Chapter 45: Teacher, I Have a Humble Suggestion

In Qianran's eyes, Tang Ya and Xian Liner each represented a unique type of beauty—different but equally captivating.

Xian Liner was truly stunning!

Qianran couldn't fathom why Yan Shaozhe had let someone like her slip away. If he were in Yan Shaozhe's place, he'd definitely make sure to win Xian Liner over.

A valiant beauty like her—who could resist? Certainly not Qianran!

"Young Qianran, what are you thinking about?" Xian Liner noticed Qianran staring at her, and while her cheeks flushed slightly, she couldn't help feeling a bit pleased.

So her appearance was still quite captivating, after all.

Maybe the issue wasn't her—it was Yan Shaozhe's lack of appreciation!

"If you choose to become my disciple, I might consider wearing black stockings to teach you," she teased softly, her voice sweet enough to melt anyone's heart.

"Xian Liner." Even Yan Shaozhe couldn't help swallowing at her words, stunned. Xian Liner had never acted like this before—where had this sudden charm and gentleness come from?

This was the Valkyrie? The fierce martial arts prodigy?

Not only was she offering to wear black stockings, but she'd never done so even around him. Yan Shaozhe's heart pounded at the thought. Xian Liner, who barely wore skirts, let alone stockings, was now saying she'd wear them for Qianran?

"For real?" Qianran's heart raced.

This was Xian Liner? No way. Qianran hadn't even started his usual charm yet—why was she suddenly saying things like this? Wearing stockings to train him? Maybe barefoot? A hands-on teaching style?

How could anyone resist?

Anyone would be helpless against this kind of temptation, especially Qianran!

"Perhaps she's doing it just to provoke Yan Shaozhe. After all, she likely agreed to a fake marriage with Qian Duoduo largely to upset him." Smart as ever, Qianran quickly pieced together why Xian Liner had changed her tone so suddenly.

"Of course, I'm serious. Your teacher can make sure your learning journey is quite… fulfilling." Xian Liner chuckled, her cheeks reddening slightly as she glanced at Yan Shaozhe, feeling a hint of satisfaction.

Once, Yan Shaozhe and Xian Liner had been close. As childhood friends, their bond was undeniable, and Xian Liner's beauty had always affected Yan Shaozhe. So, if he ever felt indifferent toward her, even he wouldn't believe it.

However, circumstances eventually led him to choose Cai Mei'er, and Xian Liner, in turn, out of frustration, entered a marriage of convenience with Qian Duoduo.

"Disciple Qianran greets Teacher."

Qianran bowed deeply in acknowledgment.

Taking Xian Liner as his teacher offered two distinct advantages.

First, studying under such a beautiful teacher made for an enriching experience; being around her alone was enjoyable.

Second, he needed an ally within Shrek Academy. Xian Liner was fiercely loyal and would stand by her disciples—he could rely on her if needed. A woman of her temperament could be unpredictable, and even the elders of the Sea God Pavilion couldn't always reason with her.

"Congratulations, young Qianran, you've made the best decision of your life. I'll teach you everything I know." Xian Liner chuckled, clearly pleased.

"Dean, if that's all, I'll take Qianran with me now," Xian Liner said, leading Qianran by the hand.

Her touch was incredibly soft and her scent delightful. Xian Liner didn't care for perfumes or cosmetics; her natural, fresh fragrance filled the air around them.

"Yes, of course," Yan Shaozhe said, unable to hide his awkwardness. With her leaving, he could finally regain his composure.

...

"Teacher, I think you still have feelings for Dean Yan." As they walked away, Qianran decided to strike up a conversation.

"Hmm?" Xian Liner was surprised that Qianran had picked up on that. Not many of the younger generation knew about her relationship with Yan Shaozhe, especially not a new student like Qianran.

He must have only just deduced it—what a perceptive young man!

Impressed, she noted his keen sense of observation.

"You were probably trying to see Dean Yan's reaction earlier, weren't you?" he asked.

"Not entirely. But if my young disciple wants, I could buy a pair of stockings and wear them just for you," she teased, seeing him more as a younger, amusing student than a potential romantic partner.

Qianran was so young, and she herself was older; she had no intention of pursuing anything unusual.

Still, she could see Qianran's lighthearted charm, so she decided to play along.

But Yan Shaozhe's reaction had confirmed his lingering feelings. His persistent avoidance hinted at his deep, conflicted feelings.

"Cough, cough…" Qianran didn't quite know how to respond. Would she actually hit him if he answered "yes"? Though Xian Liner now seemed gentle, she was famously both proud and fiery.

"If you want to win the Dean back, there's a way. His reaction just now was very telling," Qianran said thoughtfully. Yan Shaozhe's interest in Xian Liner wasn't far-fetched.

After all, who wouldn't be intrigued by the Valkyrie in black stockings?

If Valkyrie Douluo Xian Liner stomped on him, Qianran thought, he'd, well...he'd enjoy it, not that he was into that sort of thing. But a little thrill from such a powerful teacher could be nice.

"Oh? You have an idea?" Xian Liner looked at him, genuinely curious.

She knew it was too late to rekindle their relationship, but the memories of her and Yan Shaozhe lingered. She wanted to know how he truly felt about her.

Did Yan Shaozhe only ever see her as a junior sister?

Sure, her temper could be intense, but she was still a woman.

"Of course. You just need to follow through with what you mentioned earlier. If you..." Qianran trailed off, hoping she wouldn't fly into a rage and attack him.

Fortunately, Xian Liner wasn't too focused on romance. Her strength was indisputable, but in relationships, she was...let's just say she was out of her element. Like the heroines in certain shows, they were often socially clumsy despite their power.