and Lin Ting.
Lin Ting’s gaze barely skimmed the questions on the screen before a shiver ran down her spine.
The first question:
With an earnest yet daring expression, she tilted her head and coquettishly asked Lu Hesheng:
“Boyfriend, what’s different about me today?”
Lu Hesheng chuckled softly in response.
He signaled her to spin once in front of him, then carefully assessed her from head to toe with those soft, irresistible peach blossom eyes.
From his chest came a few low chuckles: “Baby, you’ve grown even more important in my heart.”
The class erupted into screams and squeals:
“Wow!!!”
“I’m dying from cuteness overload!”
“Look at how smoothly your boyfriend speaks! Take notes, everyone!”
The second question:
Feigning anger, Lin Ting lightly tapped his arm: “What would you do if we argued?”
Without hesitation, Lu Hesheng extended his long arms, gently enveloping her in a protective hug.
“First, I’d hold you so you couldn’t run off,” he said.
“Then, I’d talk things through with you and make sure you’re not upset.”
His fingertip brushed the corner of her eye, indulgent: “After all, I can’t bear to see my baby cry.”
The final question:
Lin Ting crossed her arms, trying to maintain a serious expression, her eyes brimming with expectation, as she teasingly threatened:
“Compared to your ex-girlfriend, who do you like more?”
The question brought a hush over the room. Everyone waited for Lu Hesheng’s answer.
After all, he was frequently featured in entertainment gossip, often photographed with different women.
Lu Hesheng shook his head firmly: “Baby, that question doesn’t exist.”
He looked at Lin Ting directly, voice calm and clear, resonating throughout the lecture hall:
“Because I’ve never had an ex-girlfriend.”
Since that elective class, the video clips of Lin Ting and Lu Hesheng’s stage demonstration went viral within the campus circles, sparking lively discussions.
Many girls tried the exercises on their own boyfriends.
Meanwhile, whenever Lin Ting walked around campus, she caught curious, gossiping glances. Only back in her dorm could she finally relax.
Some even messaged her: “Miss, teach me! How do I train my boyfriend?”
Lin Ting laughed and typed: “Maybe… try a different boyfriend? People like this are usually self-taught.”
The person never messaged again.
Her phone buzzed again—this time, it was her stepmother Feng Wei.
Lin Ting took a few deep breaths, mentally preparing herself, then answered.
Feng Wei’s scolding immediately flooded the line:
“How come it took you so long to pick up? Are your wings growing?”
“I…”
Lin Ting tried to explain, but Feng Wei cut her off coldly:
“Enough. Just listen.”
“Be home at noon on Saturday. There’s something important I need to discuss with you.”
Then a busy tone.
Feng Wei hung up before giving Lin Ting a chance to refuse.
Saturday came quickly.
Lin Ting was about to take a taxi alone when a message came from Ji Yunzheng:
Ji Yunzheng: 【Tingting, I’m on my way to the school to pick you up. Let’s go see Aunt together.】
Lin Ting: 【Okay, I’ll wait for you.】
A faint guess formed in her mind, but she pushed it down, keeping her face neutral.
The Lin family mansion was in the northern villa district.
As soon as they stepped inside the gate, their cousin Shen Zhiyao rushed out to greet them.
Shen Zhiyao was a relative from Feng Wei’s side, raised in Yicheng, and had lived at the Lin residence since enrolling at Jingbei University.
Her gaze swept over Lin Ting, finally landing on her wrist. Eyes wide, she exclaimed:
“Wow, sister! That bracelet is from T brand, right? It’s so sparkly!”
She affectionately looped her arm through Lin Ting’s: “Your husband treats you so well! I’m so jealous!”
Lin Ting frowned. She wanted to say she bought it herself, but seeing Feng Wei’s cold stare from across the room, she swallowed the words, choosing to stay cautious.
Ji Yunzheng seemed perfectly content to accept this image, giving a faint smile without comment.
Shen Zhiyao turned to him, openly praising: “It’s been a while, brother-in-law. You’re even more handsome than before!”
Ji Yunzheng nodded slightly: “Thanks, cousin.”
Lin Ting observed Shen Zhiyao. She wore a camisole and a short skirt. The weather had started to turn cool in autumn, yet she seemed unconcerned about the chill.
Feng Wei beckoned them inside: “Come in.”
The dining table was already set.
Lin Ting glanced over—almost nothing on the table was her favorite.
She silently followed Ji Yunzheng, pulling out a chair opposite Feng Wei.
Her stepmother’s tone was unusually gentle:
“Tingting, congratulations on successfully securing a spot in our graduate program.”
“You’ll be able to continue studying at Jing University for the next few years. You’ve truly brought honor to the family.”
Shen Zhiyao chimed in sweetly: “Yes, yes! Sister, you’re amazing! I want to learn from you too.”
Lin Ting lowered her eyelids, masking the sarcasm in her gaze: “Thank you, mother.”
Ji Yunzheng also smiled: “Congratulations, Tingting.”
Feng Wei nodded with satisfaction, wiping her mouth with a napkin. Her tone grew solemn:
“Now that your academic path is set, it’s time to settle the important matters of your life.”
She looked at Lin Ting and Ji Yunzheng, announcing warmly:
“I’ve already discussed with your Aunt. We consulted a master to match your birth charts and select an auspicious date.”
“You two will be engaged by the end of this year.”