Chapter 97: Qian Duoduo Can’t Handle It – Leave It to Me

Qian Ran smirked, feeling an exhilarating thrill.

Even though Qian Duoduo and Xian Liner weren't a true couple, they were in name at least.

But now, it was him who had Xian Liner beneath him.

Qian Ran's hands traced along her smooth, glossy black-stockinged legs as he planted kisses along her beautiful face and neck, almost as if he wanted to devour her whole.

"Yan Shaozhe lacks courage, and Qian Duoduo's too naïve—let me take over," he thought.

He was mesmerized by Xian Liner's mature beauty. There was something deeply alluring about her distinct womanly charm, something unique to her age.

Xian Liner's elegance in stockings was different from Jiang Nannan's; the refined air she had was deeply captivating. While Jiang Nannan and Tang Ya were gorgeous seniors, Xian Liner exuded the mature allure of a seasoned woman.

When Qian Duoduo had knocked, Xian Liner had been startled, and with every knock, her anxiety grew. She didn't want Qian Duoduo to find them like this.

But Qian Ran saw it as an opportunity, taking advantage of her hesitation to deepen their closeness.

It was an incredible chance to bond with her. Since she couldn't push him away now, he was determined to take things further.

The situation was dangerous, yet electrifying, setting his pulse racing.

Xian Liner looked at him, wide-eyed and flustered, feeling her own heart pounding. How could Qian Ran be so bold?

"Teacher, you look beautiful even when you're angry," Qian Ran whispered into her ear, his breath hot and tantalizing. The warmth against her sensitive ear left her feeling dazed.

Hearing herself addressed as "teacher" reminded Xian Liner of their roles.

She felt torn, her desire battling with reason.

Her entire life had been dedicated to cultivation. She'd once held feelings for Yan Shaozhe, but the two had never connected romantically. She had yet to experience real affection as a woman, and her emotions, long suppressed, began to overwhelm her.

"Liner, are you okay in there? Are you feeling unwell?" Qian Duoduo asked, sounding concerned after hearing faint, broken sounds from within.

"I… I'm fine, just… having a little trouble with my cultivation," Xian Liner replied, trying to calm her voice.

She couldn't let Qian Duoduo know the truth; it wouldn't be good for her or Qian Ran.

Shrek Academy was a place where the bond between teacher and student was highly respected. A rebellious disciple like Qian Ran could get into serious trouble. She also didn't want to entangle him in her issues with Yan Shaozhe and Qian Duoduo.

Once, she'd thought she'd spend her life alone. But Qian Ran's sudden intrusion had left her shaken.

"Do you need help?" Qian Duoduo asked, sounding genuinely concerned.

"No! You mustn't come in!" she shouted, her heart racing as she feared he'd burst in. Pressed tightly against her chest, her words came out a bit breathless.

Fortunately, Qian Duoduo was too earnest to suspect anything unusual.

"Alright," he replied reluctantly.

He stood outside a moment, disappointed. He wanted a glimpse into her life again, but Xian Liner had rejected him firmly.

After all these years, did she still not understand his feelings?

What did Yan Shaozhe have that he didn't?

Qian Duoduo had no idea that Xian Liner's feelings for Yan Shaozhe had started to be replaced by her connection with Qian Ran.

His unknowing patience would soon face a powerful rival.

Still, Qian Duoduo didn't understand: he was better off focusing on his research. Trying to win Xian Liner was futile.

And as vice dean of the Soul Engineering Department, if he wanted, he could have many admirers. But if he kept chasing Xian Liner, he risked losing the chance for a true relationship.

Xian Liner was out of his reach. Qian Ran was the one capable of cherishing her.

She was soft and graceful and would let him take the lead.

Qian Ran believed he was acting for the best by helping them find a resolution to their stagnant relationship.

"Qian Ran, you're so reckless, teasing even your teacher," Xian Liner said as she watched Qian Duoduo's footsteps fade, trying to reestablish her composure.

But her attempt to reclaim authority came across as weak.

In this room, the only difference was between a man and a woman. Status didn't matter to him here.

Her former titles and achievements meant nothing in this moment; she was defenseless.

Her attempt to scold him with a stern expression only amused Qian Ran. His fingers squeezed her soft, shapely thigh through her stockings, feeling her shudder from the touch.

He'd always heard "thirty like a wolf, forty like a tiger," and at her age, her body betrayed her despite her feigned restraint.

"Lady Valkyrie, who would've thought you'd end up in my hands?" he teased.

"Today, even if you shout, no one will come to save you."

"You—" Xian Liner, flustered and embarrassed, struggled to keep her composure. Wasn't he even the slightest bit afraid of her?

"Get up!"

"Or I'll have to make you!" she said, her delicate features cold.

Seeing her frustration, Qian Ran sighed, though his fingers lingered on her soft, alluring leg.