Xie Jingran took Chu Anhe’s pen and drew a clear mind map on the paper. He cited legal references with precision, each argument sharp and hitting the core.
“Here, you need to consider not only the legal provisions but also social ethics. By changing perspectives, you can turn the opponent’s points into evidence supporting your own argument.”
His deep, magnetic voice resonated in her ears, and Chu Anhe listened, completely absorbed. She turned her head, watching Xie Jingran’s focused profile.
She had to admit, Xie Jingran was really attractive when working.
System: Ding! Detected female lead admiration +20! Heartbeat +5! Host, your tail is raised too high, tone it down! Don’t forget your persona is a cold professor!
Xie Jingran’s lips curled subtly. He twirled the pen at his fingertips before letting it rest steadily.
“Understand?” He turned to look at Chu Anhe.
Chu Anhe nodded eagerly, eyes sparkling. “Yes! Teacher Xie, you’re amazing! At first I thought this question was full of flaws, but after your breakdown, it all makes sense!”
This was not just flattery; she truly felt that the previously chaotic thoughts had instantly become clear.
Zhang Muyang beside them turned pale and then red. He had wanted to show his talent in front of the girl he liked, but Xie Jingran made him look like a mere elementary school student.
He reluctantly interjected, “Uh, Professor Xie, about the point I raised on moral decline…”
Xie Jingran checked his watch, stood up, straightened his clothes, and returned to his usual cold demeanor. “It’s getting late. I need to go back and prepare lessons. As for your point…”
He paused slightly, then said lightly, “Figure it out yourself.”
Zhang Muyang: ??!!
Heartlessly devastating, nothing more.
“Let’s go.” Xie Jingran picked up his briefcase and, very naturally, took the heavy Civil Code book from Chu Anhe’s hands. “It’s on the way. I’ll walk you part of the way.”
“Ah? No need, I can discuss with senior Zhang and the others…”
“On the way.” Xie Jingran emphasized, his gaze coldly sweeping over Zhang Muyang. “Or are you staying here to drink that milk tea that will make your brain dumber?”
Chu Anhe immediately grabbed her bag. “No, I’m coming with you! I need to protect my brain cells!”
The seminar room was left in chaos, with three students staring at each other.
The black Volkswagen Phideon drove steadily along the campus tree-lined road.
Outside, snow fell heavily. Inside, the heater was on full, and soothing cello music played.
Chu Anhe sat in the passenger seat, holding the unfinished bottle of mineral water, sitting as obediently as a schoolgirl.
“Um…” She hesitated but finally spoke. “Teacher Xie, were you too harsh on Senior Zhang today?”
The hands on the steering wheel tightened sharply, eyes fixed forward, voice unreadable. “Why? Feeling sorry for him?”
In the rearview mirror, his usually calm eyes seemed to churn with dark emotion.
Chu Anhe shook her head slowly, analyzing seriously. “I’m worried you hit him too hard, and his pride will be crushed and he might quit. He’s the team leader, and if he quits, the team will fall apart.”
She turned her head, eyes wide and innocent, full of concern. “If the team falls apart, we won’t get the fifty thousand prize money.”
The car stopped steadily at the red light.
Xie Jingran turned to look at her.
So it was because of the money.
Not because she liked that slick-talking pretty boy, just because he was a tool to get the prize?
Xie Jingran’s tense jawline relaxed instantly, the restrained curve of his lips rose naturally, and a trace of a smile appeared in his eyes.
System: Host, your lips are almost up to your ears. Can you have some restraint?
“Don’t worry.” Xie Jingran reached out to ruffle her fluffy hair, with an affection even he did not notice. “As long as I’m here, that championship won’t escape.”
“Really?”
“When have I ever lied to you?”
“But… what if Senior Zhang is too incompetent to carry the team? I saw earlier that he really didn’t seem to understand.”
Xie Jingran chuckled lightly, restarting the car, speaking arrogantly and naturally. “Then kick him out. I’ll personally lead you.”
Chu Anhe’s eyes widened. “Professor, you can compete too?”
“I have privileges,” Xie Jingran said boldly.
Rules are meant to be broken.
Outside, snowflakes fell again, but inside, the atmosphere became warm.
Chu Anhe glanced at the man beside her. Today, Teacher Xie did not seem so cold, maybe even… a little gentle.
She did not know that this “cute” man was already planning in his mind: next time he saw that Zhang guy come within a meter of her, it would not just be about milk tea. At least, he would make him copy the entire Civil Code ten times.
Early the next morning, the library seminar room. Chu Anhe walked in with her backpack.
She had stayed up last night, following Xie Jingran’s logic, reworked all the arguments, and compiled a thick set of notes.
As soon as she entered, she noticed someone new in the seminar room.
“Anhe, you’re here!” Zhang Muyang seemed to have recovered from yesterday’s setback, greeting her enthusiastically. “Let me introduce you. This is Xu Wanqing, a freshman. I thought we needed someone to organize materials, so she’s here to help.”
Xu Wanqing immediately stood, smiling sweetly at Chu Anhe, her voice soft. “Hello, senior Chu Anhe. I’m Xu Wanqing. I’m Senior Zhang’s… loyal fan. I’ve always wanted to learn debating from him, but I’m not skilled enough, so I’m here to help with logistics. I hope I can help everyone.”
Throughout her speech, Xu Wanqing’s gaze never left Zhang Muyang, full of unhidden admiration.
Chu Anhe nodded. As long as it didn’t affect winning the prize, having an extra pair of hands was fine.
She sat at her seat and pulled out her notes from last night. “This is the strategy I reorganized last night. Everyone can see if it’s useful.”
“Senior Zhang, I made this whole wheat sandwich for you this morning. It’s still warm.” Xu Wanqing ignored Chu Anhe and shyly handed a delicate pink lunchbox to Zhang Muyang.
Zhang Muyang did not even glance at the sandwich, his eyes locked on Chu Anhe’s notebook.
“Anhe, did you organize this last night? So much?” Zhang Muyang bypassed Xu Wanqing’s raised hand, leaned over Chu Anhe, and grabbed the notebook. The more he looked, the brighter his eyes became. “Wow, the logic is so clear! This counterpoint is perfect! Far better than what I thought of yesterday!”
Xu Wanqing froze, holding the lunchbox, her smile fading.
Li Xiang, the bookworm who always wore headphones, also removed them and glanced at the notebook.
He pushed up his thick glasses, his tone unusually excited. “This logic chain is perfect, Chu Anhe. This approach can block the opposing debaters right from the start.”
Fang Wenxiu, who had been quiet in the corner, cautiously peeked over, looking carefully before saying softly, “The wording is also precise. Very powerful.”
Hearing the main teammates praise her, Zhang Muyang grew more excited, leaning closer to Chu Anhe. “Anhe, explain this part to me. How did you think of it?”
Xu Wanqing, completely ignored and sidelined, no longer had her cute smile.
I came first. I brought him breakfast. Why is everyone focused on this plain-looking Chu Anhe?
She bit her lip, unwillingly pushing into the crowd, glanced at the notes, and interjected, feigning innocence. “But… don’t you think this point is too cold? Since it’s about social welfare, shouldn’t we talk more about kindness and care? The judges would be moved, right?”
The room fell silent for a moment.
Li Xiang stared at Xu Wanqing like she was an idiot. “This is a legal debate, not a ‘Move China’ competition. Selling pity or emotions doesn’t get points. It only gives the opponent material to attack.”
Fang Wenxiu shrank her neck slightly and added softly, “Also, the debate is about rational principles of resource distribution. Talking about kindness is really off-topic.”
Xu Wanqing looked pitifully at Zhang Muyang, tears in her eyes, hoping he would rescue her.
But Zhang Muyang only had eyes for Chu Anhe. He waved dismissively, not even looking back. “Wanqing, Li Xiang speaks bluntly, but he’s right. Sit aside for now, pour some water, and don’t interrupt our discussion. Anhe’s ideas are crucial. I need to discuss them with her.”
He looked at Chu Anhe’s focused profile, captivated. “Anhe, your handwriting is beautiful. Truly, your writing reflects who you are.”
Standing aside, Xu Wanqing watched Zhang Muyang fawn over Chu Anhe while her carefully prepared sandwich sat ignored. Jealousy grew inside her.
“Senior Zhang,” Xu Wanqing took a deep breath, suppressing her feelings, and opened a bottle of water, forcing a smile as she handed it over. “Debating is tiring. Have some water.”
“I’m not thirsty.” Zhang Muyang naturally took the bottle and passed it to Chu Anhe. “Anhe, this is for you.”
Chu Anhe, focused on checking the statutes, did not notice the tension. She said “thank you” and took a sip.
Xu Wanqing stared at Chu Anhe, her frustration nearly overflowing.
Why?
What does Chu Anhe have besides being prettier? Why does Zhang Muyang only see her?
Since Senior Zhang likes these notes so much… then I’ll destroy them.